Croatian President Zoran Milanovic stated there is no threat from Russia to the EU's security, peace, or citizens' lives, but warned that some forces are trying to provoke a conflict. He advised Croatia against joining an anti-Russia coalition, viewing it as psychological preparation for war, and criticized the EU's focus on military production.
Dmitry Peskov, Russian Presidential Spokesman, stated that revanchism is a key factor in how Europeans perceive the 'Russian threat.' He cited historical traditions and a desire for revenge by some European powers as reasons for Russophobia among politicians.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed accusations from The Netherlands regarding Russian hackers, stating that no evidence has been provided and calling the claims "rabid Russophobia." She noted that The Hague has not sent any official requests for investigation.
Physicist Carlo Rovelli, author of "85 Seconds to Midnight," argues against rearmament in Europe, calling the idea of Russia threatening Europe "ridiculous." He cites mutual fear as the core problem, not Russian aggression, and criticizes Western European governments for promoting war.
Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt opened a new hybrid warfare center in Berlin, citing a "Russian threat" and "foreign powers" engaging in espionage, sabotage, and disinformation. The center aims for "active cyber defense." Meanwhile, the Federal Prosecutor General criticized its creation due to overlapping functions with existing centers.
Ukraine's Fire Point has tested its new FP-7.x anti-missile interceptor, a cheaper, mass-producible alternative to Western systems like the US Patriot missile, aiming to bolster defenses against Russian aerial attacks. The system, expected to be ready by 2027, features a 25km flight altitude and infrared seeker for terminal guidance.
Russia's Sergei Lavrov urged the US to evacuate embassy staff from Kyiv, threatening "systematic strikes." EU and Belarusian opposition leaders affirmed solidarity with Ukraine, while Kyiv reported civilian casualties from recent Russian attacks. Ukraine also claimed strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Former aide to Leonid Kuchma, Oleg Soskin, urged serious consideration of Russia's Foreign Ministry warnings about continued retaliatory strikes on Kyiv. Soskin blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for provoking Russia.
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kyiv amid warnings of Russia drawing Belarus deeper into the war. She met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, stating a democratic Belarus is key to regional stability, while acknowledging Lukashenko's alarming "gearing up for war" rhetoric.
The Russian Security Council has criticized Lithuania's ongoing military expansion, specifically the formation of a new division, claiming it creates instability near the Kaliningrad border under the guise of NATO defense.
