Russian military

Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi has reportedly erased recent Russian gains, with robots playing a central role in the fighting. Unmanned systems carried out combat airdrops of supplies and cleared minefields, reducing risks to Ukrainian soldiers. The operation is being discussed as another example of how drones and ground robots are increasingly taking on dangerous battlefield tasks in the war with Russia.

Ukraine reports a naval drone destroying a Russian kamikaze drone boat, in what is being described as a military milestone in uncrewed warfare. The clash marks a rare case of one unmanned maritime vessel eliminating another in combat, underscoring how drone-on-drone engagements are becoming a central feature of the Black Sea conflict.

Russian forces carried out large-scale strikes on Kyiv, with reports claiming hits on Ukrainian military hubs and what Moscow describes as NATO specialists present in the country. The claims of foreign casualties have not been independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the extent of the damage. The strikes mark a further escalation in Russia's sustained bombardment of the Ukrainian capital.

Lithuania is moving to lift its ban on nuclear weapons stationed on its territory, with proponents citing the argument that 'Russians do not attack the strong'. The move reflects growing alarm in Baltic states over Russian military threats and doubts about NATO's security guarantees, and would mark a major shift in the country's defence policy if approved.