"Escalating Violence: Russia's Attacks in Ukraine Leave Death and Destruction"

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, remains at large and active despite leading an abortive mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials report that seven people, including children, were killed in Russian attacks in the Kherson region. Ukraine has replaced a destroyed border marker on Snake Island, a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. Russia intercepted three more Ukrainian drone attacks, and two ammunition depots were destroyed in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky. The UK Ministry of Defence suggests that Belarus may be funding the Wagner Group instead of Russia. One civilian was killed and six were wounded in shelling in the Donetsk region. European leaders welcomed China's presence at Ukraine peace talks, signaling a blow to Russia, but remain wary of Beijing's ties with Moscow. Russia also intercepted a Ukrainian drone over the border region of Belgorod.