Russia-Ukraine war
Russia and Ukraine have released new reports on their ongoing conflict, with both blaming each other for targeting military facilities, including ammunition depots and air defense systems. Moscow said the Russian military had repelled multiple attacks by the Ukrainian army in Donetsk, Lyman and other directions, destroying tanks, armored vehicles and other equipment. Russia added, its air defenses also intercepted several Ukrainian drones and rockets. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said in a report that its forces had engaged in about 20 battles with the Russian army in Kupyansk and other areas. It added the Ukrainian air force had struck Russian troops, air defense facilities and artillery positions. Ukraine further admitted that its troops were not advancing so quickly against Russian forces in the south and the east.
US military spending
The US House of Representatives has passed a record defense budget of 866 billion dollars for the next year. The bill was approved by 219 votes against 210 almost exclusively along party lines. The spending package includes initiatives to counter China and an additional 300 million dollar support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. However, a number of amendments introduced by the majority Republicans in the house, undermined democratic support. They include restrictions on abortion health services to the personnel. The amendments mean the legislation will be on rocky ground in the democratic-controlled senate. There, democrats are expected to start the process of passing their own version of the defense policy bill next week. It must also be approved by the House before being signed into law.
South Korea deadly flooding
At least 24 people have died and 10 remain unaccounted for as flooding hits South Korea. Thousands were also evacuated nationwide as a third day of torrential rains caused landslides and overflowed a dam in North Chungcheong province. Local governments' evacuation orders covered more than 7,000 people at various times. Some trains were also halted or delayed due to safety concerns caused by track flooding and falling rocks. The military has been called in to join rescue operations.