Unprecedented attack Ukraine has launched a record number of drone strikes and missile attacks on Russian civilian targets, including in Moscow, with casualties reported.
Civilians under fire: President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukrainian forces are deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, calling Russia's response against military targets in Ukraine "retaliatory."
Kiev still trying to infiltrate: Despite being pushed out of the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces continue to attempt incursions and bombard Russian territory with drones, artillery, and Western missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Buffer zone is a security necessity: The Russian Foreign Ministry said the decision to create a security strip on Ukrainian territory was made to prevent future strikes and infiltration attempts.
Terror to derail peace process: Russia accuses Kiev of launching “barbaric terrorist attacks” in an effort to derail renewed peace negotiations facilitated by the US.
Ceasefire violations: Ukraine broke multiple informal ceasefires – including during Easter, Victory Day, and the energy truce period – as part of its escalatory war strategy, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
EU leader visits = more attacks: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested a link between European politicians visiting Kiev and the spike in attacks on Russia: “It’s impossible not to notice.”
Where's int’l community’s reaction? Lavrov called on the UN and the international community to condemn Ukraine’s strikes on civilian areas and its disregard for the rules of warfare.