- The war in Ukraine is increasingly affecting daily life in Russia, evidenced by internet disruptions, a scaled-down Victory Day parade, and a recent aerial attack in the Moscow region.
- A significant drone attack near Moscow resulted in three fatalities, 12 injuries, property damage, and airport disruptions, with Russia claiming to have downed over 1,000 Ukrainian drones.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared the Moscow attack a justified retaliation for Russia's prolonged aggression and strikes on Ukrainian cities, emphasising Ukraine's developing long-range capabilities.
- These incidents occurred shortly after Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump suggested the conflict was nearing its end, despite ongoing hostilities and a failed US-brokered ceasefire.
- Mounting public frustration in Russia over the war's financial burden and restrictive government policies, such as internet shutdowns, is impacting public opinion and prompting calls for stronger retaliation from some pro-Kremlin figures.
IN FULL