Kremlin claims Ukrainian setbacks as Kyiv warns of Belarusian exercises

The Kremlin has stated that Ukraine is conducting strikes on Russian territory due to its deteriorating position on the front lines. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov claimed that the situation for Kyiv is worsening daily, predicting "irreversible" consequences for Ukraine, and asserted that Russian forces are making progress "along the entire front." Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly affirmed that Kyiv "remains strong, the support of Europe does not weaken." Separately, Ukraine has urged caution regarding "mobilization exercises" taking place in Belarus's Grodno region.

Sources: Le Monde — International