Russia reinforces city air defenses as cross-border strikes continue

Ukrainian long-range drone strikes have hit multiple targets across Russia, including Belgorod, Crimea, and areas near Moscow. In response, Russian forces deployed three defensive air-defense rings around Moscow and Saint Petersburg by reallocating systems from front-line positions.

Amid ongoing clashes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukrainian forces will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region, while asserting confidence in future U.S. security commitments once hostilities end. However, debate over Western military support persists, with U.S. officials raising concerns over protecting sensitive defense technologies, specifically Patriot missile systems.

In maritime developments, an Italian naval vessel intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker off the coast of Pantelleria.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.