Downing Street has rejected Russia’s claims that a British diplomat expelled from Moscow was a spy, calling the allegations “baseless”. The Russian FSB security service accused the diplomat, named as Edward Wilkes, of providing false information upon entering Russia, but the UKForeign Office has called the claims “malicious and baseless.” The situation is currently under consideration by the UK government.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is withdrawing around 100,000 faulty 120mm mortar shells from the frontline after reports of misfiring. The supply of defective shells is being investigated, and the shells are being replaced with imported ammunition. Ukrainian forces have also reported a record number of Russian drone attacks, with 188 drones launched in a single attack, causing damage but no reported casualties.
Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the start of the 2022 invasion, capturing territory at a rapid pace. The war is entering a dangerous phase, with reports of Russia using North Korean troops in Ukraine and Ukraine striking back with Western-supplied missiles. Ukrainian officials are currently in Seoul seeking weapons aid to support their fight against Russia. President Zelensky noted that Russia obtained Shahed drones, used in recent attacks, by circumventing international sanctions. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides experiencing significant losses and damage.
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