Russian Forces’ Claims: Russia claimed that its forces had eliminated over 70 “Ukrainian terrorists” and destroyed several armed vehicles during the clashes. However, independent verification of these assertions by AFP was unavailable. Russia asserted that the remaining fighters had been repelled across the border.
Sabotage Attempt in Turkish Waters: Russia also reported repelling a Ukrainian attack on one of its warships in Turkish waters, using unmanned vessels. Moscow has accused Kyiv of multiple sabotage attempts against its vessels, this time occurring northeast of the Bosphorus. Turkey has yet to respond to Russia’s claims.
Trials for
Key Highlights:
Foreign Men: Russia announced its intention to try five foreign men, including three British citizens, a Swede, and a Croatian, who allegedly fought alongside Ukrainian forces. The trial will be held in absentia in Rostov-on-Don, with the accused believed to have joined the Azov regiment during the siege of Mariupol.
The complex situation between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in combat and trading accusations. The developments raise concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further violent clashes.
- Russian Warning: Russia issued a stern warning to Kyiv, vowing to respond with extreme force to future incursions, following an armed group’s infiltration from Ukraine. Moscow deployed jets and artillery to repel the attack, marking the most significant assault on Russian soil since the start of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.
- Intense Fighting in Belgorod: Two days of fierce fighting unfolded in the southern region of Belgorod, prompting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to emphasize a decisive response against Ukrainian militants. Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported overnight drone strikes, resulting in sustained artillery and mortar fire, leaving 13 individuals injured.
- Alleged Incursion and Wagner Mercenary Group: The incursion was claimed by the Russian Volunteer Corps, whose members praised the operation as a demonstration of Russia’s defensive vulnerabilities. Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of the Wagner mercenary group, disclosed that approximately 10,000 convicts recruited by Wagner had perished in Ukraine. Prigozhin accused Russia’s top military officials of mismanagement, blaming Defense Minister Shoigu for significant losses.