"Russian Drone Attacks Escalate in Ukraine, but Ukrainian Air Defenses Hold Strong"

Ukraine reports incremental gains in heavy fighting against Russian forces, reclaiming 37.4 square kilometers of territory in the past week. Russia's armed forces are bruised but not beaten, according to a top NATO military officer, who also announced a major revamp of NATO's military plans in case of further escalation. China and Russia held their first formal military talks since the Wagner Revolt, reaffirming their military relations and expressing hopes for increased cooperation. Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv, the first in 12 days, with all drones being detected and shot down. Russia claims to have brought 700,000 Ukrainian children to its territory, citing protection of orphans and abandoned children, while Ukraine and the US accuse Russia of illegal deportations.