RUSSIA
Addressing a Victory Day rally in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that "'Russia will do everything it can to prevent global confrontation, but, at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us." Adds that "Our strategic forces are always combat ready." Says that "Russia is living through a difficult period, the future of the Motherland depends on us."
- Putin's comments come days after he confirmed that Russian forces would hold drills practicing the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons following alleged threats from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Close ally Belarus will hold an inspectionof its armed forces to deploy such weapons on its territory.
- In the war in Ukraine, Sky News reports "Russian forces will push into the heart of Ukraine if they succeed in capturing the frontline town of Chasiv Yar and the wider Donbas region, a Ukrainian governor has warned." Sky News: "Kramatorsk - along with other eastern cities such as Konstantinivka and Slovyansk - would be at risk of much greater bombardment should Russian forces capture Chasiv Yar. The town's vantage point, on top of a hill, would put a larger area in range of Russian artillery."
- Ukraine has consistently struck targets (mainly hydrocarbons infrastructure or military sites) deep within Russian territory in recent weeks and months. Ukraine's drones have significant range, but the further Russian forces push into Ukrainian territory, these forces could be diverted to defend the frontlines rather than striking deep into the Russian Federation.
Map of Frontline in Donetsk
Source: Sky News
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