Moscow/Kyiv - Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to prioritize space projects, including the establishment of a nuclear power unit in space. Meanwhile, the Russian-controlled management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, said on Thursday that the Ukrainian army had shelled a critical infrastructure facility at the plant.
Ukrainian intelligence reports armed groups pressing into Russian territory, sparking conflict in border regions. French President Emmanuel Macron warns of the consequences of Russian victory in Ukraine, urging Europeans to prepare for potential escalation.
In a recent statement reported by state news agency TASS, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of advancing space projects, notably highlighting plans for a nuclear power unit to operate in space.
Putin urged proper financing for these endeavors, stressing Russia's unique competencies and the need to set priorities. He cited ongoing collaboration with China on a project to install a nuclear reactor on the moon as an example of strategic partnerships in space exploration. Putin's remarks come amid reports of Russia's efforts to develop a nuclear space weapon, raising concerns about potential disruptions to satellite networks.
Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, revealed plans for a joint project with China to establish a power reactor on the moon by 2033-2035. This collaboration builds upon a memorandum signed in 2021 between Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration for the creation of an International Lunar Research Station.
Voting has begun in Russia's presidential election, which is all but certain to hand Vladimir Putin another six years in power.
Ukrainian intelligence officials have reported armed groups, purportedly composed of Russians opposed to the Kremlin, pressing an incursion into Russian territory. According to Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's GUR intelligence directorate, Belgorod and Kursk regions have become active combat zones, with Ukrainian-based groups conducting armed operations. These actions, allegedly undertaken by Russian citizens defending their civil rights against the Putin regime, have led to clashes and casualties on both sides.
In response to these claims, Vyachslav Gladkov, governor of Russia's Belgorod region, refuted allegations of Ukrainian forces' presence within the region. While acknowledging attacks in border areas, Gladkov stated that the fighting occurred outside the region's territory. He confirmed casualties among civilians and emphasized the serious damage inflicted on affected villages.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning about the implications of a Russian victory in Ukraine. Macron labeled Russia as an adversary, cautioning that Europe's credibility would suffer irreparable damage if it failed to support Ukraine. His comments come amid debates within France over its stance on the conflict, with opposition leaders criticizing Macron's firm stance. Macron urged Europeans not to appear weak in the face of Russian aggression, emphasizing the need to stand firm in support of Ukraine.