The morning began with Ukrainian claims of Russia using an ICBM against Dnepropetrovsk, which Moscow initially refused to comment on. By afternoon, Putin made an unexpected address confirming Russia's first combat use of the experimental "Oreshnik" ballistic missile system, framing it as a response to recent Storm Shadow and ATACMS strikes inside Russian territory.
In parallel, the US Treasury expanded sanctions against Russia's financial sector, targeting Gazprombank - the last major Russian bank maintaining direct connections to Western financial systems. The State Duma approved a federal budget for 2025-2027 with record military spending.
The International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Galant received extensive coverage in Russian media, with Moscow using the development to criticize Western selective approach to international law.