Russian Strikes Wound 25 Across Ukraine; Sweden Alleges Russian Economic Data Manipulation
Russian strikes wounded 25 people across four Ukrainian regions, with Sumy, Kharkiv, Sloviansk, and Dnipropetrovsk affected. Meanwhile, Sweden's military intelligence accused Russia of manipulating economic data to hide its true state, though it maintains its strategic objectives despite economic weakness.
Russian strikes across Ukraine wounded 25 people in at least four regions. In Sumy, 15 people were wounded, and apartment buildings and a medical facility were damaged by drones. Emergency services evacuated residents and doused burning cars, suspending operations multiple times due to repeated attack threats.
Three people were wounded in Kharkiv region, and another three in Sloviansk. Four more were wounded in Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine reported Russia launched two missiles and 143 drones, with air defense intercepting one missile and 116 drones.
Separately, Sweden's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) stated Russia is manipulating economic data to appear more resilient, likely facing higher inflation and a larger budget deficit than communicated. MUST head Thomas Nilsson noted that despite a weak economy, Russia maintains its strategic objectives, including continuing the war in Ukraine and conducting hybrid activities in EU and NATO countries. Economic constraints and sanctions affect Russia's military capabilities and speed of deployment.