Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace, fighter jets scrambled
A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone inside Lithuanian airspace while a Russian frigate fired flares toward a Danish military helicopter. The incident coincides with a Russian drone strike that destroyed a house in Poland and caused severe structural damage, though no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Finland and Sweden launched their first joint fighter jet operation over the Gulf of Finland to identify Russian military aircraft. The alliance warns that strikes will drive support for Ukraine as multiple airspace violations keep the eastern flank on high alert.
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- ✓ A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone in Lithuanian airspace.
- ✓ Finland and Sweden scrambled fighter jets to identify Russian military aircraft over the Gulf of Finland in their first joint operation.
- ✓ Poland intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea in the third such incident within a week.
- ✓ No casualties were reported after a Russian drone strike destroyed a house in Poland, causing severe structural damage.
What changed
NATO forces shot down an unidentified drone over Lithuania and Finland and Sweden executed their first joint fighter operation.
Live updates
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NATO Jets Shoot Down Drone Over Lithuania Amid Regional Escalation
A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone inside Lithuanian airspace while a Russian frigate fired flares toward a Danish military helicopter. The incident coincides with a Russian drone strike that destroyed a house in Poland and caused severe structural damage, though no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Finland and Sweden launched their first joint fighter jet operation over the Gulf of Finland to identify Russian military aircraft. The alliance warns that strikes will drive support for Ukraine as multiple airspace violations keep the eastern flank on high alert.
Why it matters
Regional security concerns have escalated sharply across the Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe due to repeated airspace violations and an alleged shadow war involving drone incursions. Poland has intercepted multiple Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea this week alone. These events follow earlier operational disruptions at Polish airports and active defense activations responding to large-scale missile and drone attacks targeting western Ukraine.
What is confirmed
- A NATO fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone in Lithuanian airspace.
- Finland and Sweden scrambled fighter jets to identify Russian military aircraft over the Gulf of Finland in their first joint operation.
- Poland intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea in the third such incident within a week.
- No casualties were reported after a Russian drone strike destroyed a house in Poland, causing severe structural damage.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is pressing a shadow war consisting of drone incursions and an alleged campaign of assassinations across Europe.
What to watch next
- Further official NATO assessments regarding the downed drone over Lithuania
- Additional joint operations by Finland and Sweden in the Baltic region
- Official diplomatic or military responses from Moscow concerning the airspace violations and downed aircraft
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.wionews.com — NATO jet shoots down drone in Lithuania as Russian frigate ...
- spectrumlocalnews.com — NATO jets down drone over Lithuania - Spectrum News
- www.wionews.com — Russian warplanes trigger first Finland-Sweden joint operation in Baltic – What happened?
- en.parapolitika.gr — Shock in Poland: House destroyed by Russian drone strike
- www.breitbart.com — Israel / Middle East - Latest News
- www.aljazeera.com — Russia’s alleged sabotage campaign in Europe raises fears of ...
- en.parapolitika.gr — Poland intercepts Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea in third ...
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Poland Activates Air Defence System and Suspends Airport Operations
Poland activated its air defence system and suspended flight operations at two airports following large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks targeting western Ukraine. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces confirmed that the activation of necessary forces and resources was a preventive measure designed to secure and protect national airspace, particularly in areas bordering the threatened zones. Meanwhile, the airports in Lublin and Rzeszow halted their schedules due to ongoing military activity in the eastern part of the country.
Why it matters
This defensive mobilization follows repeated airspace management interventions by Warsaw, including multiple aircraft scrambles earlier in the month prompted by heavy bombardments across the border in Ukraine. These recurring incidents highlight the persistent spillover risks facing NATO member states situated along the eastern flank as the conflict continues to intensify. Regional authorities maintain heightened readiness protocols to address potential threats near their borders.
What is confirmed
- Poland activated the necessary forces and resources of its air defence system due to Russian strikes on Ukraine.
- The airports in Lublin and Rzeszow suspended their flight operations due to military activity in eastern Poland.
- The Polish Armed Forces stated that the air defence actions are of a preventive nature aimed at securing national airspace.
What to watch next
- Decisions by Polish aviation authorities to resume normal flight operations at Lublin and Rzeszow airports.
- Further official updates from the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces regarding airspace security.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.express.co.uk — NATO member 'activates air defence system' as Russia launches new huge attack | World | News | Express.co.uk
- www.mirror.co.uk — Poland closes airports and 'air defence system activated' as Russia launches attack
- www.europesays.com — Poland Scrambles Aircraft Twice Amid Russian Attacks on ...
- unn.ua — Poland scrambled fighter jets for the third time in 24 hours ...
- www.aol.co.uk — 11 countries Russia has attacked or violated since Ukraine ...
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Poland and Romania scramble jets amid Russian strikes
Poland scrambled military aircraft multiple times following heavy Russian attacks on western Ukraine, prompting the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces to issue warnings to residents in the Lublin and Subcarpathian regions and restrict airspace. Meanwhile, Romania scrambled its own fighter jets as a drone crossed its airspace during a massive assault on Ternopil that left 10 people dead and 37 wounded. These allied responses underscore mounting anxieties among nations along NATO's eastern flank regarding the expanding war.
Why it matters
Countries along NATO's eastern border face a growing risk of wartime escalation as persistent Russian strikes near the frontier trigger repeated airspace violations and defensive scrambles. The Eastern Sentry mission was previously launched by NATO to protect these borders against continuous incursions and deliberate attacks.
What is confirmed
- Poland scrambled fighter jets following heavy Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
- Residents in Poland received alerts in the Lublin and Subcarpathian regions.
- Romania scrambled fighter jets after a drone violated its airspace during a Russian attack on Ternopil.
- A Russian attack on Ternopil killed 10 and wounded 37.
Still unconfirmed
- Countries along NATO's eastern flank are growing increasingly concerned about the risk of escalation of the war in Ukraine.
What to watch next
- Further official reports from the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces regarding additional airspace violations
- Updates on the casualties and damage from the Russian attack in Ternopil
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- en.parapolitika.gr — Romania scrambles fighter jets as drone violates airspace ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Poland scrambles fighter jets as Russia strikes western ...
- www.europesays.com — Poland scrambled fighter jets for the third time in 24 hours ...
- www.kyivpost.com — Poland Scrambles Aircraft Twice Amid Russian Attacks on Ukraine
- cde.news — Fighter Jets Scrambled as Poland Restricts Airspace Following ...
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Russian Helicopter Breaches Polish Airspace as Regional Tensions Rise
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace near Braniewo, prompting the scrambling of fighter jets and placing ground forces on alert. The incident follows a Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of October 10 that led Poland to issue alerts in the Lublin and Podkarpackie Voivodeships and patrol its airspace with military aircraft. In response to continuous Russian violations and deliberate attacks, NATO launched the Eastern Sentry mission to defend Europe's eastern borders. Separately, two Italian Eurofighters scrambled in Lithuania after a suspicious drone entered its airspace.
Why it matters
The airspace breach highlights ongoing security challenges along NATO's eastern flank as the war in Ukraine persists. Incidents involving drones and military aircraft crossing into allied territory have driven alliance members to increase regional military preparedness and establish specialized defense missions. These recurring boundary violations test the defensive readiness and response protocols of frontline states.
What is confirmed
- A Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace near Braniewo, prompting fighter jets to scramble and ground forces to remain alert.
- On the night of October 10, Poland issued alerts in the Lublin and Podkarpackie Voivodeships due to a Russian attack on Ukraine, operating military aircraft in the country's airspace.
- NATO launched the Eastern Sentry mission to defend Europe's eastern borders following Russian drone violations and deliberate attacks in Poland.
- Two Italian Eurofighters took off in Lithuania after a suspicious drone entered Lithuanian airspace.
What to watch next
- Official investigative findings from NATO and Polish authorities regarding the Mi-8 helicopter route and intent
- Further deployments or operational updates tied to NATO's Eastern Sentry mission
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.aljazeera.com — Russia | Russia | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.wionews.com — Russia testing NATO again? Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace briefly – What happened?
- learntherussianlanguage.com — 89 Basic Russian Phrases You Should Know in 2026
- tomorrowsaffairs.com — Deterrence by punishment – NATO needs more effective protection of its frontline states
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Russia’s attack on Ukraine - Poland scrambles military ...
- jen.jiji.com — One in 3 people has a neurological disorder, BrainSpace House arrives in Naples (2)
- en.parapolitika.gr — NATO launches “Eastern Sentry” mission after Russian ...
- unn.ua — In Poland, an alert was announced and aircraft were scrambled ...
- jen.jiji.com — Turin, masked individuals damage schools with crowbars and fire extinguishers: minor arrested and carabiniere injured
- jen.jiji.com — Lithuania, suspicious drone enters airspace: Italian fighter jets take off
- jen.jiji.com — Antonella Elia undergoes surgery, the video from Gemelli: "I still don't know what it is, prevention is important"
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Polish airspace violated by Russian helicopter, fighter jets scrambled
A Russian military helicopter entered Polish airspace, prompting a scramble of Polish fighter jets. This incident follows recent drone and missile strikes by Russia on western Ukraine, near the Polish border. Poland's military had previously responded to airspace violations by drones during these attacks. The incidents have heightened security concerns and led to increased military preparedness in the region.
Why it matters
The violation of Polish airspace by a Russian helicopter is a significant escalation in an already tense situation. Poland, a NATO member, has been on high alert following a series of Russian drone and missile strikes on western Ukraine, which is close to the Polish border. These actions have raised concerns about the security of Poland and the stability of the region.
What is confirmed
- Russia is a country in Eastern Europe and North Asia.
- Russia shares land borders with fourteen countries.
- The Russian language is an Eastern Slavic language.
- Poland and NATO scrambled military aircraft and placed air defense systems on high alert following extensive Russian drone and missile strikes targeting western Ukraine near the Polish border.
Still unconfirmed
- Putin does not represent the values and beliefs of ordinary Russian citizens.
What to watch next
- Further incidents of airspace violations
- Escalation of military responses by Poland and NATO
- Investigations into the perpetrators of airspace incursions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- en.wikipedia.org — Russia - Wikipedia
- www.russianlessons.net — Russian Language Lessons - Learn Russian For Free
- www.omniglot.com — Russian language and alphabet - Omniglot
- www.russianforfree.com — Learn Russian for Free - Russian language lessons, texts & more
- en.wikipedia.org — Russian language - Wikipedia
- jen.jiji.com — Israel, Bennett reiterates he will not join government led by Netanyahu, 'cannot stay a minute longer'
- jen.jiji.com — Serie A, today Atalanta-Venezia - Live
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NATO and Poland Scramble Jets Amid Russian Strikes
Poland and NATO scrambled military aircraft and placed air defense systems on high alert following extensive Russian drone and missile strikes targeting western Ukraine near the Polish border. Polish command confirmed that drones repeatedly violated national airspace during the attacks, prompting preventive security closures across parts of European airspace and four airports. Meanwhile, prosecutors suspended a previous investigation into September 2025 airspace incursions involving Russian Gerbera drones equipped with Polish SIM cards after failing to identify the perpetrator, though the military's response was cleared.
Why it matters
These repeated airspace violations and regional security alerts occur as the European Union prepares for wider hybrid attacks, including sabotage and drone incidents. The heightened posture reflects growing friction along NATO's eastern flank following earlier border breaches, such as a Russian Mi-8 helicopter penetrating Polish airspace near Braniewo. Investigations into prior drone incursions have yielded few actionable perpetrator identifications, leaving key military findings classified.
What is confirmed
- Poland scrambled military aircraft and placed air defense and radar systems on alert following Russian strikes on western Ukraine.
- NATO scrambled Spanish Air and Space Forces F-18 fighter jets following a Russian drone attack on Ukraine.
- The Polish prosecutor's office suspended the investigation into drones that entered the country's airspace in September 2025 after failing to identify the perpetrator.
Still unconfirmed
- The European Union is reportedly preparing for a major Russian hybrid attack amid rising fears of a wider war.
What to watch next
- Further official assessments from Polish military command regarding the specific flight paths of the latest drones.
- Additional NATO air defense deployments along the eastern flank in response to ongoing strikes.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.mirror.co.uk — NATO warplanes scrambled and airspace closed as thousands told to 'find safe place'
- www.wionews.com — Poland confirms its airspace 'violated', closes 4 airports ...
- mezha.net — Poland Scrambles Military Aircraft as Russia Attacks ...
- www.wionews.com — Russia warns Lithuania over nuclear weapons, Europe braces for massive hybrid attack | Gravitas
- www.hybridwatch.org — Hybrid Watch — Russian hybrid activity monitor
- www.kyivpost.com — Poland Ends Russian Drone Probe After Failing to Identify Perpetrator
- www.dailyrecord.co.uk — Ukraine - News, views, pictures, video - Daily Record
- www.archyde.com — NATO scrambles jets and Poland responds to Russian attacks – Archyde
- fakti.bg — Poland drops case of drones with Polish SIM cards
- united24media.com — Russian Strikes Near Poland Trigger Military Aviation ...
- united24media.com — Russian Drones That Entered Poland Were Carrying Polish SIM ...
- jen.jiji.com — Minicar alert in Rome, checks on stolen car report. Davide Iacopini remains in serious condition
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Poland and NATO scramble jets during Russian attacks on Ukraine
Poland and NATO scrambled fighter jets after Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine. The preventive security measures included closing airspace over Lublin and Rzeszow. Romania also deployed air forces as radars detected an aerial target near its border. These coordinated air defense responses followed a prior incident where a Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated Polish airspace near Braniewo, penetrating 300 meters deep for 42 seconds and prompting Polish officials to demand an apology from Moscow amid rising regional security concerns.
Why it matters
Moscow continues to test European red lines through a hybrid campaign involving airspace violations, sabotage and cyberattacks in the gray zone between peace and war. Recent weeks show repeated Russian military aircraft incursions and border-adjacent aerial threats that force neighboring nations to maintain heightened ground and air defense alerts. Romania and Poland both launched fighter patrols as attacks on Ukraine triggered widespread regional air defense alerts.
What is confirmed
- Poland and NATO scrambled jets as Russia launched drone and missile strikes against Ukraine.
- Poland closed the airspace over Lublin and Rzeszow as a preventive measure.
- Romania scrambled fighter jets in response to a Russian attack on Ukraine.
- A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter crossed the Polish border from the Kaliningrad region near Braniewo, remaining in airspace for 42 seconds and penetrating approximately 300 meters deep.
Still unconfirmed
- Denmark reported drone activity near its airports.
- Romanian radars reported no incursion before a suspected drone fell near the Ukrainian border, and Spanish fighters went airborne on Monday.
- A Russian Su-35 fighter jet shot down a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter in the Voronezh Region after mistaking it for a drone, killing all three crew members.
What to watch next
- Official diplomatic responses from Moscow regarding the demand for an apology over the helicopter airspace breach.
- Further NATO air defense deployments along the eastern flank in response to ongoing strikes against Ukraine.
- Investigation results concerning reported drone activity near Danish airports.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.wionews.com — Airspace closed, jets scrambled: Russia's drone, missile ...
- thearabianpost.com — Poland scrambles jets after drones breach airspace
- www.theparliamentmagazine.eu — Russia’s hybrid campaign is testing Europe’s red lines
- www.kyivpost.com — Russia Repeatedly Tests Romanian Air Defense
- ua.news — Romania and Poland scrambled fighter jets in response to an attack by Russia
- theins.press — Three killed after Russian Su-35 downs Mi-8 helicopter in ...
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Poland Demands Accountability After Russian Helicopter Incursions
Poland's armed forces scrambled duty fighter jets and placed ground-based air defense units and forces on heightened alert after a Russian Mi-8 military helicopter crossed the border from the Kaliningrad region near Braniewo. The aircraft remained in Polish airspace for 42 seconds and penetrated approximately 300 meters deep into national territory. In response to the breach, Polish officials demanded Moscow apologize, warning that the military stands ready to act. Recent weeks have witnessed multiple incursions by Russian military aircraft, escalating concerns regarding national security across the region.
Why it matters
This airspace violation compounds broader regional anxieties as European nations face repeated border breaches by Russian drones and missiles tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that NATO allies may need to shoot down Russian aircraft testing alliance boundaries because Moscow interprets restraint as weakness. Meanwhile, Poland is moving to ease rules for shooting down incoming drones and missiles by removing the requirement for pilots to perform visual identification.
What is confirmed
- A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter entered Polish airspace near Braniewo from the Kaliningrad region.
- The Russian helicopter flew approximately 300 meters deep into Polish territory and remained there for about 42 seconds.
- Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed ground air defense units and forces on heightened alert following the airspace violation.
- Radoslaw Sikorski demanded Moscow apologize for the breach while warning that the military stands ready to act.
Still unconfirmed
- The Polish army believes the helicopter incursion could be another test of the readiness of the Polish air defense system by Russia.
What to watch next
- Any formal response or apology from Moscow regarding the helicopter incursion
- Progress on Polish plans to ease engagement rules for shooting down incoming Russian drones and missiles
- Further NATO or regional defense measures in response to repeated border incursions
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.bbc.co.uk — Poland says fire at Starlink station is sabotage as Denmark warns of rising Russian threat
- kyivindependent.com — Ukraine war latest: Russian drone attacks on Kyiv kill 2, injure over 40 amid day of repeated strikes
- www.foxnews.com — US allies need to shoot down Russian aircraft testing NATO boundaries, Czech president warns
- united24media.com — Poland Demands Russian Accountability After Military Helicopter Breaches Border — UNITED24 Media
- www.theguardian.com — Poland scrambles military aircraft in response to Russian ...
- www.timesnownews.com — Russian Drone Strike Near Poland Border Puts NATO Neighbours on Edge
- www.europesays.com — Russian military helicopter flew into Polish airspace in the ...
- jen.jiji.com — Tragedy in Gae Aulenti square in Milan: 21-year-old falls 15 meters and dies
- thedefensewatch.com — Aerospace & Aviation
- kyivindependent.com — Poland to ease rules for shooting down drones, missiles entering from Russia
- united24media.com — How Many Times Has Russia Struck Ukrainian Borders and ...
- www.the-express.com — NATO country puts 'ground-based forces on standby' after ...
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Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace, fighter jets scrambled
A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace for 42 seconds, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets and activate its air defenses. The incident occurred near Braniewo, close to the Kaliningrad exclave. Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command reported the helicopter's entry into Polish airspace to a maximum depth of around 300 meters.
Why it matters
The incident adds to rising regional tensions as Russia intensifies its actions against Ukraine and neighboring countries. Poland and Lithuania are taking steps to enhance their preparedness, including developing a joint civilian evacuation plan. NATO has been monitoring the situation closely, with increased military responses to airspace violations.
What is confirmed
- The Russian Mi-8 helicopter entered Polish airspace for 42 seconds.
- The helicopter entered Braniewo, close to the Kaliningrad exclave.
- Poland scrambled fighter jets and activated its air defenses in response.
- The helicopter entered Polish airspace to a maximum depth of around 300 meters.
What to watch next
- Russia's response to Poland's accusations
- NATO's further actions in response to the airspace violation
- Development of Poland and Lithuania's joint civilian evacuation plan
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- news.abplive.com — Russia Expected To Intensify Hybrid Warfare Across Europe
- www.bbc.com — Poland accuses Russian military helicopter of violating its airspace
- www.irishmirror.ie — Russian helicopter strays into Polish airspace sparking massive military response - Irish Mirror
- www.euronews.com — Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace, fighter jets scrambled
- www.yahoo.com — Russian military helicopter briefly violates Polish airspace
- en.interfax.com.ua — Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace - Interfax-Ukraine
- www.chosun.com — Poland, Lithuania Develop Joint Civilian Evacuation Plan
- flipboard.com — Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace, fighter jets scrambled
- kyivindependent.com — Russian Mi-8 helicopter violates Polish airspace near Kaliningrad, Poland says
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NATO Jets Scrambled as Russian Helicopter Enters Polish Airspace
NATO fighter jets scrambled in Poland and Romania as a Russian military helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace during a wave of Russian strikes against Ukraine. The Polish army initially stated that the Russian military helicopter entered Polish airspace briefly, while separate reports accused the aircraft of illegally crossing the border. However, conflicting statements emerged when the Polish military later concluded its air operations and reported no airspace violation. The incident unfolded amid mounting regional spillover concerns and constant air-raid sirens in Poland.
Why it matters
The airspace breach heightens tensions along NATO's eastern flank as Russia continues its aerial bombardment of Ukraine, which recently included a drone strike on a Kyiv apartment building that killed a 14-year-old boy. Polish officials have warned that the country faces constant threats and potential expansion of the war. Meanwhile, international diplomats rejected a proposed unconditional truce between Russia and Ukraine.
What is confirmed
- NATO jets were scrambled in Poland and Romania as Russia struck Ukraine.
- A Russian drone strike in Kyiv killed a 14-year-old boy and injured seven other people on September 25, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Still unconfirmed
- A Russian military helicopter briefly entered and illegally crossed Polish airspace.
- Poland concluded military air operations and stated there was no airspace violation.
What to watch next
- Official clarification from the Polish military regarding whether an airspace violation actually occurred.
- Further NATO intelligence assessments concerning Russian aircraft movements near member state borders.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (11)
- Reuters — Russian military helicopter entered Polish airspace briefly, Polish army says
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — NATO jets scrambled in Poland, Romania as Russia strikes Ukraine
- New York Post — Poland under constant air-raid sirens as Putin threatens to expand Ukraine war, top pol warns: ‘We are next’
- BBC — Poland accuses Russian military helicopter of violating its airspace
- Reuters — Poland concludes military air operations, says no airspace violation
- Euronews.com — Russian military helicopter violates Polish airspace, fighter jets scrambled
- Newsweek — Lavrov Smiles at Rubio as Russia Gambles With Disaster in NATO’s Poland
- wng.org — Russian chopper illegally enters Polish airspace
- www.rferl.org — Deadly New Strikes In Russia's War On Ukraine As Spillover Concerns Mount
- www.agcnews.eu — #UKRAINERUSSIAWAR. Moscow and Washington reject Ukraine’s proposal for an unconditional truce. Putin is invited to the G20 summit in Miami. Russia’s crackdown on Ukrainian ...
- united24media.com — “We Need Their Fear”: What Russian Officials and State TV Are Saying About War with Europe
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