Pentagon defends Israel. China supports Iran. Russia evacuates Belgorod. Zaporozhye NPP is on fire.

Pentagon chief orders submarine to the Middle East, tells aircraft carrier to hasten its transit. China supports Iran in defending its “sovereignty, security and national dignity“, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Israeli minister tells US that large-scale Iranian attack expected. Ukrainian troops now up to 30km inside Russia, Moscow says. Russian authorities announce evacuation from Belgorod border district. Ukraine’s Attack on Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Russia set fire to Ukrainian nuclear plant to ‘blackmail’ Kyiv, says Zelensky.