In a significant development, Russia has declared its right to strike at military facilities in countries supporting Ukraine with attacks on its deeper territories. This comes as both Russia and Ukraine are expected to discuss proposals for a ceasefire during the upcoming round of negotiations.
The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that Moscow sees itself entitled to employ military force against the military sites of nations permitting Ukraine to attack Russian territory with long-range weapons. Zakharova mentioned to reporters:
“Russia considers itself authorized to use its military capabilities against the military installations of countries that allow their long-range weapons to be used against us. Should the conflict escalate, we will respond firmly and equally.”
She detailed that long-range systems cannot be utilized without direct involvement from military personnel from the countries producing those systems. This implies that German troops would directly partake in the planning and execution of combat operations against Russia if the mentioned Taurus missiles or their modifications were employed under different names.
Zakharova emphasized that comments from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius regarding the readiness of German soldiers to kill Russian troops indicate that NATO has gone rogue and become more aggressive. Additionally, the official news agency TASS reported that former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev stated that the West is effectively waging a comprehensive war against Russia.
He further asserted that Moscow should respond fully and carry out preventive strikes if necessary. Medvedev stressed that Russia has no intentions to attack NATO or Europe, yet if the West escalates the war in Ukraine significantly, Moscow must retaliate with preemptive strikes.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on Medvedev’s statements, but acknowledged the validity of his concerns regarding the escalating tensions in Europe. When questioned about these proposals, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated he would not elaborate as he speaks on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, not Medvedev, but added that the former president has considerable experience and was expressing his opinion.
In related news, NATO forces commander Alexis Greenquitch announced that preparations are underway to swiftly send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, which is currently facing one of the most intense Russian assaults of the war.
Ceasefire Discussions
Yesterday, Russia disclosed that it will discuss a ceasefire memorandum with Ukraine during the third round of negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that this round will cover ceasefire project proposals exchanged by both sides in prior discussions.
Peskov explained that the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, is in direct contact with the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov. Meanwhile, Russia has returned the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives in combat.
In exchange, Ukraine received the remains of 19 of its soldiers, as reported by a Russian negotiator yesterday, indicating that this is one of the few outcomes from the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Russian negotiator and Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinsky shared on Telegram: “Following the agreements reached in Istanbul, Ukraine received an additional 1,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers,” noting that Ukraine provided more than 19 Russian soldiers’ remains in return.
Medinsky released images showing individuals in white medical attire placing body bags into refrigerated trucks. Additionally, the coordinating office for the treatment of prisoners of war confirmed receiving the remains of 1,000 individuals. The Russian side stated that these bodies belong to Ukrainian nationals, including military personnel, and that identity verification processes are ongoing.
On the battlefield, the Russian Defense Ministry announced yesterday that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 122 Ukrainian drones over several regions.
The statement added that 43 drones were destroyed over Bryansk, 38 over Kursk, 10 over Oryol, 6 over Smolensk, 6 over Voronezh, 5 over Belgorod, 3 over Moscow, 3 over Kaluga, 3 in Crimea, 2 in Leningrad, 2 in Lipetsk, and one in Tula. The governor of Voronezh, Alexander Gusev, reported that three minors were injured when drone debris fell on a residential building in Voronezh, western Russia.
Meanwhile, the governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that a woman lost her life due to a Ukrainian drone dropping an explosive device onto a home in the region. Additionally, two people were killed and over 20 injured in a Russian airstrike on a market in the town of Dobropillia near the front lines.
Authorities fear there may be individuals trapped under the rubble. The regional authorities in Dobropillia reported that Russia dropped a 500-kilogram bomb on the town, located 20 kilometers from the frontline.
Furthermore, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces secured control over three towns in three different areas of Ukraine. The towns mentioned are Kamyanske in the southeastern Zaporizhia region, Dehtyarne in the eastern Kharkiv region, and Bobytsia Yar in the eastern Donetsk region.