In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces were making advances in the Russian region of Kursk, claiming control of 1,000 square kilometers. However, Moscow disputed this claim, stating that Ukraine only controlled half of the area. Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk aims to create a buffer zone to protect its border from Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, Moscow declared a state of emergency in the Belgorod border region due to daily Ukrainian bombardment. There were reports of Ukrainian attacks on Russian military airfields in different regions, with Zelenskyy calling the strikes “timely” and “accurate”.
In terms of politics and diplomacy, Germany issued a European arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor over his alleged involvement in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines. Hackers linked to Russian intelligence were targeting Kremlin critics and Western diplomats with phishing emails. Russia has launched over 10,000 cases against individuals accused of discrediting the army since the invasion began.
Polish prosecutors indicted Pavel Rubtsov, also known as Pablo Gonzalez, on charges of espionage. He was part of a recent prisoner swap between Russia and the West. Additionally, China’s special envoy on Eurasian affairs had a phone call with Pope Francis’s special envoy on Ukraine to discuss the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains tense with ongoing fighting and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the war enters its 902nd day.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com