"Russian Influence Grows in Ukraine as Conflict Escalates"

Ukraine's occupied regions will be included in Russia's conscription campaign for the first time, as the military operation in Ukraine continues into its 20th month. Switzerland has imposed further sanctions on Iran over its supply of drones to Russia, while the UK has imposed asset freezes and travel bans on Russian officials in annexed parts of Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has raised questions about starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, citing the ongoing war. The first Latin American parliamentary conference has begun in Moscow, as many countries in the region seek to assert their divergent positions from the West. The International Atomic Energy Agency has adopted a resolution calling for the return of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to full Ukrainian control. Russian shelling has injured civilians in Kherson, Ukraine, and a Ukrainian drone has reportedly struck a Russian power substation. Slovakia's upcoming election could see a Putin-sympathizing candidate win, potentially fracturing EU support for Ukraine. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has visited Kyiv to reaffirm France's support, while Kazakh President Tokayev has assured Germany that Kazakhstan will not help Russia evade sanctions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has discussed the need to strengthen the country's air defenses with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.