Strike on Kharkiv, Bruce Willis's dementia, and Biden's physical exam: last night's highlights
Russia attacked Kharkiv with missiles at night, actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia, and US President Joe Biden was examined by a doctor. Here is what you may have missed from the previous night.
Biden was examined by a doctor
The doctor of the President of the United States conducted a routine examination, after which he reported that 80-year-old Joe Biden remains “healthy” and “vigorous” and is “fit to serve as president”. The medical examination lasted 3 hours and was Biden's second since taking office in January 2021.
Strike on Kharkiv
Russian occupation forces launched a missile attack on Kharkiv. Preliminarily, they used S-300 missiles. According to the Joint Forces Operation, the occupiers once again targeted infrastructure facilities. Information about the victims and the extent of the damage is currently being clarified.
The three last balloons shot down over the United States are not related to China
President Joe Biden said that there is no confirmation that the three balloons shot down by the United States over the past few days are related to China's aerial reconnaissance program. However, it is still unclear what the three unidentified objects were.
According to the intelligence community, the three objects were most likely balloons associated with private companies, recreational or research facilities that study the weather, or conduct other scientific research.
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with dementia
The family of Bruce Willis has announced that the 67-year-old Hollywood actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The aphasia, which Willis was diagnosed with in the spring of 2022, was progressing. The actor's family thanked the actor's fans for the “outpouring of love and compassion”.
Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a regular meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. He said that the priority at the front in the near future is to hold the situation and prepare for escalation.
The participants of the meeting also discussed the supply of weapons and ammunition and military training. They also reviewed the plans and capabilities of the occupiers and the potential for a Ukrainian response.
The United States will defend the Baltic States if necessary
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that the United States is ready to defend Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia if necessary, and will maintain its military presence in the region.
Other news:
- For the second time in two days, US warplanes intercepted Russian fighters and bombers flying near Alaska but did not enter US or Canadian airspace.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was “time” for Turkey to approve Sweden and Finland's applications to join the Alliance.
- The Ministry of Reintegration called for the evacuation of 6,000 civilians who remain in the frontline city of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast.
- The Ombudsman said that the Russian occupiers, who were exchanged for Ukrainian defenders, did not express any complaints or comments about their captivity. One of the Russians apologized to the Ukrainians.
- Ukraine and the EU agreed to combine initiatives to preserve and enhance forests.
- Russian troops again shelled Sumy Oblast and dropped explosives from a drone: nearly 70 arrivals destroyed civilian infrastructure in the region.