Ukrainian attacks kill several in Crimea after Kyiv targets St. Petersburg energy, military sites

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Ukrainian strikes killed at least four people in Crimea on Thursday, Moscow-installed authorities claimed, escalating tit-for-tat attacks after Kyiv targeted energy and military sites in St. Petersburg during Russia's flagship economic forum. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a "real" risk of further escalation, while Ukraine framed the strikes as justified retaliation for intensified Russian bombardment of civilian areas. The cycle of attacks underscores deepening military competition between the two sides, with each claiming the other initiated the recent intensification.