Ukraine: Russia threatens 'devastating' Baltic response

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned airlines flying over Russia that Ukraine's drone operations make the airspace unsafe. Russian airspace has become increasingly dangerous, Zelenskyy stated, adding that Ukraine is not targeting civilian aircraft. They are deploying up to 1,000 long-range drones per day, according to the Ukrainian leader.

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Zelenskyy's comments as "a declaration of state terrorism," insisting that negotiations should not be contemplated with terrorists. Since February 2022, Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion, managing to strike targets deep inside Russia with drones. Russian military strikes have targeted two cargo ships carrying military goods in the port of Pivdennyi and a thermal power plant in Odesa.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's military intelligence reported a strike on Russia's Novatek oil complex in Leningrad. Both countries have been exchanging blows, with energy infrastructure being targeted. Russia has threatened a "devastating" response to any hostile action in the Baltic region, emphasizing that it will be "devastating" for the instigators.

NATO scrambled military aircraft due to a possible air threat near the Russian border in Latvia. Russia believes a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea would not bring a peaceful resolution to the war closer, as it has been driving up global grain prices. The EU is working to unlock additional financial support for Ukraine's armed forces, while Germany pledged a clear-cut response to recent incidents, not deterred by unspecified actions.