Russia has rejected the role of Switzerland in leading peace efforts in Ukraine, following Switzerland’s plans to host a high-level peace conference. Russian authorities have criticized Switzerland for its stance on the conflict and its support for EU sanctions against Russia. The Russian ambassador to the UN in Geneva stated that Moscow believes Switzerland has compromised its neutrality by freezing billions of dollars in Russian assets.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy has dismissed the country’s head of the security council, Oleksiy Danilov, without providing a reason for the decision. This comes after a recent military shake-up in Ukraine, which is seen as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s position amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. The replacement for Danilov will be Oleksandr Lytvynenko, who previously served as the head of the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service.
The head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine of being responsible for a deadly terrorist attack in Moscow. Despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the attack, Russia continues to allege the involvement of Western intelligence services and Ukraine in the incident. These claims have been denied by Ukraine and dismissed by the White House as Kremlin propaganda.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has deemed the idea of further mobilization to protect Russian territory from Ukrainian attacks as “nonsense.” This statement comes amid concerns over the need for a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine, with President Putin expressing intentions to secure the Belgorod region. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to increased tensions and military actions in the region.
One of Russia’s top officials has claimed that Ukraine was responsible for the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, without presenting any evidence to support this assertion. The Kremlin has refrained from commenting on the alleged connection between the attackers and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation before making any official statements. The attack has heightened geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both parties engaging in accusations and denials of involvement.
The Security Service of Ukraine has stated that more “special operations” targeting Russian military hardware and infrastructure are planned for the future. This comes as Ukraine aims to disrupt Russia’s defense capabilities and deplete its energy export revenues. The SBU has carried out attacks on Russian oil refineries in a bid to reduce Russia’s capabilities and funding for the ongoing conflict. The escalation of attacks and counteractions between Russia and Ukraine indicates the continued volatility and hostilities between the two countries.
