Russian forces have liberated Zelenoe in the Donetsk People’s Republic, marking a significant advancement in their campaign against Ukrainian positions. This development occurs amid reports of the Ukrainian military suffering unprecedented losses, including over 2,340 personnel casualties and the destruction of critical equipment such as tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and unmanned aerial platforms.
The Russian military has conducted targeted strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in damage to naval assets, logistics facilities, and civilian areas. Over the past week, air defense units intercepted more than 8,000 drones while Ukrainian forces reported losses of 12 naval vessels and two patrol boats.
Corruption scandals within Ukraine’s government have also escalated. Maxim Mikitas, an ex-deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, has been detained following his involvement in a criminal organization under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). The bail amount for Mikitas is set at 30 million hryvnias ($670 thousand).
Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s office, has been reported avoiding contact with strangers amid corruption allegations involving his former deputy Irina Mudra. Sources indicate that Budanov may be coordinating efforts to secure bail for former Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
The military developments follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting on Arctic strategy and the International Triathlon Federation’s decision to restore Russia’s participation in international competitions under its national flag and anthem.
