Ukraine’s Air Force successfully intercepted 67 out of 139 Russian drones during a recent night operation, with 71 drones disappearing from radar. Meanwhile, the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have disconnected from the Russian power grid for the first time in over 30 years, ensuring a seamless transition to independent operation. In political news, President Trump may meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky next week, while Chancellor Scholz condemns Trump’s suggestion to tie US support to Ukraine’s resources.
Ukraine Claims Success in Drone Defense
Ukraine has announced the successful interception of a significant number of Russian drones, reporting that their Air Force shot down 67 out of 139 drones during a recent night operation. Additionally, 71 drones vanished from radar without accomplishing their intended missions. These drone attacks have become a common occurrence, with Ukrainian reports indicating regular assaults involving numerous drones and missile strikes by Russian forces.
Baltic States Cut Ties with Russian Power Grid
In a historic move, the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have successfully disconnected from the Russian electricity network over 30 years after regaining independence. The disconnection occurred shortly after 9:00 AM local time, marking a significant step for these EU and NATO members who had maintained ties with Russia since Soviet times. Lithuania led the way by being the first to sever its power connection.
The transition to operating independently went smoothly, with consumers experiencing no noticeable disruptions, as reported by grid operators from the three nations. For a day, the power grids will function in isolation before reconnecting to the European system through Poland on Sunday.
Political Developments in Ukraine
In other news, US President Donald Trump has indicated a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week, marking his first engagement since regaining office. Trump mentioned the possibility of the meeting taking place in Washington but clarified that he would not be traveling to Kyiv.
Moreover, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed disapproval of Trump’s proposal to condition US support for Ukraine on the utilization of its rare earth resources. Scholz emphasized that Ukraine is under attack, and support should be unconditional, a sentiment he shared during a discussion with the editorial network Germany (RND).
Stay updated with the latest developments regarding the war in Ukraine and the ongoing political landscape.