Zelensky: 'Hit Russian intelligence headquarters in Kherson'
At least one hundred people were killed and injured, according to the Ukrainian president. Meanwhile from Berlin, Chancellor Merz proposes a third way to bring Kiev closer to the EU: 'associate member'
Key points
"Ukrainian special forces have struck the headquarters of the Russian FSB - the Kremlin's main security and intelligence agency, heir to the Soviet KGB - in the village of Genicheska Hirka, in the Kherson oblast, causing around a hundred casualties and injuries". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes this on X, attaching to his message a video showing the moment when Kiev drones simultaneously hit buildings in a village. "The Russians must feel the need to end this war," the Ukrainian leader concluded.
The fear of an attack from Belarus
In parallel, Ukraine is intensifying security measures in the regions bordering Belarus. This was stated by Kiev itself, after weeks of fears about a possible new attack by Russia's main regional ally. The Kremlin could use Belarus to launch a new offensive from the north, including towards the Ukrainian capital. The Ukrainian Security Service (Sbu) said that its units and the army are "implementing a comprehensive set of enhanced security measures in the northern regions of our country". The measures - which include intensified checks and controls on individuals and property - "will serve as an effective deterrent against any aggressive actions or operations by the enemy and its ally," the Sbu specified.
On Mondaythe Kremlin had rejected Ukraine's accusations of wanting to drag Belarus further into the war, calling them "an attempt at further incitement". Russia and Belarus are conducting joint nuclear exercises this week, involving thousands of soldiers, aircraft, and strategic missile forces. During the exercises, Zelensky said yesterday that his country was 'preparing to respond to any possible enemy action, should the Russians dare to extend their aggression'.
Merz: Ukraine to become 'associate member' of the EU
In a letter addressed to EU leaders and made public by Afp, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes associating Ukraine with the European Union, before its full membership takes time. "It is clear that we will not be able to complete the accession process in the near future, given the countless obstacles and political complexities of the ratification procedures," he writes in the letter. Consequently, Berlin proposes to grant Kiev 'associate member' status, a 'decisive step' before full membership.
It is important to make it clear that this is by no means a 'light' or watered-down membership, Merz pointed out.
