Ukraine

Kyiv faced a renewed barrage of drone attacks, resulting in direct hits on vital infrastructure, including gas stations, transport facilities, and a business center. The attacks led to at least one fatality, with emergency services responding to multiple impacts across the capital. Separately, Russian forces targeted civilian vessels in the Black Sea near Odesa, with one attack causing a fire and the death of a captain.

Domestically, a significant bribery probe has been launched at the Ministry of Reconstruction, with searches underway and a top official expected to be suspended. Further controversy arose as the increase in military payments was postponed again, drawing strong criticism from commentator Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade. An investigation also shed light on the operations of fraudulent call centers in the country. The fate of the captured mayor of Kherson remains a point of concern, with his son alleging government sabotage.

On the diplomatic front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong disapproval over the lifting of sanctions on certain Russian oligarchs, calling it a 'suicidal' move, a sentiment echoed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga. President Zelenskyy also engaged in high-level discussions with United States President Donald Trump, reportedly asking him to encourage China's Xi Jinping to influence Vladimir Putin to end the war and discussing an 'energy truce'.