Ukraine War Updates: EU Aid, Targeted Assassinations, and Escalations in Missile Deployments
Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Russian General Staff's Operational Training Directorate, was killed by a car bomb in southern Moscow, with the Investigative Committee confirming his death and pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including potential Ukrainian intelligence involvement. This follows a previous attack in December 2024, for which Ukraine's security service claimed responsibility, targeting Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of the military's nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces.
In related developments, EU leaders agreed to provide €90 billion in loans to Ukraine over the next two years to address military and economic needs. The decision favors borrowing on capital markets rather than utilizing frozen Russian assets held in Belgium.
President Vladimir Putin condemned recent attacks on vessels in the Mediterranean, vowing retaliation and warning against actions that could escalate tensions, such as blocking Kaliningrad. Ukraine reported hitting a tanker in the Mediterranean more than 1,000 miles from its borders. Putin stated that Russia would respond with stronger strikes.
Belarus confirmed the deployment of Russia's new Oreshnik missile system, prompting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to warn allies about the threat, emphasizing that these missiles cannot be intercepted by drones.
Security talks are planned among the US, UK, France, and Germany, with Senator Rubio possibly joining. Additionally, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet a Russian delegation in Miami. Kyiv's peace negotiators will commence a new round of discussions with the US team and European partners involved.
