Putin reacted to the elimination of Iran's supreme leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike executed by US and Israel yesterday. Russian leader called it a "cynical murder" and a "blatant violation of all norms of human morality and international law."

In a message sent to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and released by the Kremlin on March 1, Putin expressed his deepest condolences" to Khamenei's family, the Iranian government, and the people of Iran, describing the act as an assassination carried out in cynical disregard for global legal and ethical standards. He praised Khamenei as an outstanding statesman who significantly strengthened Russian-Iranian ties, elevating them to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and pledged continued support to Tehran.

So far,Putin did not announce any immediate concrete military or retaliatory measures, focusing instead on diplomatic condemnation and solidarity. The Kremlin leader emphasized that Khamenei would be remembered in Russia for his personal contribution to bilateral relations, while avoiding direct threats or escalation rhetoric in the public statement.

This is Moscow's careful balancing act, to maintain alliance with Iran (Russia's key partner in energy, military cooperation, and countering Western influence) without provoking a broader conflict with the U.S. and Israel at a time of ongoing Ukraine negotiations and frail U.S.-Russia contacts under Trump. that

While Putin strongly denounced the strike, his statements showcased that he picked up a restraint rather than escalation for now.

Four killed in Russian strike on Kherson

Four people were killed in a Russian strike on Kherson on the afternoon of March 1, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported.

Two elderly women were killed near the entrance of a residential building. An 85-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were taken to hospital in critical condition with blast injuries and multiple shrapnel wounds to the head and torso, but later died from their injuries.

Russia hit a residential building in Kharkiv

Russia attacked the city of Kharkiv with drones overnight on March 1, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported.

Several strikes were recorded in three districts of the city, mostly without significant damage. By morning, a drone hit an accommodation building in the Shevchenkivskyi district.A fire broke out at the scene, and residents were evacuated. No casualties have been reported.

Ukrainian airborne troops broke through Russian defenses on the Oleksandrivka front

Units from the 132nd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion of the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces have broken through Russian defensive positions on the Oleksandrivka front in southern Ukraine, the Air Assault Forces Command said on Facebook.

According to the military, the operation destroyed Russian firing positions, personnel, and ammunition depots. Officials said the breakthrough disrupted Moscow’s plans for further offensive actions in the area.The command added that the success allowed Ukrainian forces to secure a foothold, creating conditions for a tactical advance by additional units.