Russia Claims to Intercept 41 Ukrainian Drones; Reports of Attacks Deep Inside Russian Territory
Moscow reported intercepting 41 Ukrainian drones overnight, while attacks were reported in the Samara region city of Syzran and Krasnodar Krai, according to Russian state media and regional officials.
The reported drone interceptions come amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While Russia routinely claims to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks, autonomous verification is challenging.
Separately, reports emerged of an attack in Syzran, a city in the Samara region, causing damage to a Rosneft oil refinery. Krasnodar Krai officials also reported drone activity, though details remain limited. These incidents mark a continuation of attacks targeting Russian infrastructure, increasingly occurring deeper within Russian territory.
Simultaneously occurring, a leak of notes from a recent closed-door meeting of European leaders revealed concerns about the level of U.S. involvement in potential negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine.French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly stated, “I agree, Volodymyr [Zelensky] is in great danger and it is possible that the United States will betray Ukraine on a territory without clear security guarantees.” The Elysée Palace, however, disputes the direct quote, stating, “We have our own account of this exchange, in which this word does not appear,” while affirming Macron’s public stance that any negotiations concerning Ukraine must include full European involvement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly advised Zelenskyy “to be very careful in the coming days,” alleging the Americans “playing games with you and us.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed similar distrust regarding U.S.envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s recent visit to Moscow, stating, “The presence of certain leaders is necessary. We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys.” NATO chief Mark Rutte reportedly said, “We must protect Volodymyr.”
The source of the leaked notes remains unknown, though Spiegel reports confirmation from two participants in the meeting.
