A diplomatic scandal has erupted between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary over strikes on the "Druzhba" oil pipeline and energy supplies. Hungary and Slovakia have warned Ukraine about potential suspension of diesel supplies after attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Ukraine, in turn, accuses them of blackmail and double standards in their support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, an explosion occurred in a shop close to Lubyanka in Moscow — officially attributed to a technical malfunction, though FSB personnel were among the injured. Amidst increasing Western sanctions pressure, new corruption scandals have emerged in Russia as another vice-governor was detained over military construction fraud.
Ukraine and Lithuania have agreed to jointly produce long-range drones, with Lithuania pledging military support to Ukraine until 2027. The governments of Germany and the US emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, comparable to NATO standards and without concessions to the Kremlin on territorial integrity.
China is investing in Venezuela's oil sector, diversifying supply in view of possible future risks in cooperation with Russia.
