Diplomat Lavrov asserts to students: "We aim to avoid constructing barriers"
In recent days, the conflict in Ukraine has seen a significant escalation, with both military and diplomatic actions taking centre stage.
For the first time since Russia's invasion, the main seat of the Kyiv government was targeted, with the top floor of the parliament building being hit. This intensification of the air war in Kyiv also saw the government building go up in flames for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for a decisive U.S. response after the largest Russian air attack on Ukraine since the start of the war.
In a concerning development, a power plant near Kyiv has been damaged in a Russian drone attack, and the Ukrainians have reportedly struck the Russian oil pipeline Druzhba in the Bryansk region, causing significant damage. These attacks have resulted in at least 5 deaths and 44 injuries overnight Saturday into Sunday.
On the diplomatic front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted a draft bill to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. This move has raised concerns about human rights violations within Russia.
In an effort to bolster Ukraine's defences, Norway has contributed approximately 200 million euros (7 billion NOK) to finance the purchase of two Patriot air defense systems including missiles for Ukraine, in cooperation with Germany and other partners. The Bundeswehr is also planning to buy another 300 Patriot air defense missiles for around 1.5 billion euros.
Russia has declared readiness for talks regarding the war against Ukraine, but also states that it does not want to build walls. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned of an expansion of Russian power ambitions beyond Ukraine, stating that President Vladimir Putin's "imperialistic plan does not end with the conquest of Ukraine."
Estonia has reported a violation of its airspace by Russia, marking the third such incident this year. Meanwhile, there are no indications of troop deployment near the Ukrainian border during the Russian-Belarusian exercises, according to Ukrainian border guards.
In the private sector, Erik Prince, founder of the now-disbanded mercenary company Blackwater, is seeking business in Ukraine's drone sector.
The European Union is expected to propose a 19th sanctions package against Russia, which is reported to include banks in two Central Asian countries. These sanctions aim to further isolate Russia economically and politically.
In the midst of these developments, US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with European political leaders to discuss a solution to the Ukraine war. His dissatisfaction with the current situation in Ukraine has been made clear, but the details of any potential solutions remain to be seen.
Ukrainian military intelligence suggests that Russia is focusing on improving the accuracy and effectiveness of warheads and increasing their range. Meanwhile, Ukrainian border guards report no signs of military group formation on Belarusian territory that could pose a threat to Ukraine.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, these developments highlight the complex and volatile nature of the ongoing conflict.
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