Pictures captured the destruction caused by a Russian strike in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, located in the southeastern part of the country. The aftermath of the attack left houses in ruins, with the region’s governor Ivan Fedorov reporting that two women sustained injuries. However, CNBC was unable to verify these reports independently.
The White House dismissed Russia’s claim that Ukraine was involved in an attack on the Crocus City concert hall, attributing the responsibility solely to the Islamic State. According to White House national security spokesman John Kirby, the United States had warned Russian security services in writing about an imminent extremist attack, among many other warnings provided in advance to Moscow.
Russian Investigative Committee alleged that suspects involved in the terror attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall received funding from Ukraine. The Committee stated that suspects had ties to Ukrainian nationalists, backed by evidence obtained from detained terrorists, technical devices seized, and financial transaction analysis. Ukraine strongly denied any involvement in the attack.
Kyiv sought air defense supplies from NATO allies after Russian missile attacks on critical energy infrastructure, resulting in significant damage and power outages affecting over a million people. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov briefed partners on the aftermath of the attacks, urging them to provide additional equipment to counter incoming salvos.
Poland announced that they were close to reaching an agreement with Ukraine on the issue of agricultural imports, following protests by Polish farmers against cheaper Ukrainian agricultural products flooding the market. Farmers staged demonstrations against EU regulations on pesticide and fertilizer usage and the influx of Ukrainian produce, affecting local crop prices.
The Kremlin faced scrutiny for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision not to visit the site of the Crocus City Hall terror attack in Moscow. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov defended Putin’s absence, stating that visits to the site amid ongoing investigations would interfere with response efforts and that immediate measures were taken to address the tragedy.
Tensions escalated as Ukraine tightened security measures in Kyiv following a series of Russian missile attacks and threats of escalation. Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system caused significant damage, prompting Kyiv to review public event staging and enhance security measures around large gatherings to counter Russian threats.
In a significant development, the Kremlin’s foreign intelligence chief visited North Korea to enhance cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang and discuss regional security. The visit aimed to bolster ties amidst condemnation from the US and allies over alleged North Korean missile deliveries to Russia during the conflict with Ukraine.
Amidst rising security concerns, Russia’s Labor Ministry warned about efforts to recruit Kyrgyz citizens for terrorist acts on Russian soil. The Ministry cautioned against social media recruitment tactics targeting individuals, including children, to engage in terrorist activities, emphasizing the severity of participating in such acts in accordance with Russian criminal legislation.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensified as Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted and destroyed 26 Russian attack drones in overnight strikes across various regions. The sophisticated drones posed a threat to civilian areas, resulting in injuries and damage to residential and commercial buildings, prompting Ukrainian authorities to respond swiftly.
Ukraine accused Russia of having prior knowledge of the terror attack on Moscow, claiming that Russian intelligence was aware of the plot well before the incident. Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov alleged that Russia had information about the attack preparations, casting doubt on Russia’s claims of Ukraine’s involvement in the tragic event.