**Ukraine Suffers Heavy Losses as Russia Intensifies Attacks**
The situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with a new wave of attacks by Russian forces causing significant damage and casualties. According to a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, 1,200 Russian troops were wounded or killed over the past day alone. This brings the total number of Russian casualties since the start of the conflict to a staggering figure.
In addition to the human cost, Ukraine has also suffered significant losses in terms of infrastructure. The ministry’s statement revealed that 305 medical facilities were completely destroyed, while another 2020 medical buildings were partially damaged. These attacks on healthcare infrastructure are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and have severe consequences for civilians and wounded soldiers.
**European Leaders Show Support for Ukraine**
Despite the escalating conflict, European leaders continue to show their support for Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that “Europe will support Ukraine” in a statement that sends a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This united front from Europe is crucial as it sends a clear signal that the international community will not stand idly by while Ukraine faces aggression.
**Ukraine Considers Changing Currency**
In other news, Ukraine’s National Bank Governor Andrii Pyshnyi revealed that the country is considering abandoning its use of the US dollar and switching to the euro as a benchmark for the hryvnia. This move could have significant implications for Ukraine’s economy, but it may also help reduce the country’s reliance on Western currencies.
**Russia’s Military Targets Disrupted**
The Atesh partisan group has claimed responsibility for disrupting Russian military communication systems by destroying equipment at a transformer substation in Russia’s Moscow Oblast. While the authenticity of this claim cannot be verified, it suggests that Ukraine is still able to launch effective counter-attacks against Russian forces.
**US Treasury Secretary Labels Putin a ‘War Criminal’**
The conflict has also drawn attention from Washington, where US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked if he considers Vladimir Putin a “war criminal.” In response, Bessent said, “Yes,” which reflects the growing international consensus that Putin’s actions are indeed those of a warlord.
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