"Escalating Conflict: Deadly Strikes and Firm Allies Amid Warnings of Direct US-Russia Clash"

Russian officials report that Ukrainian shelling killed 14 civilians, including two children, in the city of Belgorod, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region. This follows Russia's largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the invasion began, which resulted in at least 39 deaths and widespread damage, including hits on civilian structures. The international community has condemned the attacks, and both sides have experienced significant civilian casualties amidst ongoing hostilities.