By Basant El-Faramawy
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is prepared for a potential war with Europe, though it does not want one, while commenting on his phone calls with the leaders of Norway and Finland on Tuesday. Putin added that Moscow supports steps to restore relations with European countries but warned that if tensions escalate too far, there would be no winners. He also said Russia does not want the Baltic Sea to face a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz.
European leaders criticize direct talks with Putin
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere held what they described as "frank and substantive" talks with Putin in an effort to influence the Kremlin's position as the war in Ukraine continues. Stoere said both leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation and voiced strong support for Ukraine. The move drew criticism from other Nordic leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who urged European leaders to "stick together" on Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said other European leaders were not informed of the talks beforehand.
UK defence secretary warns of war readiness within 1,000 days
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting wrote in The Telegraph that the UK must be ready for war within 1,000 days, suggesting adversaries could be prepared to attack by 2030. The government has also advised Britons to stock up on tinned food and bottled water.
Russian drone strike kills 13 in central Ukraine
A jet-powered Russian drone hit two stationary trains at a station in Dnipro, central Ukraine, on Thursday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 10 others, officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as "horrific." Moscow and Kyiv have observed a truce in and around a devastated southern Ukrainian city since Tuesday, despite remaining locked in war since Russia's full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Previous ceasefire efforts have either failed or collapsed quickly.
