RUSSIA ASSAULT
Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals
In the early hours, explosions shattered the calm over Starokostiantyniv as Ukrainian air defenses repelled a Russian attack on this strategic city in western Ukraine. Despite the assault, life quickly returned to normal on the orderly streets. The recent attack underscores Ukraine's challenges in rebuilding its air force and preparing for the arrival of U.S.-supplied F-16s, which Russia aims to neutralize. Residents, accustomed to the constant threat, maintain resilience in this historic military outpost, dubbed Starkon, echoing its legacy as a longstanding bastion of resistance.
Ukrainian air base under fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals
In Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine, the resilience of its 30,000 residents is tested daily as Russian attacks target its strategic air base. Recent strikes, including from drones and hypersonic missiles, underscore the city's strategic importance. Despite the danger, locals like Vasyl Muliar and Iryna Sapchuk remain steadfast. They endure constant threats, power outages, and the occasional missile debris in cherry trees. The arrival of U.S.-designed F-16s offers hope against Russian aggression, symbolizing Ukraine's historical spirit of resistance from centuries past to the present day.
Russia keeps up pressure on the front line as Ukraine gets a boost from Western military aid
Russian attacks on Ukrainian positions in the eastern town of Chasiv Yar are disrupting troop rotations and supply deliveries, soldiers report. As Ukraine awaits new Western military aid, Russia seeks to exploit its numerical and firepower advantage. Civilian targets are also heavily bombed, leading to ICC arrest warrants for former Russian defense leaders for alleged war crimes. Despite intense fighting, Ukrainian forces strive to hold Chasiv Yar, crucial for its strategic location. The U.S. and Czech Republic are bolstering Ukraine's ammunition supplies, while a prisoner swap was mediated by the UAE.
Russia's Dagestan attack: MMA fighter, officials' relatives identified among gunmen
Authorities in Russia's Dagestan region have identified key figures among the assailants in Sunday's deadly attacks on places of worship, which killed at least 20 people. The attackers, including a former MMA fighter and relatives of a regional official, targeted sites in Derbent and Makhachkala. The violence resulted in the deaths of 15 police officers, four civilians, and an Orthodox priest. Regional head Sergei Melikov announced the dismissal and expulsion of the district head linked to the attackers. Dagestan declared three days of mourning following the attacks.
Russia is storing up a crime wave when its war on Ukraine ends
Russia war: Russia saw a drop in crime levels as men joined the war in Ukraine, but the return of these servicemen is now leading to a surge in offending. Data shows a rise in non-war-related crimes by more than 20%, with violent offenses, theft, and drug-related transgressions increasing. The impact of the conflict on returning servicemembers is expected to have long-lasting effects on society, with concerns over rising crime rates post-war. The return of convicts who fought for the Wagner group is a particular worry, as their reintegration into civilian life poses significant challenges for law enforcement and society as a whole.
Ukraine can hit Russian forces 'anywhere' using US-supplied arms
In a significant shift, the United States authorizes Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to target Russian forces anywhere, not just near Kharkiv. This adjustment, not a policy change per officials, follows recent cross-border assaults. US National Security Adviser clarifies the agreement includes responding to Russian forces moving towards Ukrainian territory.
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Russia rehearses delivering tactical nuclear weapons with dummy warheads
Russia conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, deploying dummy warheads to storage points and an airfield amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. President Putin ordered these exercises, which involved multiple military districts. The drills aim to signal Russia's readiness to respond to threats, particularly from Western support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are urged to consider the consequences of escalating the conflict. These drills highlight the ongoing risk of nuclear confrontation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen assaulted in central Copenhagen, man arrested
Two eyewitnesses, Anna Ravn and Marie Adrian, told the daily BT that they saw a man walking toward Frederiksen and then "pushing her hard on the shoulder so she was shoved aside." They stressed that the premier did not fall down.
Attacks in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions leave 27 dead, Moscow-backed officials say
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, attacks and drone strikes continue to escalate in the partially occupied regions of Kherson and Luhansk. Ukrainian assaults have resulted in at least 27 deaths, with casualties caused by guided bombs and missiles. Both sides have engaged in drone attacks, with multiple drones being shot down over various regions. The situation remains tense and volatile as the violence persists.
As Zelenskyy visits for D-Day, Macron promises Ukraine Mirage aircraft to fend off Russian attacks
French President Macron announced the provision of Mirage combat aircraft to Ukraine during D-Day commemoration. President Zelenskyy seeks Western support amid Russian aggression near Kharkiv.
US to send new $225 million military aid package to Ukraine, officials say
The U.S. is sending military aid worth USD 225 million to Ukraine, including ammunition for defending Kharkiv from Russian attacks, with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) among the weapons provided.
Macron says France to sell Mirage 2000 warplanes to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will supply Ukraine with Mirage combat aircraft to help defend the country against Russian aggression. In an interview with a French broadcaster, Macron stated that the sale of Mirage 2005 fighter jets will enable Ukraine to protect its airspace and territory from Russian attacks. France will also provide training for Ukrainian pilots as part of the new cooperation agreement.
Zelenskiy meets heads of state in Singapore, seeks support for security summit
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy met with heads of state and legislators in Singapore to seek security assistance and support for a peace summit. Zelenskiy and his defence minister Rustem Umerov had talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who updated Zelenskiy on Washington's military assistance to Kyiv and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintaining strong support. Zelenskiy pledged to strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, from ravaged Kharkiv, urges Biden and Xi to join peace summit
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Sunday to attend his peace summit as Ukraine struggles to stave off unrelenting attacks by Russia in its 27-month-old invasion.
Ukraine steps up attacks with U.S. long-range missiles
The Ukrainian army has used U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target Russian airfields and warships in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory but is barred from attacking inside Russia, limiting its defensive capabilities. Ukraine's recent strikes with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) aim to weaken Russia's military operations, but U.S. and Western restrictions prevent targeting Russia itself. Ukrainian officials argue this policy allows Russia to attack from within its borders without repercussion. Pressure is mounting on the Biden administration to revise this policy to better support Ukraine's defense against Russian advances.
US sends $275 mn of weapons and military aid to Ukraine
Last month, US lawmakers passed a long-delayed $61 billion military aid deal for Kyiv after months of squabbling in Congress as Ukrainian forces suffered setbacks on the battlefield due to ammunition and funding shortages.
Ukraine says has 'stopped' Russia in Kharkiv, now pushing back
Ukrainian forces have halted a Russian advance in the Kharkiv region and are now counter-attacking. President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region's capital to discuss the battle for Vovchansk.
Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry, emphasizing the Biden administration's concerted efforts with allies to address this issue. Responding to the UK Defence Minister's claim that China is providing lethal aid to Russia, Sullivan clarified that the US has not observed direct weapon transfers but is worried about China's contributions to Russia's defense production. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of supplying combat equipment to Russia, noting increased trade between the two nations.
Pentagon vows to keep arming Kyiv amid fresh Russian assault
The US announced no new aid packages Monday, but has now provided about $50.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops still control nearly 60% of Vovchansk and are fighting house-to-house to defend the border town in northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian attacks.
Russia seizes Deutsche Bank, UniCredit assets
A Russian court in Saint Petersburg rules to seize 239 million euros from Deutsche Bank and 463 million euros from UniCredit in Russia. European banks exit after Moscow's 2022 offensive on Kyiv. The court decision follows a request from RusKhimAlians planning a gas project with German company Linde, affected by Russia's military assault.
Despite Western pressure, China in no hurry to reduce Russia support
China supports Moscow in the Ukraine war despite Western pressure. Beijing backs President Vladimir Putin, exporting essential dual-use products monthly. Western sanctions target Russia's struggle to sustain the assault without Beijing's support.
Slovakia's PM Robert Fico shot in assassination attempt, deputy says he is in 'very serious' condition
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's condition has stabilised but remains "very serious" after being shot multiple times in a political assault. Surgeons performed a lengthy operation to save the 59-year-old leader, with officials expressing hope for his recovery. The attack, condemned globally, marks an unprecedented event in Slovakia.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin hail ties as 'stabilising' force in chaotic world
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to strengthen their nations' relationship, with Putin seeking Chinese support for his war in Ukraine. Xi emphasized the importance of the China-Russia partnership for global peace and justice, while Putin highlighted their role in maintaining stability in the international arena. Despite economic challenges due to Western sanctions, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties.
Ukraine says Russia has launched an assault to breach defences in northeastern Kharkiv
Russia pounded a town in Ukraine's northeast with artillery, rockets and guided aerial bombs Friday before attempting an infantry breach of local defences, authorities said, in a tactical switch that Kyiv officials have been expecting for weeks as the war stretches into its third year.
Putin extends rule in preordained Russian election after harshest crackdown since Soviet era
Vladimir Putin secures fifth term in Russia amid criticism of election fairness and crackdown on opposition. Independent monitoring was limited, and Putin received 87% of the vote with record turnout. Western leaders denounce the election as a sham, while Navalny's widow and supporters protest. Putin dismisses criticism, accusing the West of using the judiciary for political aims. Voting took place over three days, with some arrests reported for disruptive behavior at polling stations. Putin's victory extends his nearly quarter-century rule over Russia.
Putin is poised to rule Russia for six more years after an election with no other real choices
The 71-year-old Russian leader faces three token rivals from Kremlin-friendly parties who have refrained from any criticism of his 24-year rule or his full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Putin has boasted of Russian battlefield successes in the run-up to the vote, but a massive Ukrainian drone attack across Russia early Sunday sent a reminder of challenges faced by Moscow.
The Indians hired for Russia's Ukraine war
Moscow hires Indian and Nepali nationals through recruiters for the Russian army in Ukraine. Indian citizens are promised non-combatant roles but end up fighting on the frontline. Families blame Indian authorities for not helping and fear for their loved ones' lives.
Zelenskyy urges global response to Russia's "latest act of terror"
Zelenskyy pledged to reinforce the country's air defence and vowed to continue efforts to "bring the war" back into Russia. He also acknowledged the efforts of emergency services and staff involved in rescue operations following the aerial assaults in various parts of the country.
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