Ukraine has accused Russia of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea near Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO. The missile strike on the Ukrainian vessel carrying grains to Egypt marks the first time a civilian ship has been targeted since Russia’s invasion in February. There were no casualties reported, but the attack has been condemned by the US and the United Nations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington for strategic discussions about Ukraine and the Middle East. The talks may include allowing Ukraine to launch longer-range attacks into Russia using British-made Storm Shadow missiles. Starmer emphasized that a peace agreement in Ukraine should be led by President Zelenskiy.
Meanwhile, Russia claims to have recaptured 10 settlements in the Kursk region after launching a counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces. The fierce fighting continues, with casualties reported in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region where Russian shelling killed three people and injured nine. The violence has prompted gatherings to honor those killed, including Matityahu Anton Samborskyi, the son of Ukraine’s chief rabbi who died fighting Russian forces.
In other news, UK counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation into the death of a Daily Telegraph journalist in Gibraltar. David Knowles, 32, died of a suspected cardiac arrest while on holiday. He was known for his work on the Ukraine: The Latest podcast.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
