Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that NATO's declaration of Russia as a threat is an aggressive act, prompting Moscow to strengthen its resolve and capabilities. He also mentioned measures are being taken to counter Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.
Europe faces a dual threat from Russia and reduced US military support, prompting calls for increased defense spending and military independence. Despite some nations leading the way, many allies lag behind NATO's 5% GDP target, with a summit in Ankara addressing critical defense materials and anti-drone capabilities.
A Russian lawmaker claims Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia fabricate a "Russia threat" to secure funds from the EU and NATO, which he alleges will be embezzled. Viktor Vodolatsky stated the Baltic states are not enemies but use fear to profit from defense spending.
Russia stated it's open to dialogue but "won't accept ultimatums" from Europe. Following Ukraine's major drone assault on a Moscow oil refinery, Russia threatened "massive coordinated strikes." The EU extended sanctions against Russia for 12 months.
Russia launched retaliatory strikes on Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions, killing at least two and injuring others, including children. This follows Ukraine's significant drone assault on a Moscow oil refinery, prompting Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to warn of "massive coordinated strikes on a regular basis."
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow may reconsider benefits provided to Armenia if Yerevan abandons allied relations and continues to pursue closer ties with the EU. Zakharova emphasized that Armenia cannot fund its European integration at the expense of EAEU member states.
Russia announced a "new pattern" in the Ukraine war, citing "inhumane terrorist acts" by the Ukrainian army. This follows a large-scale Russian attack with drones and missiles, killing at least 21 and injuring dozens. Ukraine appealed to the West for more Patriot missile systems.
Russia has threatened "systematic strikes" on Kyiv's "decision-making centres" and drone facilities, days after a major aerial assault. Moscow cited a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory in Starobilsk, which killed 21, as retaliation. Ukraine stated its forces hit a military drone unit, not civilians.
A Russian drone strike on a funeral procession in Sumy, Ukraine, killed one person and injured nine. Meanwhile, Russia has threatened retaliation following an attack in Luhansk that they allege resulted in 16 fatalities.
