**Assad Confirmed to be in Russia**
Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is currently in Russia, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. This is the first official confirmation that Assad and his family fled Syria after being ousted from power by Syrian rebels.
Ryabkov said that Assad is “secured” in Russia, indicating that Moscow is taking care of him. The ousting of Assad’s regime is seen as a significant blow to Russia, which had been supporting him for years.
**Russia’s Military Activity in Syria**
It is unclear what this means for Russian military activity in Syria, where Moscow has maintained bases since 2015. Russian forces operating in Syria have been accused of committing war crimes, including the intentional bombing of hospitals and the use of “double-tap” attacks.
**Conflict Escalates in Ukraine**
Meanwhile, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. Ukrainian authorities reported at least eight civilian deaths and 57 injuries over the past day due to Russian attacks. A Ukrainian missile also struck a boiler plant in Russia’s Rostov Oblast, damaging critical infrastructure.
**Ukraine Receives Military Aid**
The U.S. Treasury Department announced $20 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine, part of a broader $50 billion initiative supported by G7 countries. The State Department also approved a $266 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine, enabling the sustainment of services and repairs necessary for the upkeep of F-16 fighter jets.
**Other Developments**
A Russian drone struck an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) service vehicle on its way to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Successful tests of a new Ukrainian missile, dubbed Ruta (Rue), are underway. Russia may have transferred MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea in exchange for North Korean soldiers.
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