Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1708: Russia clones Euromaidan Press to blame Ukraine for its own Kramatorsk strike

On day 1708 of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia staged a false news story, cloning the Ukrainian news outlet Euromaidan Press. The intention was to falsely accuse Ukraine of the strike on Kramatorsk. This fake news was part of Russia's broader disinformation campaign that has infiltrated trusted news brands like RT and Sputnik.

In response to this and other disinformation efforts, Ukrainian supporters staged protests in over ten cities across Europe, the US, and Australia. They condemned what they saw as US moves to ease sanctions on Russia while putting pressure on Kyiv to make concessions.

Ukraine's military has been struggling with the implementation of new fixed-term contracts for its soldiers. Only 8,600 out of the intended number have signed up in the past four months. Ukraine is reportedly planning to push Operation Vivaldi across the Zherebets River, a move that carries significant risk.

The military observer also highlighted that nearly 5,000 tons of nitric acid for Russia's military-industrial complex have been delivered and are now a strategic target for Ukraine. The reason behind this is that Azot plant, which sold steel to an S-400 missile builder, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes.

Ukraine's military uses drones and missiles equipped with the "Susanin" optical-navigation module, which may push them into nighttime blackouts. If Russia begins mass use of such drones and missiles, Ukraine might have to reconsider its wartime blackout strategy.

Russia is also developing its own Starlink satellite system, which cannot be switched off by foreign companies. Ukraine has identified 49 firms behind these satellites, 23 of which face no sanctions from Kyiv's allies. One of these companies is Roscosmos, responsible for putting satellites into orbit.

Meanwhile, a Russian cruise missile that fell almost intact in Odesa Oblast, with a box-shaped body, a V-tail, composite skin, and no matching name, was captured by Ukrainian specialists. This gives them a chance to study Russia's new design.

Two weeks before Starlink faced a speed cap issue, a Ukrainian test satellite was launched on a SpaceX rocket, serving Ukraine's strategic security. Zelenskyy recently complained about delays in US-approved air defense supplies, suggesting they help Russia's strikes and weaken Ukraine's position in diplomacy.

Zelenskyy also expressed fear about a potential meeting between Trump, Xi, and Putin, fearing it could redivide the world's spheres of influence, with Ukraine on the agenda. Meanwhile, Ukraine has sought to have talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi before a proposed Trump-Putin-Xi summit.

In another development, Russia has abducted Ukrainian children, and the Netherlands has pledged €1.2 billion in aid to help trace them, as part of a new aid package. The Dutch government also aims to provide opportunities for rebuilding Ukraine through partnerships and export insurance.

Ukraine is concerned that Russia may not allow Oleshky evacuees a free choice to return to Ukraine. Those who do may have to travel through Russia first, with no guarantee that they will be allowed to enter.

A warehouse in Kharkiv was hit by a Russian drone, injuring five people, including a 4-year-old child. The next day, another drone struck the same district, killing one person and injuring two more. Russia has replaced Ukrainians with Russian settlers in occupied Kherson Oblast, with only 10-20% of the pre-war population remaining.