RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE What is known about string of blasts at Ukraine’s power facilities Russia’s Armed Forces have struck Ukraine’s energy sector and military-industrial complex in response to Kiev’s attempts to attack Russian power facilities, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters. According to the ministry, the strikes were carried out with drones as well as sea-and air-launched precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles. In the early hours of Wednesday, explosions occurred at fuel and energy facilities in Kiev as well as in several other Ukrainian regions. Power outages were reported in some Ukrainian cities and districts. The authorities urged citizens…

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Russia, Ukraine trade allegations of chemical weapons use Russia and Ukraine have accused each other at the global chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague of using banned toxins on the battlefield, the organisation said on Tuesday. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said that the accusations were "insufficiently substantiated" but added: "The situation remains volatile and extremely concerning regarding the possible re-emergence of use of toxic chemicals as weapons." Neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally asked the OPCW to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons, it said. Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s first deputy foreign minister,…