Moscow has stated that any escalation in the Baltic region will lead to a significant response. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines flying across Russia that Ukraine's drone operations could make the airspace unsafe. "Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe," Zelenskyy said in a statement on Tuesday evening, adding that Ukraine was not threatening civilian aviation or individual aircraft. He mentioned that there would be drones in Russia's skies on a scale that must be considered.
Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Zelenskyy's comments as "a declaration of state terrorism," stating, "They are asking us to resume negotiations... but you don't negotiate with terrorists." Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022 and has successfully struck targets deep inside Russia with drones.
According to Russia's Defense Ministry, Russian military forces struck two cargo ships carrying military goods in the port of Pivdennyi, near Odesa, and in the Black Sea. Additionally, a Russian strike caused damage to a thermal power plant in Odesa, as reported by state energy company Naftogaz. Ukraine's military intelligence indicated that a Ukrainian strike hit Russia's Novatek oil complex in Leningrad.
Both nations have increased attacks in the Black Sea, impacting global grain prices. Russia has warned that it will deliver a "devastating response" to any hostile actions against it in the Baltic region. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia's response would be decisive and devastating for those instigating anti-Russian ventures.
Earlier in the day, a fire broke out at Russia's Baltic port of Ust-Luga following a drone attack, according to the regional governor. NATO scrambled military aircraft due to a potential air threat in Latvia's airspace near the Russian border. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea would not lead to a peaceful resolution of the war.
In mid-August, Ukraine reportedly conveyed an offer to Russia through a third party to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned that Turkey had prepared a plan to ensure the safe passage of grain through the Black Sea, similar to the 2022 grain deal.
On Tuesday, EU defense ministers discussed Ukraine's shortage of interceptor missiles needed to protect cities and civilians. EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas noted that July and August had been the deadliest months for civilians in Ukraine, stating, "Russia is really escalating, to hurt the people of Ukraine as much as possible, to break them."
Germany's foreign minister commented on the discovery of an explosives-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport, stating that Berlin was coordinating its response with NATO and EU partners. Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged a clear-cut response, emphasizing that Germany would not be intimidated.
Ukraine's air force reported that Russia struck at least 28 locations in overnight attacks, targeting Kyiv and Odesa with ballistic, cruise, and anti-radar missiles, as well as over 200 drones. At least 11 people were killed in the capital region, and Zelenskyy stated that a Russian strike deliberately damaged a border crossing point and export infrastructure.
The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides targeting military and energy facilities. European defense ministers are meeting in Ireland to discuss support for Ukraine, including a €90 billion ($104 billion) loan approved in April to assist with urgent economic and military needs. NATO military aircraft were scrambled after drones briefly entered Estonian airspace, highlighting ongoing security concerns along NATO's eastern flank.
The situation remains fluid as both Russia and Ukraine engage in a series of attacks, with the potential for further escalation in the region.