International Tensions Rise Amidst Ongoing Conflict and Sanctions Threats

The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that it was closely watching statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding potential sanctions against Moscow. However, the Kremlin asserted that Russia had developed a degree of resilience to such measures due to its extensive experience with them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that he had approved key principles for significant weapons agreements with the United States. He expressed his hope for the successful implementation of these agreements, which he said would strengthen both nations. No specific details were provided.

Early Thursday, Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of six people, including a six-year-old boy. The Ukrainian capital's military administration reported that over 40 individuals were wounded. Damage was inflicted on the children’s ward of a hospital, as well as a school and a kindergarten. The strikes targeted at least ten locations around Kyiv. Ukraine’s top diplomat called for increased pressure on Russia following the attacks.

Ukraine’s domestic security agency detained an air force officer on charges of spying for Russia. The officer, a flight instructor, is accused of providing information on the location of F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, as well as suggesting strike tactics.

Over 200 critics of the Kremlin, including former political prisoners, expressed outrage at the visit of a high-ranking Moscow delegation to Switzerland. They accused Europe of hosting "war criminals" despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The delegation, led by Valentina Matvienko, speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, arrived in Geneva for a three-day gathering of global parliamentarians. Matvienko and two other Russian participants are subject to EU and international sanctions.

President Trump announced on Wednesday that he would impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, along with an additional trade tax, starting Friday. He cited India's purchase of Russian oil as a factor in extending the war in Ukraine.

There has been a notable increase in child casualties in Ukraine in recent months due to Russia's targeting of heavily populated civilian areas. Between March and May of this year, 222 children were killed or injured, bringing the total since the start of the invasion to 2,889. The UN believes the actual number is likely higher.

Moldova’s pro-European president, Maia Sandu, accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the upcoming September national elections. She warned that Moscow was planning "unprecedented" actions to influence the outcome.