A Russian gas pipeline has exploded in a massive fireball blast following a series of ‘Ukrainian strikes’. To receive real-time breaking news alerts directly in your inbox, sign up for our breaking news emails. Ukraine is preparing for a significant operation in Crimea, the peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, according to Kyiv’s military intelligence chief. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov stated that recent attacks on Vladimir Putin’s Black Sea fleet serve as a message to the residents of the annexed peninsula. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Pope Francis’s suggestion that Ukraine should show the “courage of the white flag” by highlighting the ongoing resistance against Russia’s invasion into Europe.
In other news, Russia has launched another drone attack on Odesa, Ukraine, as Nato chief rejects Pope’s ‘white flag’ comments. Governor Oleh Kiper reported that at least 25 drones were fired at the region, resulting in damage to infrastructure. This attack marks the sixth in a month on Odesa, with a total of 200 drones launched by Russia. Additionally, a UN expert has stated that Russia is responsible for the death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny due to the conditions he faced in detention.
Furthermore, Russia is reportedly producing nearly three times more artillery shells than the West to support its actions in Ukraine. Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg has distanced himself from French President Macron’s suggestion of deploying troops to Ukraine, stating that Nato has no plans to send troops there. Poland’s president will propose that Nato members spend 3% of their GDP on defense to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Lastly, Russia has accused the US of attempting to meddle in their presidential elections, claiming that the Biden administration is planning cyber attacks on the voting system.
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