Ukraine hits Russian economy with drone attacks on Russian financial system

Israeli forces are accused of committing a potential war crime after an airstrike in southern Lebanon killed journalist Amal Khalil and critically injured freelance camerawoman Zeinab Faraj on 22 April. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the attack appears to have targeted civilians, raising serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law. The organization claims that the Israeli military was aware or should have been aware that the two women were non-combatants during the assault. The incident took place in the town of Al-Tiri, where HRW reconstructed the sequence of events based on video footage, witness testimonies, and communications. The first strike hit a car ahead of the journalists, killing two men they knew, Ali Bazzi and Mohammed al-Hourani. This forced Khalil and Faraj to flee their vehicle and take shelter in a nearby building. A second strike struck their parked car, injuring Khalil, while a third attack destroyed the building they had taken refuge in. Throughout the attack, Israeli quadcopter drones hovered close, reportedly causing fear among the victims. Faraj described the experience to Amnesty International, stating that the drones came within less than a meter of her, hovering and provoking intense fear. She recounted how she covered her face, fearing an explosion, though the drones did not appear to carry visible explosives. Phone records showed that Khalil remained in contact with first responders and family members during the attacks. Despite calls for assistance from the Lebanese Red Cross, the Israeli military allegedly obstructed rescue efforts by firing a stun grenade from a drone, forcing medical personnel to retreat. The Lebanese Red Cross ambulance was damaged by gunfire, and photographs reviewed by HRW indicate that the vehicle sustained injuries consistent with small arms fire. A report from Tebnin Governmental Hospital noted that Khalil was still alive when the paramedics were forced to withdraw at approximately 17:53. She ultimately died from cardiac arrest around 19:00 due to a severe head injury. Her body was recovered by rescuers at around 23:00. The Israeli military has denied targeting the journalists, asserting that the strikes were directed at two Hezbollah operatives. It claimed that the incident was part of a broader series of events and that it regrets any harm caused to journalists. However, HRW and Amnesty International argue that the evidence clearly indicates that Israeli forces knew or should have known the victims were civilians. Both organizations have called for an independent investigation and accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law. This incident adds to a growing list of allegations against Israel regarding the targeting of journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has previously accused Israel of engaging in a documented pattern of accusing journalists of being terrorists without credible evidence. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, particularly concerning the role of Hezbollah in the conflict. Meanwhile, in unrelated developments, Ukrainian forces have continued their attacks on Russian infrastructure. On 3 August 2026, Ukrainian drones struck a logistics center belonging to the Russian online retailer Wildberries in Yekaterinburg, leading to a fire. The attack, which targeted supply chains supporting Russia’s military operations, resulted in damage and injuries. Similar strikes have been launched against other locations linked to Wildberries, which is considered a key player in Russia’s economy and military logistics. In Kherson, a video released by Ukrainian authorities shows a drone tracking a vegetable seller before detonating near him. The incident, which left the man with shock and shrapnel injuries, has been labeled a "human safari" by Ukrainian leaders. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it a war crime and urging increased international pressure on Russia. The video has sparked outrage, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need for global action to prevent further civilian casualties. Russian authorities have responded to these incidents by accusing Ukraine of conducting terrorist acts. In July, a drone strike on a civilian bus in Dnipropetrovsk killed at least 12 people and injured several others. The Russian government has also alleged that Ukraine is responsible for attacks on its Black Sea resorts, including one in Gelendzhik where three children were among the fatalities. These accusations underscore the escalating nature of hostilities and the increasing risks faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.