Tensions escalate as Russia and Ukraine engage in military conflict.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have killed over 70 "terrorist saboteurs" after anti-Kremlin, Russian militia volunteers seized several villages on the Russian side of the border. The volunteers were described as "scumbags" by the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, who added that "you just have to exterminate them like the rats they are and not even take them prisoner." The Free Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps released a video saying they had crossed into Russia and taken control of bordering villages. The Russian Defense Ministry, however, said the "saboteurs" were blocked and defeated by airstrikes and artillery fire.