**Russian Troops Caught Dressing as Civilians in Ukraine**
Russian soldiers have been spotted wearing civilian clothes to hide their movements in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast. A video posted by the 28th Mechanized Brigade on Facebook shows two alleged Russian soldiers dressed in civilian clothing.
The brigade said this is a “violation of the rules of warfare” and can be classified as a war crime under international law. They claim that Russian infantrymen try to disguise themselves, but are often exposed by their identical clothing and behavior.
**Ukraine Accuses Russia of War Crimes**
Back in September, Ukraine accused Russia of 137,000 war crimes carried out during its full-scale invasion. These include the mass abduction of Ukrainian children, torture of residents in occupied territories, and murder of civilians and prisoners of war (POWs).
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s Ombudsman reported that Russian troops had allegedly killed three Ukrainian POWs in the southwest of Donetsk Oblast.
**Other Developments**
* The European Commission plans to begin drafting new sanctions against Russia next week.
* A drone strike hit a refinery in Tatarstan, Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported.
* Slovakia’s Prime Minister called Ukraine an unreliable partner and accused President Zelensky of blackmailing European leaders for support.
* Afghanistan became the largest importer of Russian flour in 2024.
**Russian Military Activity**
* Russia launched 94 Shahed-type and decoy drones from bases in Millerovo, Oryol, Bryansk, and Kursk.
* Russian troops shelled settlements in Donetsk Oblast 20 times over the past day, killing one person.
* The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 47 drones were shot down over 11 oblasts.
**International Response**
* Switzerland expressed its readiness to host a high-level meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
* The United States said it will continue to support Ukraine after President Biden leaves office.
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