Russian Attacks Kill Boy in Ukraine

In a series of escalating conflicts, Russian attacks have led to the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, where a munition struck near a children's playground. The regional governor, Ivan Fedorov, confirmed the boy succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Concurrently, a missile and drone assault on northern Ukraine's energy infrastructure caused a significant fire, releasing chlorine gas into the atmosphere, prompting urgent safety concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the situation in Donetsk as "difficult," as Russian forces claimed to have captured the town of Niu-York, a contested area since 2014. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have made significant advances into Russia's Kursk region, with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stating they have penetrated 28-35 kilometers. In response, Russia is reportedly redeploying troops to bolster its defenses in the area. Amidst these developments, Ukraine has reported that hundreds of Russian servicemen surrendered during the ongoing Kursk offensive, with discussions underway for a potential prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 45 Ukrainian drones targeting various regions, including Moscow, highlighting the ongoing aerial confrontations. As the conflict intensifies, Ukraine is also moving forward with legislation aimed at prohibiting the Russian Orthodox Church within its territory, reflecting the broader implications of the war on religious and cultural institutions.