First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, Tass, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
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Russia blames Ukraine for bomb that killed military blogger. From AP. Russian authorities blamed Ukrainian intelligence agencies today for orchestrating a bombing at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed a Russian military blogger who fervently supported Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and arrested a suspect accused of involvement in the attack. Vladlen Tatarsky, 40, was killed Sunday as he was leading a discussion at a cafe in the historic heart of Russia’s second-largest city, officials . . . READ MORE . . .
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Suspect held in blast that killed Russian military blogger: Official. From AFP. Russian investigators said today they have detained a suspect over a bomb blast in a cafe in Russia’s second city that killed a top military blogger and supporter of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. “Darya Trepova has been detained on suspicion of involvement in the explosion in a cafe in St Petersburg,” Russia’s Investigative Committee said following . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ukraine says its forces fight on in Bakhmut, mocks Russian claim to have captured city, by Pavel Polityuk | Reuters * Wagner’s Prigozhin says his forces have raised flag in Bakhmut * Ukrainian officials say defenders still fighting * Kremlin sees Ukraine involvement in assassination of blogger * Russia to move tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus’ west | KYIV — Ukraine’s military said its troops were locked in combat with Russian forces around the administration building of Bakhmut today, and it poured scorn on Russian claims that mercenary fighters had captured the eastern city after months of warfare. A Ukrainian spokesman said that . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russian air defenses down 10 HIMARS, Smerch rockets in Ukraine operation – top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — In the past day Russian air defense forces intercepted ten rockets of the HIMARS and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and destroyed seven Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov said today in addition to listing Ukrainian casualties. READ MORE . . .
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White House applies more pressure on those helping Russia evade sanctions. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR The U.S. is trying to step up enforcement of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine — looking to make countries and their companies fear losing business if they evade sanctions. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
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A year later: How 3 elderly people in Ukraine are surviving in a time of war. Reported by Elissa Nadworny | NPR Not everyone can evacuate when there is war. A year ago in Kyiv, NPR profiled three elderly residents who stayed behind — unwilling or unable to leave. A year later, we find out how they are doing. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.