Russian authorities are concerned about the opening of new fronts. Finland is conducting large-scale NATO exercises near the Russian border, signaling resolve to prevent Moscow from relaxing its defenses. The Northern Strike 26 drills feature artillery, mortar, and tactical units. Ukraine has proposed to involve its drone experts to boost the effectiveness of these modern warfare simulations.
The US has begun developing new nuclear bombs designed to destroy heavily fortified underground targets, such as Russian command centers. The first stage of the project has received $100 million in funding. In addition to Russia, potential targets include China, North Korea, and Iran.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reports successes both militarily and internationally; a joint SBU and Navy operation struck Russian "shadow fleet" tankers near Novorossiysk. Ukrainian drone technology is also the subject of discussions in the Baltic and Greece for future cooperation and countering the Russian fleet.
Political tension is also rising inside Russia, with open calls for President Putin’s resignation. In Slovakia, a scandal erupted involving Prime Minister Fico, who manipulates support for Ukraine's EU accession for his own political deals with Russia. Ukraine, however, maintains that all decisions on peace and EU integration are made with Kyiv’s direct involvement.
Noteworthy is tennis player Marta Kostyuk’s victory at the Madrid tournament, where she defeated a Russian competitor under a neutral flag, symbolizing Ukrainian sporting diplomacy and international achievements.
Ukraine emphasizes the importance of supporting its partners and upholding democratic values in Eastern Europe, while pursuing the development of modern defense technology—from missile defense systems to drones and "low-cost" weapons for countering contemporary threats.
