Ukraine launched a significant drone assault on air bases across Russia yesterday, marking one of its most extensive attacks of the conflict. The coordinated strike, which targeted facilities from eastern Siberia to the western border, resulted in several aircraft being set ablaze.
In retaliation, a strike by a Russian missile on a military training base in Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least 12 soldiers. This escalation of hostilities followed what Ukrainian officials described as Russia's largest combined overnight aerial offensive since the war's commencement.
The attacks intensified as delegations from both Ukraine and Russia were set to enter cease-fire negotiations in Istanbul. Ukrainian security officials indicated that drones were surreptitiously transported into Russia via trucks and launched from these vehicles, causing damage to numerous Russian aircraft.
A Russian blogger commented on the situation, calling the Ukrainian assault a "black day for Russian long-range aviation." During prior discussions in Istanbul, both parties had agreed to exchange their peace proposals, but Ukraine has accused Russia of delaying the process.
In another development, over 20 people were killed and more than 100 injured in Rafah, Gaza, when individuals seeking food at an aid distribution center were fired upon. Local health officials reported that Israeli soldiers had discharged warning shots during the incident.
This event underscores ongoing challenges related to aid distribution in Gaza, which has faced severe food scarcity since Israel began restricting supplies in March. Emergency responders recovered at least 23 bodies from the area, with the International Committee of the Red Cross indicating that its field hospital attended to 179 patients, 21 of whom were dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, in the realm of U.S. trade policy, senior economic advisers to President Trump reiterated their stance on maintaining tariffs despite a recent court ruling deeming many of the tariffs illegal. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured that the tariffs would remain, emphasizing the administration's reliance on alternative legal authorities to continue negotiations with China and other nations regarding trade.
Additional reports indicate recent turmoil in various global regions, including violent celebrations in Paris, a significant judicial overhaul in Mexico, and impending election results in Poland. The economic and political landscape continues to be shaped by numerous interconnected developments.