Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Defense has been preventing Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia for several months, indicating a controlled approach to military support for Ukraine [1] Group 1: U.S. Defense Department's Policy - Since late spring, a high-level approval process established by the U.S. Department of Defense has blocked Ukraine's attempts to use American-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets in Russia [1] - The approval process is overseen by Deputy Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin holding the final decision-making authority [1] - The review process not only applies to U.S. long-range missiles but also includes European weapons that rely on U.S. intelligence and components [1] Group 2: Political Context - Former President Trump stated that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia unless it can launch attacks against it, which some media interpret as encouragement for Ukraine to strike Russia [1] - However, U.S. officials clarified that Trump's comments do not signify a change in U.S. policy regarding military support for Ukraine [1]

Group 1 - The Kursk nuclear power plant reported that a Ukrainian drone was shot down by Russian air defense near the facility, causing a fire in an auxiliary transformer, but radiation levels remained unchanged and there were no casualties [1] - The acting governor of Kursk stated that the attack on the nuclear plant constitutes a war crime and poses a threat to nuclear safety, violating international law [1] - The International Atomic Energy Agency acknowledged reports of the transformer fire due to military activities but has not independently verified the information, emphasizing the need for protection of all nuclear facilities [2] Group 2 - A refinery in the Russian port of Ust-Luga caught fire following a Ukrainian drone attack, with local officials reporting that 10 drones were shot down in the area [3][4] - The fire at the Novatek refinery was caused by the wreckage of one of the drones, and firefighting efforts were initiated [5] - Novatek is linked to the Kremlin and operates significant liquefied natural gas production facilities in the Arctic region [6] Group 3 - The U.S. Department of Defense has been blocking Ukraine from using U.S.-made long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, with a high-level approval process in place since late spring [9] - This approval process effectively overturned a previous policy allowing Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, as stated by U.S. officials [10] - Ukraine has developed some domestic long-range weapons to target Russian infrastructure, including drones aimed at oil refineries and aircraft [10] Group 4 - Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov indicated that President Putin is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky, but only if the meeting is expected to yield results [14] - Lavrov mentioned that Russia's goals include eliminating threats to its security from Ukraine and protecting the rights of Russian-speaking residents [15] - The Russian side proposed the establishment of working groups during previous negotiations, but Ukraine has yet to respond [15]

Group 1: Incident Overview - A drone attack occurred at the Ust-Luga port in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, leading to significant damage to infrastructure involved in the war economy [1][3] - A fire broke out at a refinery operated by Novatek, a company linked to the Kremlin, due to debris from a downed drone [4][5] - The Kursk nuclear power plant experienced a fire caused by a Ukrainian drone, which was intercepted by Russian air defense [5][6] Group 2: U.S. Defense Department Actions - The U.S. Department of Defense has been preventing Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, implementing a high-level approval process since late spring [8] - This approval process has effectively overturned previous policies that allowed Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles against Russian targets [8] Group 3: Political Developments - Former President Trump indicated a significant shift in his stance, suggesting he may pause efforts to promote a peace agreement for Ukraine, expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict [10][11] - Trump plans to make an important decision regarding the future of the conflict within two weeks, although this timeframe is vague [10][12]

Group 1 - The Pentagon has been blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia for several months [1][3] - A previously undisclosed approval process by the U.S. Department of Defense has prevented Ukraine from launching any U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian targets since late spring [1] - This approval process was ultimately decided by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, overriding a decision made by former President Biden that allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS against Russia [3] Group 2 - The approval requirements also apply to Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which rely on U.S.-provided targeting data [3] - The White House Press Secretary stated that the current military situation between Russia and Ukraine remains unchanged, and Secretary Austin is aligned with President Trump on the matter [3]