An assassination attempt targeted Lieutenant General Andrei Alexeyev, first deputy head of Russia's GRU General Staff, in Moscow. According to reports, Alexeyev survived, though he was injured in the attack, which occurred in his apartment building. Alexeyev, of Ukrainian origin, is accused of organizing military actions and terrorist attacks against Ukraine. He was reportedly instrumental in the creation of the Wagner PMC and other Russian military organizations.
Meanwhile, another round of negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia concluded in the United Arab Emirates. Discussions focused on a possible ceasefire and monitoring mechanisms, but no breakthrough was achieved. The Russian side insists on terms that remain unacceptable for Ukraine, including the demand to relinquish territory and guarantee that no foreign troops will be stationed on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine and its partners reject these preconditions.
A prisoner exchange was a positive outcome of the talks. However, substantial progress toward ending the war was not made, as Russia maintains maximalist demands and core issues remain unresolved.
Elsewhere, Russian military forces report issues with frontline communications following restrictions on Starlink access, prompting efforts to seek alternative communication methods.
Analysts note that both domestic and external pressure on Russian military and political leaders is mounting. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to receive support on the battlefield, including drones for defense force units.
Despite the negotiations in the UAE, the positions of the parties remain far apart regarding a peace settlement. Ukrainian society stresses the need to maintain efforts for national defense and not to expect a quick end to the war.
