The morning coverage focused on Russia's first combat use of the Oreshnik missile system against targets in Dnipro, with state media emphasizing its technical capabilities and strategic messaging. Pentagon confirmed prior notification of the launch, while Ukraine's parliament canceled its session citing strike threats.
By afternoon, Putin announced continued testing and serial production of Oreshnik systems, while Kremlin spokesman Peskov framed the strike as a demonstration of response capabilities to Western weapon supplies. Independent media maintained skepticism about the missile's impact, while Western responses ranged from concern to dismissal.
In parallel developments, 46 Kursk region residents returned from Ukrainian territory, while polling indicated majority Russian support for negotiations with Ukraine for the first time since the war's start. The yuan crossed 14 rubles for the first time since October 2023, reflecting ongoing economic adjustments.