The remains of a car that exploded in Sevastopol, killing a Russian naval officer, has led to escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into Ukraine for the first time. However, a US official has contradicted these claims, stating that it was actually an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems shot down British-made Storm Shadow missiles, HIMARS rockets, and drones in various locations. The strike also hit Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, injuring 26 people. Meanwhile, the US imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, banning its trade with Americans and freezing US assets.
The US decision to provide Ukraine with antipersonnel landmines has drawn criticism for expanding the use of a weapon condemned by the international community. Zelensky, in an open letter, criticized Russia as a “crazy neighbor” using Ukraine as a testing ground for new missiles. France’s foreign ministry could not confirm the ICBM attack on Dnipro, but warned of serious consequences if true.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains tense, with conflicting reports regarding missile attacks and escalating military actions between Russia and Ukraine. International actors such as the US, UK, and France are closely monitoring the situation and taking actions to address the growing crisis.
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