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The European Union is set to impose sanctions on nine individuals accused of involvement in alleged war crimes linked to the killings in Bucha, Ukraine, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. The move forms part of ongoing European efforts to hold individuals accountable for actions during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has stated that more than 1,400 civilians were killed in Bucha, a town near Kyiv, during a 33-day occupation by Russian forces in the early phase of the 2022 invasion. The sanctions are expected to target individuals allegedly connected to these events, reinforcing the EU’s stance on accountability and international law violations linked to the conflict.

In addition to the nine individuals, the EU plans to sanction several alleged Kremlin propagandists accused of spreading disinformation. Among them is Franco-Russian national Adrien Bocquet, whom Barrot described as a recruiter of foreign fighters and a figure involved in promoting narratives supporting the war and influencing audiences across Europe and Africa.

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The war in Ukraine is rapidly evolving into a high-tech battlefield, with armed robots playing a growing role in combat operations. Uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are now being deployed by Ukrainian forces to carry out risky tasks such as attacking enemy positions, defending front lines, and even capturing opposing soldiers. Military officials say these robotic systems help reduce risks to human troops in increasingly dangerous combat zones.

Some Ukrainian UGVs are equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, or explosives and are used in ambushes or kamikaze-style missions against enemy positions. Unlike aerial drones, these ground robots can move quietly across the battlefield, making them difficult to detect. Despite their advanced capabilities, commanders say the final decision to fire remains with human operators controlling the machines remotely to avoid mistakes and protect civilians.

Both Ukraine and Russia are expanding the use of robotic combat systems as the war continues. Ukrainian manufacturers have significantly increased production, with thousands of UGVs already deployed and demand expected to surge further. Experts say future battles could involve swarms of coordinated drones and robots operating across land, air and sea, marking a major shift in the way wars are fought.

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A bomb explosion in Moscow on Wednesday killed two police officers and another person near the site where a senior Russian general was assassinated earlier this week, Russian authorities said. The blast occurred when the officers approached a man behaving suspiciously, close to the location where Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed by a car bomb two days ago.

Russia’s State Investigative Committee said the explosive device detonated as the officers confronted the suspect, resulting in three deaths. Criminal cases have been opened under charges related to the murder of law enforcement personnel and the illegal trafficking of explosives. Officials did not identify the third victim, while reports from unofficial Russian Telegram channels suggested the bomber may have been among those killed—claims Reuters could not independently verify.

The incident comes amid a series of assassinations targeting Russian military figures and prominent supporters of the war in Ukraine during the nearly four-year conflict. Moscow has accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating several such attacks, including the killing of General Sarvarov, though Kyiv has not officially commented on the latest explosion.

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A Turkish car ferry, Cenk T, was damaged in an air strike at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Friday, triggering a major fire onboard. The vessel was anchored at Chornomorsk port when it was hit around 4:00 pm local time, according to operator Cenk Denizcilik. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for the attack, though Moscow has not commented on the incident.

The ferry was reportedly carrying essential food supplies when the strike occurred. Emergency response teams, including the ship’s crew, port firefighters and tugboats, were deployed to control the blaze, which broke out in the forward section of the vessel. The company confirmed there were no casualties or injuries among the crew. Video footage shared by Ukrainian authorities showed intense flames and efforts to douse the fire.

The attack came amid renewed diplomatic calls for a limited ceasefire covering ports and energy infrastructure, proposed earlier by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey’s foreign ministry urged steps to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and prevent further escalation. Later the same day, additional Russian strikes damaged port infrastructure in Odesa, knocking out power to thousands of homes and highlighting the continued risks to civilian and commercial facilities in the region.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the frontline town of Kupiansk after Kyiv said its forces had retaken parts of the northeastern city and encircled Russian troops. In a video shared on social media, Zelenskiy appeared in a bulletproof vest near a sign marking the town, praising the operation and saying battlefield successes were crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s position in ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Ukrainian military officials said troops had liberated several northern districts of Kupiansk, cutting off Russian supply routes and surrounding hundreds of enemy soldiers. The Khartiia Corps of Ukraine’s National Guard claimed Russian forces in the city were now completely isolated. These battlefield reports could not be independently verified, and Russia has not commented on the claims.

The developments come amid conflicting narratives over control of eastern Ukrainian towns, with Moscow asserting continued advances and Kyiv denying key losses. Open-source battlefield maps indicate Ukrainian control over multiple villages near Kupiansk and suggest Russian troops may be encircled in the city centre. The situation remains fluid as fighting continues across the region.

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Frontline Ukrainian soldiers have reacted sharply to a leaked draft US peace proposal, expressing a mix of anger, defiance and reluctant acceptance. Speaking to the BBC via social media and email, several troops rejected the idea of conceding territory and limiting military strength. Yaroslav, serving in eastern Ukraine, said the plan “sucks… no one will support it,” while an army medic known as Shtutser called it an “absolutely disgraceful draft.” Another soldier, Matros, said the proposals undermine years of sacrifice and would “disregard the lives of fallen soldiers and civilians.”

One of the most contentious elements of the draft is the suggestion that Ukraine give up control of the entire Donbas region, parts of which it has defended since 2014. Snake, a soldier on the front line, argued that abandoned and devastated towns are no longer worth prolonged loss of life, saying “let them take it.” However, others insist surrendering territory would nullify everything the country has fought for. The proposal also suggests reducing Ukraine’s armed forces from more than 800,000 to 600,000 troops, a move some say could weaken national security, although others argue it is necessary for economic recovery and peace.

Security guarantees and political reforms remain key areas of debate. The draft rules out NATO membership but pledges US assurances if Russia launches another attack, while also proposing fresh elections within 100 days of war’s end. Some troops express mistrust in both Europe and the US, doubting their ability to protect Ukraine. Yet despite widespread frustration and dissatisfaction, one message is clear: many are exhausted by the prolonged conflict and would support any plan capable of ending the war. As soldier Andrii put it, “If it stops the war, then it works for me.”

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