Kremlin rejects conflict freeze as Russian strikes hit Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that freezing the war in Ukraine remains impossible due to Kyiv's stance, reiterating that hostilities will end only if Ukraine accepts Moscow's demands. Peskov's comments followed diplomatic calls for a ceasefire, including a proposal from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched aerial strikes across Ukraine. In Kyiv, attacks caused fires in the Desnyansky, Shevchenkivsky, and Solomyansky districts, damaging a warehouse, vehicles, and an abandoned building. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, preliminary findings cited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicate Russia deployed a North Korean ballistic missile during a strike on the village of Radushne. Intelligence reports had previously warned of imminent large-scale missile attacks.

In international developments, International Criminal Court member states voted to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following sexual misconduct allegations involving a colleague.

Sources: N1, Tanjug