Overnight, Russian air defense reported destroying more than 250 drones in various regions, while the number of foreigners—particularly Cubans—fighting for Russia continued to rise. Simultaneously, Ukraine launched several strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in Belgorod and Bryansk regions. In Belgorod, Ukrainian forces hit a substation, causing power and water outages affecting tens of thousands.
Additional strikes targeted an oil depot in temporarily occupied Feodosia and a plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, both of strategic importance to Russia’s military-industrial complex. Initial information suggests significant damage to Russia's energy and industrial capacity, reflected in statistics on reduced exports and energy supply disruptions.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that drone strikes affected all regions, with the highest number shot down in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Meanwhile, Ukraine also faced night attacks: drones caused damage and fires in Kharkiv, Odesa, and Donetsk regions, resulting in injuries and destruction.
According to media, about 5,000 Cubans are fighting in Russian units against Ukraine, making Cuba the second-largest supplier of foreign fighters to Russia after North Korea. The US provided this information to the UN as part of discussions on the embargo against Cuba.
The global political climate remains tense: Donald Trump made new statements about talks between Israel and Hamas, as well as US successes on the world stage. In Europe, concerns arose about security and Russian influence, notably reports of drones near Oslo Airport.
The European Union commented on elections in Georgia, calling them uncompetitive and non-transparent, and urged calm and respect for civil rights. Experts note that with increased drone use and intensifying hostilities, the conflict is turning into a war of attrition for both sides.
