Translated with AI
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, accompanied by new drone strikes, diplomatic tensions, and international reactions. Recent events in recent days have been characterized by an escalation of drone strikes against infrastructure and increased international pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia
On Friday night, dozens of Ukrainian drones attacked targets across Russia, including the largest oil port of Primorsk in the Leningrad region.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported a fire on a vessel and at the port's pumping station. According to Ukrainian media, the attack on the port was an operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Reuters sources clarified that two tankers, the Kusto and the Cai Yun, registered in the Seychelles and subject to sanctions by the UK, the EU, and certain countries, were damaged. Oil loading was also suspended for the first time in the terminal's history.
Additionally, a Ukrainian Armed Forces drone attacked the operating Unit 3 of the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. According to the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, the drone was suppressed by technical means, there were no damage or injuries, and the plant's safety was not compromised.
In the Belgorod region, Ukrainian Armed Forces drones have been attacking residential and social facilities for the third day in a row. In the regional capital, a drone detonated near an apartment building, shattering windows and damaging the façade. In the village of Maysky, windows and the façade of a student dormitory at the Belgorod Agricultural University were damaged. In the Leningrad region, a woman was injured by debris from a downed drone.
In the Kharkiv region, Russian drones damaged an ambulance and a police patrol car. Two medics and five police officers were injured. A preschool and a lyceum were also attacked, injuring three female civilians.
International reaction and new threats
US President Donald Trump declared that his patience with Russian leader Vladimir Putin is "rapidly running out." He expressed disappointment with the slow progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine and threatened to impose new restrictions on Russia, including sanctions on the oil and banking sectors, as well as new tariffs.
Trump previously called the incident involving Russian drones invading NATO airspace over Poland "a possible mistake." Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski denied it was a mistake and emphasized that the drones were Russian. Russia denies any involvement.
In response to the Russian drone incursion, NATO is launching a large-scale operation, "Eastern Sentry," to protect the alliance's eastern flank. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the success of the air defense system and its ability to protect every inch of NATO territory, including its airspace. The armed forces of Denmark, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and other countries will participate in the operation.
Ukrainian position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of ceding territory to Russia to end the war. He emphasized that territorial concessions would only create a pause, which would sooner or later lead to new attacks, recalling the examples of Georgia in 2008 and Crimea and Donbas in 2014. Zelenskyy insists on achieving a guaranteed end to the war, ensuring Ukraine's security, and holding Russia accountable.
Additional events
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Polish authorities are aware of 21 Russian drones that crossed the border on September 10. Some were shot down by air defense systems, while others were found in a field. Moscow denies any involvement.
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The Russian-Belarusian military exercises "Zapad-2025" have begun in Belarus. They are aimed at testing readiness to repel potential aggression. The exercises will run from September 12 to 16.
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British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski visited Kyiv, where they discussed Ukraine's security and support in the context of the drone incursion.
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Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv on a visit as part of the Invictus Games Foundation's initiative to rehabilitate wounded service members.
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In the Sumy region, Russian missiles and drones killed at least three civilians and wounded several others, destroying residential and industrial buildings.
