Breaking news and comprehensive coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war, including military updates, diplomatic efforts, humanitarian crisis, and global impact.
Ukrainian drones struck St. Petersburg late Tuesday, hitting infrastructure and wounding several people, hours before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opened. The attack forced temporary closure of the city's main airport and disrupted mobile internet services. The forum, hosted by President Putin, has representatives from 130 countries attending.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking in Kyiv, warned young Russian men that they will be left to suffer and die if they join the Russian military. He accused the military of deceiving recruits, providing no training, and issuing substandard equipment. New estimates indicate Russia sustains nearly 35,000 casualties per month in 2025, with over 1.2 million total since the war began.
Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Russian corvette Boikyi at the Kronstadt naval base in Leningrad Oblast, setting it on fire. The Boikyi is a guided-missile corvette that previously escorted oil tankers from Russia's shadow fleet through the English Channel in 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Iran is the top priority for the United States, with Ukraine coming second. He also expressed readiness for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned young Russian recruits of poor training and high risk of death.
Germany, France, and the UK are crafting a joint plan with Ukraine to engage Russia in negotiations to end the war. The European allies see a shift in momentum that strengthens President Zelenskyy's position.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that neither side is willing to make concessions, dimming hopes for a peace deal. He warned that the risk of escalation is higher than two years ago due to Ukraine's increased long-range strikes into Russia, and reiterated that the war has no military solution.
The House voted 218-204 to advance a Democrat-backed Ukraine aid package, with seven Republicans defying leadership. The $1 billion+ package includes military aid, sanctions on Russia, and reconstruction support. Final passage is expected Thursday, but the Senate and President Trump's veto threat loom.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, a day after a Russian missile attack killed over 20 people. Rutte said Russia's 'recklessness is not new' and that Moscow is 'increasingly desperate' as Ukraine makes battlefield gains. He and President Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's future NATO membership goal.
Gas stations in Moscow and northern Russia have introduced fuel purchase limits following Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries. Lukoil caps gasoline at 100 liters per driver, while ORTK limits gasoline to 60 liters and diesel to 100 liters. The restrictions come as attacks have halted about 25% of Russia's refining capacity.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, reiterated the goal of ending Russia's war before winter 2026. He expects a U.S. delegation to visit Moscow and Kyiv soon. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian oil targets, while Russian ground advances have slowed.