"Unfolding Conflict: Real-time Updates on Russia's War in Ukraine"

Russia is set to increase its military spending by nearly 70% from last year, citing the need to combat the ongoing "hybrid war" allegedly being waged against the country. Meanwhile, the Biden administration plans to highlight cooperation on Ukraine during a US-EU summit in October. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised recent elections in the declared annexed regions of Ukraine, which have been widely dismissed as a sham by the international community. The Kremlin deferred to the defense ministry when asked about reports of Cuban nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Additionally, Putin met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov amid rumors of Kadyrov's deteriorating health. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukrainian forces are "gradually gaining ground" in their counteroffensive against Russian forces, while the UK's defense minister met with his Ukrainian counterpart to discuss increased support. Finally, Slovakia's upcoming election, with Kremlin sympathizer Robert Fico's opposition party leading the polls, is being watched closely as it could potentially shift the country's stance on Ukraine.