Sergei Shoigu appointed as secretary of national security council by Putin

In the latest developments of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made significant changes to his national security council, appointing Sergei Shoigu as the new secretary. This move comes as Putin begins his fifth presidential term and amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The reshuffle also saw Timur Ivanov, a Russian deputy defense minister, being jailed on charges of bribery. Additionally, the entire Russian Cabinet resigned as Putin started his new term.

On the ground in Ukraine, thousands of civilians have fled as Russia intensifies its ground offensive in the northeast. The town of Vovchansk has become a focal point in the battle, with Russian forces approaching from multiple directions and engaging in infantry fighting.

Analysts believe that Russia is aiming to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies can reach Ukrainian forces. The strategy involves launching a disproportionate amount of fire and infantry assaults to exhaust Ukrainian troops and firepower.

In a tragic incident, a 10-story apartment building collapsed in the Russian city of Belgorod, near the border, killing at least eight people. Russian authorities attributed the collapse to Ukrainian shelling, although Ukraine has not commented on the incident.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of halting Russia’s offensive in the northeast, stating that disrupting Russian intentions is a top priority. Ukrainian troops are continuing counteroffensive operations in the Kharkiv region.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have captured several villages along the border, while Ukrainian authorities confirmed Russian occupation of certain areas. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in intense battles and maneuvering in the region.