Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 800

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, the situation unfolds as follows:

Conflict Updates:

- France reports an estimated 150,000 Russian soldiers killed in the ongoing Ukraine invasion, according to Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.

- Russia claims to have downed four US-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems over Crimea, supplied to Ukraine.

- Two casualties result from a Russian attack on Kurakhove in Ukraine's Donetsk region, with two others wounded.

- Overnight drone strikes by Russia hit Ukraine's Kharkiv and Dnipro regions, injuring at least six and damaging critical infrastructure and residential areas.

- Ukrainian Air Force intercepts and downs 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones targeting northeast and central regions.

- One severe injury and property damage occur in Ukraine's Kirovohrad region from a Russian missile strike.

Political Developments:

- The Kremlin criticizes British Foreign Secretary David Cameron's suggestion of using British weapons against Russian targets, calling it a dangerous escalation.

- Cameron pledges £3 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine indefinitely.

- Russia condemns French President Emmanuel Macron's hint at possible ground troop deployment to Ukraine.

- Russia accuses the US of using threats of secondary sanctions against Chinese businesses to contain China's economic influence.

- A Russian military court extends the detention of a theatre director and playwright accused of "justifying terrorism" in a play.

Economic News:

- Ukraine's central bank announces its largest wartime currency liberalization measures to ease business restrictions imposed since Russia's invasion.

- Effective May 14, the measures include lifting currency restrictions on imports and easing foreign currency transfer limits.

- Central bank governor Andriy Pyshnyi views the changes as significant for business growth and attracting investments.

- Despite initial setbacks, Ukraine's economy, aided by Western support, records 5.3% growth last year and anticipates 3% expansion this year, contrasting with a sharp decline in 2022 during the war's onset.