Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting a civilian grain vessel in the Black Sea near Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO. This incident marks the first time a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea has been hit by a missile since the start of Russia’s invasion in February. The attack, which occurred at night, did not result in any casualties. The US ambassador to Ukraine condemned the attack, placing blame on Russia. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer is set to meet with Joe Biden in Washington to discuss Ukraine and the Middle East, including the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use British-made Storm Shadow missiles for longer-range attacks on Russia. Starmer has also engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Putin could end the war in Ukraine at any time.
On the ground, Russian forces have recaptured 10 settlements as part of a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, pushing back Ukrainian troops. In other developments, over $30 million worth of aircraft tyres made by western manufacturers were imported into Russia despite attempts to ban the trade. Russian shelling in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region claimed the lives of three people and injured nine.
In Kyiv, a gathering at the central synagogue paid tribute to Matityahu Anton Samborskyi, the son of Ukraine’s chief rabbi, who was killed fighting against Russian forces. Additionally, UK counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation into the death of a Daily Telegraph journalist in Gibraltar. David Knowles, known for his work on Ukraine, passed away while on holiday.
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