Overview
- President Vladimir Putin told reporters in Saint Petersburg on Friday that Russia is not preparing any kind of hostilities against Europe and said Moscow has no motive to escalate tensions.
- NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe has said the alliance is strengthening intelligence sharing and responses after a pattern of suspected sabotage and covert incidents tied to the conflict was reported by several members.
- Several European governments, including Germany and Poland, have publicly warned of alleged Russian plotting of drone or sabotage attacks on alliance territory, prompting heightened preparedness across capitals.
- Kinetic fighting continues: Russia has stepped up missile and drone strikes across Ukraine that have hit civilians and industry, and Ukraine has increased cross‑border strikes on Russian energy and defence sites, with ArcelorMittal suspending operations at Ukraine's largest steel plant after repeated hits.
- Putin said proposals to resume peace talks with Ukraine remain possible but indicated Moscow will weigh its response to recent Ukrainian attacks, which keeps diplomatic prospects conditional and uncertain.