A Ukrainian military training base was reportedly targeted in a drone espionage attempt, while Russia claimed control over a new area in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian military intercepted a significant number of Russian drones, and investigations into the espionage are ongoing. North Korea expressed support for Russia, with claims of North Korean soldiers involved in the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized Putin’s refusal to pursue diplomatic solutions amidst the escalating situation.
Drone Espionage Attempt at Ukrainian Training Base
A military airbase in which Ukrainian soldiers receive training has reportedly been the target of a suspected drone espionage incident, as indicated by the Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). US President Donald Trump has also mentioned a conversation he had with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia Claims Control Over More Territories
Russia has announced the capture of another locality in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that Russian forces have taken control of Orichowo-Wassyliwka in the Donetsk region, as reported by the state-run news agency Tass. This marks a continuation of Russia’s claims of territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, where reports of combat events remain unverified. However, Russian troops have consistently advanced into Ukrainian territory along the eastern front.
While there is no confirmation from Russia regarding the phone call between Putin and Trump, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, neither confirmed nor denied the conversation. Trump has informed the New York Post that their discussion revolved around potential resolutions to the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Military Defends Against Drone Attacks
In a recent operation, the Ukrainian military reported intercepting 70 out of 151 Russian drones over its territory. The military noted that 74 drones failed to reach their intended targets, likely due to electronic warfare tactics. Currently, two Russian drones remain airborne.
According to the SZ, the air force base located on the North Sea, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained, has been the subject of a significant drone espionage attempt. The classified situation report to the Federal Ministry of Defense revealed that there had been six security incidents involving unidentified professional drones at the Schwesing base near Husum. Investigations are ongoing, with suspicions of espionage being taken seriously.
The training center in Schwesing specializes in anti-aircraft missile systems, including the Patriot system. Reports suggest that highly sophisticated drones were utilized in the espionage attempt, and existing countermeasures were ineffective. There is speculation within Bundeswehr circles that these drones might have been launched from vessels in the North or Baltic Sea.
International Responses to the Conflict
In the realm of international relations, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed unwavering support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. He stated that North Korea’s army and citizens will always champion the Russian cause in defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the treaty of comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. It is believed that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are already engaged in the ongoing war.
In a recent live blog update, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of persisting with military action rather than seeking diplomatic negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments in the conflict continuing to unfold.