A Ukrainian drone struck a major Russian oil refining complex belonging to Bashneft near Ufa, sparking a fire and causing minor damage, according to a Russian official. Videos showed a drone exploding at the facility, with another drone reportedly shot down. The attack, for which Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency claimed responsibility, is part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its ongoing conflict. This follows a series of similar attacks on Russian refineries, which have impacted fuel prices and processing capacity.
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In response to a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, NATO is launching “Eastern Sentry,” an initiative to reinforce the defense of Europe’s eastern flank. This operation, involving assets from various member states, will enhance capabilities, integrate defenses, and increase information-sharing among allies. The aim is to address Russia’s increasing recklessness in the air and to demonstrate NATO’s readiness to defend its territory, covering the entire eastern flank from the high north to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. While the assessment of the drone incursion is ongoing, NATO is taking decisive action to ensure its resolve to defend its territory is clear.
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On Monday, authorities in Russia’s Kaliningrad region found the decapitated body of Alexei Sinitsyn, the CEO of K-Potash Service, a fertilizer company. Law enforcement sources suggest suicide as the cause of death, with the body discovered under a bridge outside Kaliningrad. Sinitsyn, 43, was overseeing the Nivensky-1 potassium-magnesium deposit project, initially slated for 2021 but delayed until 2032, a project once praised for its potential to make the region a fertilizer leader. K-Potash Service is wholly owned by the Dutch-registered company Vyrex B.V., and officials have not yet released a public statement regarding Sinitsyn’s death.
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Following a suspected Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, the United States affirmed its commitment to defend all NATO territory. The incident, condemned by European leaders as a sign of escalating tensions, prompted NATO to launch “Eastern Sentry,” a defensive operation to bolster the eastern flank. While Moscow downplayed its involvement, NATO officials deemed the airspace violation reckless and unacceptable. The operation, involving various assets from allied nations, aims to reinforce the alliance’s resolve and ability to defend its territory amid intensified Russian bombing in Ukraine.
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The US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, affirmed the United States’ commitment to defending NATO territory following a Russian drone incursion into Poland earlier in the week. The incident, involving 19 drones shot down by NATO aircraft, marks the first instance of Russian military hardware being destroyed on a NATO member state’s territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Russia denies responsibility, Poland presented evidence of Russian lettering on the downed drone. The US has also expressed concern over increased Russian strikes on Ukraine following recent diplomatic efforts, including a joint statement condemning Moscow’s actions.
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The United States has issued an $11 million bounty for Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, a Ukrainian man accused of masterminding ransomware attacks that stole an estimated $18 billion over three years. Tymoshchuk is alleged to be the leader behind the MegaCortex, LockerGoga, and Nefilim attacks, targeting large companies, including the renewable energy company Norsk Hydro, which suffered $81 million in damages. The indictment details seven charges related to computer damage and threats, with Tymoshchuk potentially facing a life sentence. The case highlights international coordination to prosecute a significant ransomware actor.
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Russia has condemned Denmark for allowing a Ukrainian defense company, Fire Point, to produce missile fuel on its soil, characterizing the move as a provocation that will escalate the conflict. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, this decision demonstrates Copenhagen’s “hostile” stance and desire to profit from the war. Despite Russia’s warnings of increased bloodshed and escalation, Denmark, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has stated its commitment to supporting Kyiv and expanding cooperation. Furthermore, Denmark has already committed significant military assistance and hinted at inviting more Ukrainian defense firms to set up operations.
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Ukraine launched a massive drone attack targeting key infrastructure within Russia, including the Primorsk oil port in the Leningrad region, the final destination of the Baltic Pipeline System, a crucial hub for Russian exports. The aerial assault resulted in a fire at the port, as well as strikes on pumping stations and the reported targeting of Lukoil facilities in other regions. The attack, described as one of the largest in months, also saw drones intercepted over multiple regions, including those around Moscow and St. Petersburg, leading to temporary airport closures. This represents a significant escalation of cross-border drone raids that have been increasingly targeting Russian energy infrastructure in an attempt to limit fuel supplies and raise costs.
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Since 2025, Russia has forcibly transferred almost 11,000 Ukrainian children to 164 camps located in Russia and occupied Crimea, an operation documented by experts from the Regional Centre for Human Rights. These children are subjected to social and cultural disconnection from their communities and heritage, as part of a re-education program implemented since 2022, with militarization increasing within the camps. Russian officials falsely present these actions as care, further hindering the children’s return, while also attempting to facilitate the adoption of these abducted Ukrainian children.
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In a surprise visit to Kyiv, Prince Harry arrived by train at the invitation of Superhumans, an organization dedicated to aiding Ukrainians injured by the war. The Duke of Sussex aims to support the recovery of wounded military personnel and is expected to announce new rehabilitation plans. This marks his first visit to the capital, having previously visited a Superhumans center in Lviv. Prince Harry is accompanied by a team from his Invictus Games Foundation, an initiative supporting wounded veterans.
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John Q. Hosedrinker