Summary
Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes inside Russia are ramping up, hitting oil refineries, military bases, and even St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, Putin’s approval dips as economic strain and battlefield setbacks fuel rare criticism. Western aid keeps flowing, but leaders warn the war could drag on for years.
Key Stories
Ukraine hits St. Petersburg with deep strikes — Ukraine confirmed strikes on oil infrastructure and military targets near St. Petersburg, marking a major escalation in its long-range campaign. Drones and missiles are now routinely hitting deep inside Russia, crippling refineries and forcing Moscow to scramble defenses.
Putin’s approval drops as Russia struggles — A state poll shows Putin’s job approval fell to 66.9%, the sharpest weekly drop since the invasion. Fuel shortages, economic damage from Ukrainian drone strikes, and battlefield losses are feeding frustration—though critics still face heavy risks.
Zelensky pleads for Patriots as Russia claims gains — Ukraine’s president formally asked Germany for Patriot missile systems while dismissing Russian claims of capturing Kostiantynivka. Kyiv insists it won’t trade land for peace, even as Moscow ramps up rhetoric about fighting “until the end.”
Germany boosts defense spending, leads NATO — Germany’s defense budget surged past $114 billion, making it Europe’s top NATO spender. The country is also accelerating deployment of Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system to counter ballistic threats.
Iran’s power struggle heats up after Khamenei’s death — With Iran’s supreme leader gone, rival factions are clashing over control. Mojtaba Khamenei was blocked from attending the funeral amid fears of assassination, while the regime’s economic elite battle for influence.