Daily brief
The Financial Times reports it has uncovered a $90 billion Russian oil smuggling operation, with an email blunder allegedly exposing the ring that evades Western sanctions.
Ukrainian forces report retaking ground in the south and downing $75 million in Russian air defenses in Zaporizhzhia, while Estonian intelligence says communication issues are hobbling Russian efforts.
A new report details the alleged recruitment of a thousand Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine (ongoing coverage).
NORAD detected Russian aircraft off Alaska and scrambled jets in response, while the Portuguese navy is monitoring a Russian ship for suspicious activity.
President Zelensky ruled out a withdrawal from Donbas and warned that North Korean troops are learning drone warfare in Russia.