"Escalating Tensions: Ukrainian Drones Strike Russia, Russian Lt Col. Killed in Retaliation"

Ukrainian officials reported a "massive" Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, resulting in at least two deaths and two injuries. Ukrainian drones targeted several regions in western Russia, damaging four Russian military aircraft. Russia claimed to have destroyed four Ukrainian military boats in the Black Sea, while six Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a helicopter incident in Russian-occupied territory. Additionally, Russia's foreign minister will discuss a potential alternative to the Black Sea grain deal with Turkey, and EU countries have increased imports of Russian LNG despite commitments to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Poland's parliament approved a "Russian influence" panel, and social media platforms were criticized for failing to tackle Russian disinformation. Lithuania summoned the Vatican's top diplomat over Pope Francis' comments on Russian imperialism. The Badminton World Federation announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as "neutral" athletes, and the US urged North Korea not to sell weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine. The EU urged member countries to order more ammunition for Ukraine, and investigators are considering all causes for the plane crash that killed the Wagner mercenary chief and top commanders.