Russian aerial attacks targeted Sloviansk and three other Ukrainian cities Tuesday, killing four and injuring at least 17. Ukraine's air force reported downing 122 out of 137 Russian drones. Meanwhile, Ukrainian missiles struck Bryansk, western Russia, killing six civilians and injuring 37, reportedly hitting a Russian missile control system plant.
Both Moscow and Kyiv claim battlefield advancements. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Russian forces have gained significant ground in Ukraine's Donbas region, asserting control over a much smaller percentage of the Donetsk region than previously held by Ukraine.
Conversely, Ukrainian officials report nearly reclaiming all territory in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region during a counteroffensive, pushing Russian forces back over 400 square kilometers. Ukrainian troops claim to have breached Russian defenses, advancing over 10 kilometers due to poor Russian supply lines. US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are currently on hold, with US attention diverted to its military campaign in Iran.