Russian commanders anticipated Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast months before it occurred, according to seized documents. The documents revealed detailed warnings dating back to January 2024, including specific threats of Ukraine seizing the town of Sudzha. Russian commanders took steps to strengthen border security and morale in anticipation of the attack. The documents also highlighted concerns about the deteriorating morale of Russian soldiers in the area, with mentions of suicides and instructions on improving morale through daily political lessons.
In a separate incident, a group of Ghanaian men lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine appealed for help from inside occupied Donetsk Oblast. The men were promised jobs in Russia but ended up being coerced into military service. Three men reported being held against their will and pleaded to return home. Similar cases of foreigners being lured to fight for Russia have been reported in other countries, despite efforts to clamp down on recruitment schemes.
A pro-Kremlin American fighter, Russell Bentley, who fought against Ukraine in 2014, was tortured to death by Russian soldiers, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee. The first group of Ukrainian pilots completed French jet training, part of efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air force with F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots have also trained in Romania, the U.S., and Denmark. Additionally, Ukraine approved a new domestic-made all-terrain amphibious vehicle called Takha for military use.
Ukraine’s drone strike on a Russian arms depot in Tver Oblast destroyed two to three months’ worth of ammunition, according to Estonian military intelligence. The strike caused explosions that destroyed 30,000 tons of ammunition, impacting Russia’s military operations. In another attack, Russia launched Iskander-M ballistic missiles on Odesa, injuring 4 people and damaging civilian infrastructure and a ship under the Antiguan flag.
Norway extended its civil and military support program for Ukraine, known as the Nansen program, until 2030 and increased it by an additional $5.7 billion. The decision came after criticism that Norway’s support for Ukraine lagged behind other countries. The EU pledged up to 35 billion euros in loans to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continued support in the face of relentless Russian attacks. The international community continues to provide assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities and resilience against Russian aggression.
