Ukraine updates: Putin says Kursk attack won't deter Russia

Russia strikes Kyiv, Sumy with missiles, drones as Ukraine children return to school. Putin says Kursk attack won't stop Russian offensive in east. Ukraine urges West for long-range weapons. Russian military commander Mumindzhanov detained in corruption probe. Putin visits ICC member Mongolia despite arrest warrant.

Russia is amending its nuclear doctrine, which has both published and secret classified aspects, in response to the Ukraine war and perceived Western escalation. Russia has nearly 6,000 nuclear warheads, while the US has over 5,000, and other nuclear-armed countries include China, France, the UK, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. Russia's nuclear threats aim to deter Western intervention, with its decision to change the doctrine "connected with the escalation course of our Western adve..

Russia is constantly drawing new "red lines" in the Ukraine war; however, expert Nico Lange sees these as non-existent. Russia uses nuclear threats to avoid pressure to act. Attacks on cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg are no longer defined as an "existential threat".

Russia shows little interest in Kursk, as it is focusing on other front sections. Ukraine is using the element of surprise and prisoners of war to improve its negotiating position. According to experts, Russia's "red lines" have shifted. In addition, the International Atomic Energy Agency warns of dangers at the Kursk nuclear power plant due to its Chernobyl-like design. Currently, a "dualism" can be observed: success in Kursk, but a difficult situation in the Donbass for Ukraine.