A republic of Russia between the Volga and the Urals
Multiple drone strikes have hit Crimea and several Russian regions, causing fatalities and outages. Ukraine has intensified attacks on energy infrastructure, prompting power cuts and emergency responses across the peninsula and nearby areas.
The Kremlin has made a show of defiance while Ukrainian strikes disrupt Russian fuel networks. Putin has admitted the strikes are painful, but demands a peace framework anchored in the Istanbul accords and expanded territorial goals. Moscow is doubling down even as fuel shortages bite. Follow developments as Western allies recalibrate support.
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
CSIS estimates show Russia has suffered about 450,000 killed and Ukraine 125,000–150,000 deaths since 2022. Total casualties exceed 2 million for both sides, with Kyiv and Moscow trading heavy blows as drone and missile strikes continue. The data highlights a grim, grinding war with high losses and strategic strain.
Ukraine has struck oil depots and tankers across Russia, triggering a fuel shortage and rationing in multiple regions. Trump pledges Patriot licenses as Kyiv seeks faster domestic production.
Ukraine has intensified drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure and tanker ships in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s fuel supply to Crimea. The operation, named Molochka, has hit dozens of vessels and electricity infrastructure, triggering fuel shortages and a broader energy crisis in Russia.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
Ukraine has claimed downing ballistic missiles, with its air defenses under pressure as Winter approaches. A coalition is moving to build a shared ballistic missile shield for Europe, while Ukraine pursues strikes on Russian oil infrastructure; casualties have been reported in Kyiv.
Since mid-July Ukrainian forces have struck more than a dozen Wildberries warehouses and other industrial sites deep inside Russia. Overnight strikes have hit a Wildberries warehouse in Samara and facilities across the Volga and southern regions, killing dozens on both sides, while Moscow says it downed hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
Kyiv has warned that interceptor stocks are depleted amid Russia’s intensified ballistic missile and drone attacks, with remnants of air defence proving insufficient to down incoming missiles. Kyiv is urging partners to release more interceptors from stockpiles as it pivots toward a European air-defence framework.
The Kyiv government has said ballistic-missile interceptors could have saved lives after a large Russian barrage hit Kyiv, killing at least 17 and injuring dozens. Zelenskyy has urged partners to speed up supplies of air-defence missiles, arguing delays directly contribute to casualties.
Ukrainian forces have targeted two Russian refineries inside Russia and attacked Black Sea vessels, while Russia reports extensive drone activity and civilian casualties across areas of Ukraine. Kyiv seeks interceptor missiles as air defences face sustained pressure.
Ukraine has hit Bashneft-Novoil and Slavneft-Yanos refineries inside Russia, aiming to cut Moscow’s oil revenue. Kyiv says two patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels were struck in the Black Sea as part of its response. Russia reports drone interceptions and damage to a Wildberries warehouse.