Drone strikes, nuclear threats, and NATO responses mark another tense day in the conflict.
On day 1,310 of the Russia-Ukraine war, fighting intensified on multiple fronts, with Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian ports and heightened concerns over nuclear safety. Ukrainian forces reportedly struck Novorossiysk and Tuapse ports, temporarily halting operations at Transneft’s oil terminals, a key pipeline hub.
A Ukrainian drone also detonated near the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant in Mykolaiv after Russian reports indicated 22 drones in the area, prompting warnings from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Meanwhile, Russian media claimed Ukraine attempted an attack on the Kursk Nuclear Plant, one of Russia’s largest nuclear facilities.
In northern Ukraine, Chernihiv and surrounding districts faced major power outages, affecting around 30,000 residents following Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
Regional security concerns grew as European leaders reacted to escalating airspace violations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for “effective deterrence” by NATO, while Romanian Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu emphasized a “firm but proportional” response to provocations. NATO’s Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, supported shooting down Russian drones and aircraft entering member airspace. Germany’s Rheinmetall announced plans to build a new ammunition plant in Latvia, bolstering the Baltic nation’s defense capabilities.
Political developments added complexity to the crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would consider stepping down after the war ends. In Washington, former US President Donald Trump praised NATO’s US relationship as “the strongest ever” during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban discussed Central European energy security with Trump, highlighting reliance on Russian gas and oil.
On peace talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to engage, believing the Trump administration still holds political will to resolve the war, even after Trump suggested Kyiv could reclaim all territories taken by Russia.
As the war enters its 1,310th day, the conflict continues to escalate across military, political, and diplomatic arenas, leaving Europe and the world watching closely.