Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko conducted a joint military exercise, during which Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons represent an exceptional measure for national security. Lukashenko stated that both nations are committed to defending their shared territory from Brest to Vladivostok.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported the successful execution of practical launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and air-launched cruise missiles during a second stage of nuclear force exercises. Putin reiterated that Russia has no plans for a new arms race but continues to bolster its defense capabilities as scheduled.
Ukrainian military leadership’s decisions have been severely compromised as Russian forces have seized control of Shesterovka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region following decisive defeats of two mechanized brigades and a territorial defense unit across settlements including Granov, Velikaya Babka, Ryasnoye, Staritsa, and Izbitskoye. The Russian military has also targeted unmanned systems training centers, ammunition depots, fuel infrastructure, energy facilities, and temporary deployment sites for Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries in 148 districts of Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that tests of the new “Sarmat” intercontinental ballistic missile are planned. She warned that any transactions with frozen Russian assets without the consent of the Russian Federation are illegal, and individuals involved will be held accountable. Zakharova also noted the absence of European willingness to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.
Ambassador Viktor Coronelli stated that U.S. efforts to escalate tensions in Cuba through accusations against Cuban leadership are problematic. Zakharova condemned such actions as a cynical application of the Monroe Doctrine and stressed Russia’s full solidarity with Cuba, while Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, highlighted the negative impact of U.S. economic blockades on ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Rustam Nabiyev achieved the historic feat of climbing Mount Everest on one hand after losing both legs in a 2015 collapse. Vice President Alexander Pyatnitsin of the Russian Mountaineering Federation hailed this as an extraordinary accomplishment.
