🌮 Ukraine War Live Ticker: Putin Downplays Costs of War, While Russian Attacks Rock Cities 🌮
Cost of Russia's Military Campaign Downplayed by Putin
Sit back, grab a snack, and let's dive into the latest updates from the Ukraine conflict front, where we've got a heap of action and insights to share with you. It's a butt-kicking combination you won't want to miss!
🕒 06:35 ISW: Putin downplays costs of war
The Kremlin continues to throw shade at the social and economic costs of the Russian war in Ukraine, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Despite the crazy-high military spending, Putin plays it cool, with plans to reduce defense spending from 2026 onwards, thanks to inflation and weak economic growth. He's seemingly aiming to present the Russian government as socially engaged and downplaying the toll of the war on Ukrainian soil.
🕒 06:01 Rescue teams pull people from burning house after drone attack
Uh-oh! At least five brave souls were rescued from a fiery blaze after a drone attack on Odessa. As you might expect, there was a string of explosions and infernos erupting across multiple city districts. The Mayor of Hennadi Truchanow sent out an SOS on Telegram: "Odessa, stay alert! Head for safety spots."
🕒 05:14 Drone hits high-rise in Odessa - Couple dies
Tragedy strikes again, folks! Last night, a Russian drone attack in Odessa took the lives of at least two adults, with six more, including two kiddos, getting injured. A drone smacked into the upper stories of a 21-story apartment building, resulting in a raging inferno. After the blaze was put out, the heartbreaking discovery was made: the lifeless bodies of a couple, lodged in debris.
🕒 03:58 UN informed: Estonia and Lithuania leave landmine treaty
In a wild turn of events, Estonia and Lithuania have decided to ditch the landmine treaty, and they dropped their exit papers at the United Nations' office in NYC. Estonia argued their departure was in response to the "security situation in the region" caused by "Russian aggression against Ukraine," and they claimed urgent national security concerns were at play. The landmine treaty bans the use, storage, manufacture, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, and it's signed by over 160 nations, including Ukraine - but not Russia or the USA.
🕒 02:00 Intelligence service reports bribery attempt over fighter jet technology
Talk about intrigue! An alleged bribery case surfaced in Odessa, where a suspicious character approached an engineer at a local plant working on defense ministry designs. The sleazebag was reportedly eyeing secret documents about Ukraine's military jet technology. If he gets slapped with a conviction, he's looking at a maximum eight-year stint in the clink.
🕒 00:26 Russian drones attack Odessa
Oh boy! Russian combat drones attacked Odessa in the dead of night, inciting a series of explosions and fires across several urban districts. The Mayor of Hennadi Truchanow delivered a warning on Telegram: "Odessa, stay cautious! Seek protective spots." Sadly, no word yet on casualty numbers.
🕒 23:18 US Ambassador Leaves Moscow—Succession Unclear
The US Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, has packed up and left Moscow. The American Embassy in Russia thanked Tracy for her devoted service to her people and emphasized her profound appreciation for Russian culture. Tracy was appointed by ex-US Prez Joe Biden, so it'll be interesting to see who Donald Trump picks to take her place.
🕒 22:11 Estonian Foreign Minister: Can Russia Be Broken?
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna doesn't think Russia will snag a swift victory in this brawl. Instead of a three-day "special operation," Tsahkna pointed out that Ukraine has fought against Russia for over three years, and Russia has yet to secure any strategic breakthroughs. Tsahkna admitted that Putin does not dream of a ceasefire but believes it's possible to force Russia into substantive negotiations: "I think we can actually break Russia with more sanctions, greater investments, and military support for Ukraine."
🕒 21:45 Ukraine: Two Dead in Donetsk from Russian Smerch Shelling
In Donetsk, two innocent civilians tragically lost their lives after getting blasted by Russian Smerch shelling. A spokesperson from the regional prosecutor's office told the online portal "Ukrajinska Prawda" that the victims were 57 and 66, and a 64-year-old woman sustained injuries.
🕒 21:25 Kherson Reports Death from Drone Strike
In another tragedy, a 48-year-old man met his untimely end in Kherson following a Russian drone strike. The regional administration reported that he expired in the hospital due to injuries inflicted by a drone attack.
🕒 20:46 Kyiv Reports Attack on Russian Airbase: Four Fighter Jets Hit
Ukraine claims it nailed several Russian fighter jets in an assault on a military airport in Volgograd's southern region, "Marinowka." Initial findings suggest that four Russian fighter jets of the Su-34 type and a maintenance and repair base were targeted, but there's no solid confirmation as of yet. The Ukrainian military says the mission aimed to reduce Russia's air attack capabilities against Ukraine.
🕒 20:22 Stegner: It's crucial to 'talk to regimes that are completely different from us'
Lefty SPD member Ralf Stegner defended the manifesto he and other leading Social Democrats signed, arguing against escalation and endorsing dialogue with Russia. Although he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal, Stegner insists it's important to discuss whether a path of escalation is the right move. He further emphasized the significance of negotiations with regimes vastly different from ours.
🕒 23:45 War and Conflict intensifies
It's a battle of attrition between Russia and Ukraine, with economic pressures on both sides. Western support for Ukraine could tip the scales.
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- The Ukraine conflict continues to be a major subject of discussion in the realm of politics and general news, with community and employment policies in various countries also being influenced by the ongoing war and conflicts.
- DespitePutin's attempts to downplay the costs of war in Ukraine, the socio-economic impact on the region is significant, prompting some EU countries like Estonia and Lithuania to withdraw from the landmine treaty due to security concerns.
