Daily brief
The EU has rejected Russia's demand that diplomats leave Kyiv, calling it an act of intimidation, and summoned the Russian envoy in protest. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rubio said Washington remains prepared to mediate on Ukraine despite Russian strikes, and Germany also summoned the Russian ambassador over the evacuation call.
Putin has signed a decree canceling debts for new recruits fighting in Ukraine, offering relief of up to 119,000 euros.
Putin's state visit to Kazakhstan is scheduled for tomorrow, and he wrote an article ahead of the trip praising the country's new constitution.
Russia's top prosecutor visited China, and a senior Russian diplomat warned of a growing risk of war between nuclear powers.
The Kremlin spokesman refused to pass on a peace plea from award-winning Russian director Zvyagintsev.