President Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian troops operating in Russia's Belgorod region, following yesterday's acknowledgment of cross-border operations. Former Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi revealed details about a joint Ukraine-US command center in Wiesbaden that served as Ukraine's "secret weapon" for planning operations.
The most significant development came midday when Zelensky announced the capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk region, sharing video evidence that prompted Ukraine's Foreign Ministry to summon China's chargé d'affaires. The Ukrainian brigade later released capture details.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw up to 10,000 US troops from Eastern Europe and remove forces from a key logistics hub in Poland supporting Ukraine. Goldman Sachs estimated a 70% probability of a Ukrainian peace agreement.
By evening, Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, with multiple drone strikes on Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Kramatorsk causing fires and civilian casualties. The frontline saw 135 combat engagements and 69 Russian air strikes.