Russia-Ukraine War Escalates with Deadly Strikes, Drone Warfare, and Rising Casualties

Intensified fighting sees missile and drone attacks, significant losses on both sides, and geopolitical tensions as Ukraine faces challenges in defending key positions.

Russian missile strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed five people and injured over 50, including civilians, highlighting the continued targeting of residential areas.
Ukraine conducted high-precision drone strikes on Russian energy facilities, damaging a major oil refinery and gas plant, disrupting supplies critical to Russia's military operations.
Heavy combat persists in the Pokrovsk sector, with Ukrainian forces repelling numerous Russian assaults despite being outnumbered and facing logistical challenges.
North Korean troops deployed to support Russia have reportedly halted combat operations since mid-January due to heavy casualties, according to South Korean intelligence.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested tying future U.S. aid to Ukraine to access to rare earth metals, signaling a shift in the United States' approach to supporting Kyiv.