Russia's defense ministry announced on Tuesday that it successfully intercepted all western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region. Additionally, it claimed to have shot down 146 drones outside the war zone. This comes amid Ukraine's intensified efforts, as its general staff reported striking targets deep within Russia, up to 1,100 kilometers inside, affecting oil storage, refining, chemical, and ammunition facilities in Bryansk, Saratov, Tula, and Tatarstan regions.
In response to these aggressive maneuvers, Russia's military has vowed retaliation against Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces reportedly launched six US-made Atacms ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and executed one of the largest drone attacks seen thus far. These developments underscore the escalating tensions and increasing sophistication of military strategies on both sides.
While the conflict continues to unfold, Transnistria's de facto government—lacking international recognition—has turned to Russia for assistance during its crisis. Last Friday, it expressed disappointment over the absence of support from Moldova or the European Union. Meanwhile, Transnistria's leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, visited Moscow for discussions on resolving the region's energy crisis. Moldovan media noted his travel from Friday to Tuesday, although official details remain sparse.
Adding another layer to the geopolitical tension, the European Commission plans to propose a ban on imports of Russian primary aluminum as part of its 16th sanctions package against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. While the United States and Britain have already banned the import of metals produced in Russia starting in 2024, the European Union has hesitated due to resistance from some member states. A phased implementation of this ban is expected, according to informed sources.
On the battlefield, reports from Ukraine's DeepState blog indicate that Russian forces have gained ground around Neskuchne. Russia's defense ministry confirmed that its troops seized control of two settlements in the Donetsk region: Terny, close to Siversk—a focal point of their campaign—and Neskuchne further south. However, Ukraine's general staff mentioned Terny only as one of several villages under attack, while noting successful defenses against Russian advances in Neskuchne and other areas.
In eastern Ukraine, the situation remains volatile as a coalmine in Pokrovsk halted operations and evacuated staff due to advancing Russian troops nearing its facilities.
Amid these military developments, diplomatic tensions have flared involving Australia. The Australian government summoned the Russian ambassador following reports that Oscar Jenkins, a Melbourne teacher captured by Russia last year while fighting for Ukraine, had been killed. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed strong condemnation regarding Jenkins' reported fate.
"We'll await the facts to come out. But if there has been any harm caused to Oscar Jenkins, that's absolutely reprehensible and the Australian government will take the strongest action possible." – Anthony Albanese, Australia's prime minister.