Russian News Agency — a state-backed wire since 1904
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister while parliament prepares confirmation votes. The removals have provoked mass protests, at least one senior military resignation and wider concern about unity in Kyiv's war effort.
Ukrainian drones have struck a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, producing large fires, black smoke and reports of at least 16–17 wounded. Russian air defences have shot down hundreds of incoming drones across multiple regions, closed Moscow airports and prompted threats of "massive" Russian retaliation.
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.
North Korea has reinforced its strategic partnership with Russia as Moscow and Pyongyang expand military and political cooperation. Choe Son Hui’s Moscow visit follows high-level exchanges with China, underscoring a widening alignment against the West. Experts say Kim Jong Un’s regime is pursuing tech and defense gains in exchange for economic and diplomatic support.