Russia’s Defense Ministry said 124 Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over Russian regions and the Black Sea during a 12-hour period.
Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko stated at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that Telegram channels, streams, and music videos have become modern tools of ideological warfare against Russian society, replacing older methods like printing presses and radio stations.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said opponents will attempt to divide and destabilize Russian society during September 2026 State Duma elections, but such attempts will be thwarted. He emphasized that Russia's unity is essential to achieving the goals of the special military operation. For the first time, residents of the four historical regions recently reunited with Russia will participate in the elections.
