Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Russia would prefer to resolve the conflict through dialogue, but said military operations continue because "opponents rejected the path of negotiations."

Russian airline Aeroflot canceled dozens of flights after a cyberattack linked to pro-Ukrainian groups. The attack, which disrupted operations and threatened data leaks, highlights the increasing digital threats facing Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted or destroyed a total of 99 drones overnight.

"The suitcase was found to contain an American Colt Commander, .45 caliber with three empty magazines," Russian officials said.

The same data networks that enable phone apps and web surfing help drones navigate, so officials are imposing daily, patchwork shutdowns. The actions can be very disruptive to daily life.

MOSCOW (AP) — A passenger plane carrying 49 people, including 5 children, crashed in Russia’s Far Eastern Amur region Thursday, local emergency services said. Russian news agencies said that an initial aerial inspection suggested there were no survivors.

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday its forces had captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, including one in Dnipropetrovsk region where Moscow says its troops have begun to make advances.

Officials in three of the five Russian regions bordering Ukraine have been accused of embezzling funds for border defenses.