"Ukraine's Daring River Crossings: Troops Secure Foothold in Occupied Territory, Russia Confirms"

Russia confirms that Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper river into Russian-occupied territory in Kherson, prompting intense fighting in the area. The outcome of the war in Ukraine is seen as a determining factor for the future of the West, with a majority of respondents in a global survey viewing Western nations as a bigger obstacle to peace than Russia. The Russian media has poured cold water on the forthcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, highlighting the geopolitical divide between the two superpowers. The Russian ambassador to Israel warns of a high chance of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading to the broader Middle East region. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce his intention to run in the 2024 presidential election campaign next month. The Russian army is reported to have "eliminated" almost all Ukrainian literature in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk. Germany has agreed to supply Ukraine with 25 Leopard battle tanks. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes the need for continued and stronger support for Ukraine, while Putin approves new media restrictions ahead of the elections. Putin has also pardoned a convicted killer who fought in Ukraine.