Ukraine announces preemptive strikes on Russian territory amidst conflicting front-line assessments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared Kyiv's intention to "preemptively attack installations" within Russian territory. This announcement comes as the Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, reiterates claims that Ukraine's strikes on Russia are a result of its deteriorating front-line position, asserting that Russian forces are advancing "along the entire front" and predicting "irreversible" consequences for Kyiv. In contrast, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed that Kyiv "remains strong, the support of Europe does not weaken." Separately, Ukraine has advised vigilance regarding "mobilization exercises" in Belarus's Grodno region. Reports also indicate constant Russian pressure on Ukrainian rear-front areas like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, where drone-intercepting nets are deployed. Sources: Le Monde — International