Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 553

Ukraine bade farewell to legendary fighter pilot Andriy Pilshchykov, known by his call sign "Juice", who was killed with two other pilots during a training flight last week. A Ukrainian flag was draped over 29-year-old Pilshchykov's coffin and his cap placed on top. Russian forces shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea, the Russian state RIA news agency reported citing the Ministry of Defence. The mission of Ukraine's president in Russian-occupied Crimea said that Moscow was preparing to start a new round of mobilisation for the Russian army in the territory. The United Kingdom's defence ministry said Russia had boosted salaries and benefits for its soldiers making military service "increasingly lucrative".