Putin Escalates Offensive with Renewed Strikes on Ukraine Amidst Claims of Terrorism

President Vladimir Putin has declared an intensification of military strikes on Ukraine following a Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod, which resulted in civilian casualties. Despite targeting what Putin describes as "military installations," recent Russian strikes have hit civilian structures, including a university and a museum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed the idea that Russia is winning the war, citing heavy Russian losses and Ukraine's success in breaking a Black Sea blockade. Zelenskiy also emphasized the need for continued global support and rejected the prospect of peace talks with Russia, labeling their actions as those of a "terrorist country." Putin maintains that Russia holds the "strategic initiative" and seeks to end the conflict on its own terms.