Finland and Sweden on Friday (Sep 25) said that they had scrambled fighter ​jets to intercept and identify Russian military aircraft in international airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The operation marked the first such joint mission by the two Nordic nations. The Finnish Air Force said the two countries deployed Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft on Thursday (Sep 24) after Russian military planes were detected.The Russian detachment included a Tu-134 transport aircraft, along with MiG-31 and Su-30 fighter jets, according to the Finnish military. Finnish and Swedish aircraft tracked and identified the Russian group before completing the operation. The mission was described by Finland as the first joint operational “identification mission” conducted by the two air forces.<h2>Baltic Sea tensions remain high</h2>The operation comes as security concerns have intensified across the Baltic Sea region following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The region has witnessed incidents involving airspace violations, drone sightings and gas pipeline outages, prompting increased vigilance among NATO members.Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the joint operation demonstrated the level of coordination developed between the two countries.“It is a concrete expression of the readiness and trust we have built together – and an expression of the strength in the Nordic, Nordic-Baltic, and broader NATO cooperation in our part of the world,” Kristersson wrote on X.He added: “The Baltic Sea has never been as vulnerable as it is now – but it has also never been better protected than it is right now.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-testing-nato-again-mi-8-helicopter-breaches-polish-airspace-briefly-1790181515755">Russia testing NATO again? Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace briefly&nbsp;</a><h2>Russian Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace</h2>The incident happened a day after Poland said that a Russian military helicopter briefly violated its airspace on Wednesday (Sep 23). It added that in response, NATO fighter jets were scrambled, while ground forces remained on alert. Polish Army Operational Command said that the Mi-8 aircraft entered Polish airspace from the Russian ​exclave of Kaliningrad and stayed for 42 seconds. It penetrated the country’s airspace to a depth of about 300 metres (328 yards). The Mi-8 helicopter crossed into Polish airspace north of the town of Braniewo at around 11:08 am local time. Polish radar systems tracked its movement throughout the incident.

Finland and Sweden scrambled fighter jets to identify Russian military aircraft over the Gulf of Finland in their first joint operation, amid rising tensions and security concerns in the Baltic Sea.

Finland and Sweden on Friday (Sep 25) said that they had scrambled fighter jets to intercept and identify Russian military aircraft in international airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The operation marked the first such joint mission by the two Nordic nations. The Finnish Air Force said the two countries deployed Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft on Thursday (Sep 24) after Russian military planes were detected. The Russian detachment included a Tu-134 transport aircraft, along with MiG-31 and Su-30 fighter jets, according to the Finnish military. Finnish and Swedish aircraft tracked and identified the Russian group before completing the operation. The mission was described by Finland as the first joint operational “identification mission” conducted by the two air forces. Baltic Sea tensions remain high The operation comes as security concerns have intensified across the Baltic Sea region following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The region has witnessed incidents involving airspace violations, drone sightings and gas pipeline outages, prompting increased vigilance among NATO members. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the joint operation demonstrated the level of coordination developed between the two countries. “It is a concrete expression of the readiness and trust we have built together – and an expression of the strength in the Nordic, Nordic-Baltic, and broader NATO cooperation in our part of the world,” Kristersson wrote on X. He added: “The Baltic Sea has never been as vulnerable as it is now – but it has also never been better protected than it is right now.” Also read | Russia testing NATO again? Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace briefly Russian Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace The incident happened a day after Poland said that a Russian military helicopter briefly violated its airspace on Wednesday (Sep 23). It added that in response, NATO fighter jets were scrambled, while ground forces remained on alert. Polish Army Operational Command said that the Mi-8 aircraft entered Polish airspace from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and stayed for 42 seconds. It penetrated the country’s airspace to a depth of about 300 metres (328 yards). The Mi-8 helicopter crossed into Polish airspace north of the town of Braniewo at around 11:08 am local time. Polish radar systems tracked its movement throughout the incident.

Finland and Sweden scrambled fighter jets to identify Russian military aircraft over the Gulf of Finland in their first joint operation, amid rising tensions and security concerns in the Baltic Sea.

Russian warplanes trigger first Finland-Sweden joint operation in Baltic – What happened?

Poland on Wednesday (Sep 23) said that a Russian military helicopter briefly violated its airspace. It added that in response, NATO fighter jets were scrambled, while ground forces remained on alert. Polish Army Operational Command said that the Mi-8 aircraft entered the Polish airspace from the Russian ​exclave of Kaliningrad and stayed for 42 seconds. It penetrated the country’s airspace to a depth of about 300 metres (328 yards).In a statement, the Polish military said, “Fighter ​aircraft were scrambled, and ground-based ​forces and assets remained on standby.”It further added, “The ‌nature ⁠of the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air ​defense.”Poland said the Mi-8 helicopter crossed into Polish airspace north of the town of Braniewo at around 11:08 am local time. Polish radar systems tracked its movement throughout the incident.The incident comes as Poland remains on heightened alert over potential spillover from Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Poland and other NATO members have increasingly warned about possible Russian attempts to test the alliance’s response, while Moscow has repeatedly denied plans to attack NATO countries.Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia does not intend to attack NATO states. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile, has accused European countries of preparing for conflict and warned that any European attack on Russia would lead to “a completely different war [from that in Ukraine], and it will be very short.”<h2>Growing concern over hybrid threats</h2>The helicopter incident comes against a backdrop of repeated airspace and security incidents involving NATO’s eastern flank.Poland has previously reported Russian drones and a missile entering its territory since the invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw has also raised concerns over possible drone and missile strikes and other forms of pressure aimed at countries supporting Kyiv.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently said the “Russian hybrid threat against Europeans” had intensified, arguing that the objective was to intimidate countries supporting Ukraine.Hybrid attacks can include cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation rather than conventional military action. Several European countries have recently accused Russia of involvement in such incidents, allegations Moscow has rejected.The latest helicopter incursion adds another test for Poland as it continues to monitor activity along its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and the wider NATO eastern flank.

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace near Braniewo, prompting fighter jets to scramble and ground forces to remain alert amid rising NATO concerns over Russian threats.

Poland on Wednesday (Sep 23) said that a Russian military helicopter briefly violated its airspace. It added that in response, NATO fighter jets were scrambled, while ground forces remained on alert. Polish Army Operational Command said that the Mi-8 aircraft entered the Polish airspace from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and stayed for 42 seconds. It penetrated the country’s airspace to a depth of about 300 metres (328 yards). In a statement, the Polish military said, “Fighter aircraft were scrambled, and ground-based forces and assets remained on standby.” It further added, “The ‌nature ⁠of the incident indicates that Russia is once again testing the readiness of our air defense.” Poland said the Mi-8 helicopter crossed into Polish airspace north of the town of Braniewo at around 11:08 am local time. Polish radar systems tracked its movement throughout the incident. The incident comes as Poland remains on heightened alert over potential spillover from Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Poland and other NATO members have increasingly warned about possible Russian attempts to test the alliance’s response, while Moscow has repeatedly denied plans to attack NATO countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia does not intend to attack NATO states. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile, has accused European countries of preparing for conflict and warned that any European attack on Russia would lead to “a completely different war [from that in Ukraine], and it will be very short.” Growing concern over hybrid threats The helicopter incident comes against a backdrop of repeated airspace and security incidents involving NATO’s eastern flank. Poland has previously reported Russian drones and a missile entering its territory since the invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw has also raised concerns over possible drone and missile strikes and other forms of pressure aimed at countries supporting Kyiv. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently said the “Russian hybrid threat against Europeans” had intensified, arguing that the objective was to intimidate countries supporting Ukraine. Hybrid attacks can include cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation rather than conventional military action. Several European countries have recently accused Russia of involvement in such incidents, allegations Moscow has rejected. The latest helicopter incursion adds another test for Poland as it continues to monitor activity along its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and the wider NATO eastern flank.

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter briefly entered Polish airspace near Braniewo, prompting fighter jets to scramble and ground forces to remain alert amid rising NATO concerns over Russian threats.

Russia testing NATO again? Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace briefly – What happened?

A Russian drone strike on a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland has raised fresh concerns about the widening risks of Moscow’s war. Polish officials have warned that further escalation could affect NATO territory. The train, carrying 206 passengers, was struck near Yahodyn in western Ukraine on Sunday (Sep 13). No casualties were reported, but the service was delayed by more than six hours before continuing towards Warsaw after border checks. Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of “deliberately” targeting the train.According to Poland’s interior ministry, a second Russian drone hit just two kilometres from the Polish border at a fuel station in Yahodyn, setting two trucks on fire.“The unmanned aircraft hit a fuel station in the town of Yahodyn, 2 km from the Polish border,” spokeswoman Karolina Galecka said, adding that “as a result of the strike two trucks... caught fire.”The strikes came as US President Donald Trump warned Zelensky to “stop knocking out diesel fuel” refineries in Russia as it was resulting in shortages and “hurting” other countries.<h2>Western officials were nearby</h2>Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia said senior Western figures were at the station shortly before the strike at the train. According to reports, their train was halted and evacuated. &nbsp;The presence of the former British prime minister and former CIA director adds another layer to an incident already drawing attention because of its proximity to Poland.“Shortly before the locomotive was hit at the Ukrainian-Polish border, a diplomatic train was at Yagodyn station,” the operator said. “There were, among others, security advisers from several EU member states and former European leaders on board, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In another train that was at Yagodyn station at the very moment of the attack was former CIA Director David Petraeus.”Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the strike, calling it a “random and senseless attack” on Ukrainians and civilian railways. He urged Western countries to provide Ukraine with more air defences and use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv, arguing that stronger backing could help end the war sooner.<h2>Poland warns of escalation</h2>Following the attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk chaired an emergency meeting. He warned that Russia’s military campaign could increasingly pose a threat to Poland.“The coming weeks and months will be a period of very intensive actions on the Russian side,” Tusk said, adding that Poland “cannot rule out that this escalation will also affect our territory.”Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking in Kyiv, described the attacks as an escalation and called for increased support for Ukraine.“This is an escalation, this is another great challenge for Ukraine and for the hypothetical future victims of Russian aggression and this means that we should double our efforts to support victims of aggression,” Sikorski said.<h2>Moscow says railway infrastructure targeted</h2>Russia confirmed striking railway infrastructure in western Ukraine but said the facilities were being used to move military supplies from Europe.“Strikes have continued on railway infrastructure in the western regions of Ukraine, which are used to transport military cargo from European countries,” Russia’s defence ministry said.Zelensky, however, said the passenger train was deliberately targeted and accused Moscow of striking civilian and critical infrastructure.“It is precisely to prevent these strikes from spreading further into Europe that Ukrainian men and women fight every day, give their lives, and do not allow the aggression to expand,” Zelensky said.<h2>Peace efforts face another setback</h2>The strikes came days after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in Kyiv and Moscow as Washington sought to revive negotiations to end the war.The Kremlin said three-way talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the US could potentially take place in October, although there is still no agreed framework. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said there was no “coordinated package” for negotiations yet, while President Vladimir Putin’s government continues to insist that territorial issues must be addressed.

A Russian drone struck a Kyiv-Warsaw train near Poland when Western officials were nearby, while another hit just 2 km from the border. Is NATO facing threat of wider escalation?

A Russian drone strike on a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland has raised fresh concerns about the widening risks of Moscow’s war. Polish officials have warned that further escalation could affect NATO territory. The train, carrying 206 passengers, was struck near Yahodyn in western Ukraine on Sunday (Sep 13). No casualties were reported, but the service was delayed by more than six hours before continuing towards Warsaw after border checks. Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of “deliberately” targeting the train. According to Poland’s interior ministry, a second Russian drone hit just two kilometres from the Polish border at a fuel station in Yahodyn, setting two trucks on fire. “The unmanned aircraft hit a fuel station in the town of Yahodyn, 2 km from the Polish border,” spokeswoman Karolina Galecka said, adding that “as a result of the strike two trucks... caught fire.” The strikes came as US President Donald Trump warned Zelensky to “stop knocking out diesel fuel” refineries in Russia as it was resulting in shortages and “hurting” other countries. Western officials were nearby Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia said senior Western figures were at the station shortly before the strike at the train. According to reports, their train was halted and evacuated. The presence of the former British prime minister and former CIA director adds another layer to an incident already drawing attention because of its proximity to Poland. “Shortly before the locomotive was hit at the Ukrainian-Polish border, a diplomatic train was at Yagodyn station,” the operator said. “There were, among others, security advisers from several EU member states and former European leaders on board, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In another train that was at Yagodyn station at the very moment of the attack was former CIA Director David Petraeus.” Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the strike, calling it a “random and senseless attack” on Ukrainians and civilian railways. He urged Western countries to provide Ukraine with more air defences and use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv, arguing that stronger backing could help end the war sooner. Poland warns of escalation Following the attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk chaired an emergency meeting. He warned that Russia’s military campaign could increasingly pose a threat to Poland. “The coming weeks and months will be a period of very intensive actions on the Russian side,” Tusk said, adding that Poland “cannot rule out that this escalation will also affect our territory.” Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking in Kyiv, described the attacks as an escalation and called for increased support for Ukraine. “This is an escalation, this is another great challenge for Ukraine and for the hypothetical future victims of Russian aggression and this means that we should double our efforts to support victims of aggression,” Sikorski said. Moscow says railway infrastructure targeted Russia confirmed striking railway infrastructure in western Ukraine but said the facilities were being used to move military supplies from Europe. “Strikes have continued on railway infrastructure in the western regions of Ukraine, which are used to transport military cargo from European countries,” Russia’s defence ministry said. Zelensky, however, said the passenger train was deliberately targeted and accused Moscow of striking civilian and critical infrastructure. “It is precisely to prevent these strikes from spreading further into Europe that Ukrainian men and women fight every day, give their lives, and do not allow the aggression to expand,” Zelensky said. Peace efforts face another setback The strikes came days after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in Kyiv and Moscow as Washington sought to revive negotiations to end the war. The Kremlin said three-way talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the US could potentially take place in October, although there is still no agreed framework. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said there was no “coordinated package” for negotiations yet, while President Vladimir Putin’s government continues to insist that territorial issues must be addressed.

A Russian drone struck a Kyiv-Warsaw train near Poland when Western officials were nearby, while another hit just 2 km from the border. Is NATO facing threat of wider escalation?

NATO under Russian threat? Drone strikes just 2 km from Poland, narrow escape for former UK PM, CIA chief

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022, the UK has been one of Kyiv's biggest backers in its efforts to repel Russia. In a striking contradiction, however, a new report has alleged that retired elite British soldiers have been training Russian troops.&nbsp;The claims come even as the UK's National Security Act prohibits former UK armed forces personnel from training foreign soldiers.&nbsp;Only a couple of weeks ago, UK PM Andy Burnham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day to reaffirm Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine.&nbsp;On that occasion, the UK agreed to release classified information so that the long range Scalp missile can be manufactured in Ukraine.&nbsp;Earlier this week, Britain announced that it was committing 135 million US dollars to boost Ukraine's air defence capabilities this winter. Ukraine will receive Patriot missiles, large calibre artillery rounds and drones to defend itself against Russian attacks.&nbsp;According to The Telegraph, a leaked intelligence memo compiled for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service found that veterans from Britain's elite Special Air Service, or SAS, were training Russian citizens as well as active duty personnel.&nbsp;They were reportedly recruited by a UK military training firm named Alfa Metal for its combat camp at Mejdeni in northern Bulgaria.&nbsp;The report also claimed that the firm employs instructors not just from the SAS, but also from the Australian Commando Regiment, US police forces and US Navy SEALs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-000-police-200-paramilitary-companies-deployed-routes-secured-hotels-fortified-as-delhi-gears-up-for-brics-summit-1789056700020">15,000 police, 200 paramilitary companies deployed, routes secured, hotels fortified as Delhi gears up for BRICS Summit</a>&nbsp;The SAS is an elite special forces unit of the British Army. It was created in 1941 during the Second World War, when a small group of soldiers undertook small scale raids behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe.&nbsp;Since then, the SAS has been deployed in most wars involving Britain. Its personnel are known for their skills in covert surveillance, close combat fighting and hostage rescue.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/elite-uk-military-veterans-secretly-train-russian-soldiers-report-1789060806693/embed&nbsp;According to the report, Alfa Metal advertised for an SAS instructor in protection and security six months ago.&nbsp;The firm reportedly offers special forces training and advanced sniper courses for around 4,600 US dollars per person, potentially targeting members of private military companies, bodyguards and corporate security teams.&nbsp;The report claimed that Alfa Metal continued to train Russian nationals at least until 2025, three years after the invasion of Ukraine began.&nbsp;The report also alleged a Russian connection. It said a private Russian security firm named Alfa Region, based in Saint Petersburg, had advertised Alfa Metal's training camp on its website.However, Alfa Metal clarified that it has neither employed SAS veterans nor does it have any link with Alfa Region.&nbsp;According to the report, the intelligence memo is now under investigation by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. Its findings would probably be shared with the UK and US soon through the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network.&nbsp;As far as the UK government is concerned, it declined to comment on the specific claims in the report.At the same time, the UK's Defence Ministry stressed that Britain has robust legislation in place to tackle any foreign hostile activity.

A leaked intelligence memo reportedly alleges that retired UK SAS veterans trained Russian citizens and active duty personnel at a Bulgarian combat camp, despite British laws restricting former military personnel from training foreign forces.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022, the UK has been one of Kyiv's biggest backers in its efforts to repel Russia. In a striking contradiction, however, a new report has alleged that retired elite British soldiers have been training Russian troops. The claims come even as the UK's National Security Act prohibits former UK armed forces personnel from training foreign soldiers. Only a couple of weeks ago, UK PM Andy Burnham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day to reaffirm Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine. On that occasion, the UK agreed to release classified information so that the long range Scalp missile can be manufactured in Ukraine. Earlier this week, Britain announced that it was committing 135 million US dollars to boost Ukraine's air defence capabilities this winter. Ukraine will receive Patriot missiles, large calibre artillery rounds and drones to defend itself against Russian attacks. According to The Telegraph, a leaked intelligence memo compiled for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service found that veterans from Britain's elite Special Air Service, or SAS, were training Russian citizens as well as active duty personnel. They were reportedly recruited by a UK military training firm named Alfa Metal for its combat camp at Mejdeni in northern Bulgaria. The report also claimed that the firm employs instructors not just from the SAS, but also from the Australian Commando Regiment, US police forces and US Navy SEALs. Also Read: 15,000 police, 200 paramilitary companies deployed, routes secured, hotels fortified as Delhi gears up for BRICS Summit The SAS is an elite special forces unit of the British Army. It was created in 1941 during the Second World War, when a small group of soldiers undertook small scale raids behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe. Since then, the SAS has been deployed in most wars involving Britain. Its personnel are known for their skills in covert surveillance, close combat fighting and hostage rescue. https://www.wionews.com/videos/elite-uk-military-veterans-secretly-train-russian-soldiers-report-1789060806693/embed According to the report, Alfa Metal advertised for an SAS instructor in protection and security six months ago. The firm reportedly offers special forces training and advanced sniper courses for around 4,600 US dollars per person, potentially targeting members of private military companies, bodyguards and corporate security teams. The report claimed that Alfa Metal continued to train Russian nationals at least until 2025, three years after the invasion of Ukraine began. The report also alleged a Russian connection. It said a private Russian security firm named Alfa Region, based in Saint Petersburg, had advertised Alfa Metal's training camp on its website. However, Alfa Metal clarified that it has neither employed SAS veterans nor does it have any link with Alfa Region. According to the report, the intelligence memo is now under investigation by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. Its findings would probably be shared with the UK and US soon through the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network. As far as the UK government is concerned, it declined to comment on the specific claims in the report. At the same time, the UK's Defence Ministry stressed that Britain has robust legislation in place to tackle any foreign hostile activity.

A leaked intelligence memo reportedly alleges that retired UK SAS veterans trained Russian citizens and active duty personnel at a Bulgarian combat camp, despite British laws restricting former military personnel from training foreign forces.

Elite UK military veterans 'secretly' train Russian soldiers: Report

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of wanting to start a war after Berlin expelled the consulate general from Bonn and closed the Russian cultural centre. This comes after the German government on Tuesday (Sep 1) blamed Moscow for a drone attack on Leipzig airport last month. The explosive-laden drone was discovered in the secure cargo operations area at the strategic airport, near a Ukrainian cargo plane.In an interview published on Sunday (Sep 6), Lavrov said, “This is, by and large, the start of a real war. They expelled the consulate general from Bonn. They’re closing the Russian House (cultural centre) in Berlin. I remember that before the start of the Second World War... They want war again.”Lavrov also accused Germany of Nazism, adding that “the Russian leadership will draw the appropriate conclusions.”<h2>Germany blames Russia over drone incident</h2>On Tuesday (Sep 1), the German government said that Russia sent “low-level agents” for an attempted “hybrid attack” involving an explosive-laden drone at the strategic airport in eastern Germany.In response, Germany shut down the Russian consulate in Bonn and ended the contract for the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin.After examining the drone technology used and other intelligence, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that “the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.”“The drone configuration – various components, explosives and ignition systems – are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine,” he added.“We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions,” he said. “We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.”“We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said.<h2>EU summons Russian envoys</h2>On Wednesday (Sep 2), the EU nations summoned Russia’s envoys and discussed fresh sanctions over the incident.“It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “The question is, what do we do about this?”

Lavrov accused Germany of preparing for war after Berlin blamed Russia for a drone attack on Leipzig airport and closed Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities. The EU has also discussed sanctions over the incident.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Germany of wanting to start a war after Berlin expelled the consulate general from Bonn and closed the Russian cultural centre. This comes after the German government on Tuesday (Sep 1) blamed Moscow for a drone attack on Leipzig airport last month. The explosive-laden drone was discovered in the secure cargo operations area at the strategic airport, near a Ukrainian cargo plane. In an interview published on Sunday (Sep 6), Lavrov said, “This is, by and large, the start of a real war. They expelled the consulate general from Bonn. They’re closing the Russian House (cultural centre) in Berlin. I remember that before the start of the Second World War... They want war again.” Lavrov also accused Germany of Nazism, adding that “the Russian leadership will draw the appropriate conclusions.” Germany blames Russia over drone incident On Tuesday (Sep 1), the German government said that Russia sent “low-level agents” for an attempted “hybrid attack” involving an explosive-laden drone at the strategic airport in eastern Germany. In response, Germany shut down the Russian consulate in Bonn and ended the contract for the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin. After examining the drone technology used and other intelligence, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that “the government concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.” “The drone configuration – various components, explosives and ignition systems – are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine,” he added. “We do not view the Leipzig incident in isolation, but rather see it in the context of other hybrid actions,” he said. “We assume that Germany is the target of further hybrid attacks by Russia.” “We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said. EU summons Russian envoys On Wednesday (Sep 2), the EU nations summoned Russia’s envoys and discussed fresh sanctions over the incident. “It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “The question is, what do we do about this?”

Lavrov accused Germany of preparing for war after Berlin blamed Russia for a drone attack on Leipzig airport and closed Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities. The EU has also discussed sanctions over the incident.

‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident

In a major development indicating increased tensions between NATO and Russia, a Russian warship fired signalling ammunition (flare) at a German helicopter in the Baltic Sea. The Bundeswehr helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission in response to increased Russian naval activity in the region. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reportedly mentioned this episode in the NATO meeting in Brussels but additional details are yet not known to the media.

"Putin is attacking our peace order with hybrid attacks," the minister said, as per German media reports.

Usually, such signalling ammunition is reserved to be used in emergency situations only. Russian authorities have claimed that the shots were fired just to alert the German helicopter and not to intimidate the crew aboard.

The incident comes amidst increased tensions in the Baltic region, showing how it could become a new flashpoint in the tensions between the NATO bloc and Russian forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjI9_XeuZCKAxV8T2wGHUQkPd8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-hot-phase-of-war-with-russia-could-end-in-exchange-for-nato-membership-780369" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-hot-phase-of-war-with-russia-could-end-in-exchange-for-nato-membership-780369&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjI9_XeuZCKAxV8T2wGHUQkPd8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Zelensky says `hot phase of war` with Russia could end in exchange for NATO membership</a>

Just last month, two sets of communication cables got damaged in the Baltic Sea linking Finland and Germany, prompting both nations to point fingers at Russia. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius declared the incident as an “act of sabotage”, saying “hybrid actors” were behind the attack.

Now, Sweden, Germany and Lithuania have launched investigations into the alleged ‘sabotage’ plot, with special emphasis on the likely role of the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjI9_XeuZCKAxV8T2wGHUQkPd8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-global-security-and-russia-north-korea-ties-778592" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-global-security-and-russia-north-korea-ties-778592&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjI9_XeuZCKAxV8T2wGHUQkPd8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">NATO chief meets Trump in Florida to discuss global security and Russia-North Korea ties</a>

Over the past months, NATO nations and officials have accused Moscow of staging hybrid attacks on Western nations since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hybrid warfare typically refers to activities designed to destabilise nations through non-traditional and diverse means, including cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage and misinformation campaigns. Russian hackers have allegedly targeted critical infrastructure, including energy and government systems, in countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Germany.

In response to recent actions by a Russian warship against a German helicopter, Germany has vowed to expand patrolling operations in the Baltic Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major development indicating increased tensions between NATO and Russia, a Russian warship fired signalling ammunition (flare) at a German helicopter in the Baltic Sea.

In a major development indicating increased tensions between NATO and Russia, a Russian warship fired signalling ammunition (flare) at a German helicopter in the Baltic Sea. The Bundeswehr helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission in response to increased Russian naval activity in the region. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reportedly mentioned this episode in the NATO meeting in Brussels but additional details are yet not known to the media. "Putin is attacking our peace order with hybrid attacks," the minister said, as per German media reports. Usually, such signalling ammunition is reserved to be used in emergency situations only. Russian authorities have claimed that the shots were fired just to alert the German helicopter and not to intimidate the crew aboard. The incident comes amidst increased tensions in the Baltic region, showing how it could become a new flashpoint in the tensions between the NATO bloc and Russian forces. Also read: Zelensky says `hot phase of war` with Russia could end in exchange for NATO membership Just last month, two sets of communication cables got damaged in the Baltic Sea linking Finland and Germany, prompting both nations to point fingers at Russia. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius declared the incident as an “act of sabotage”, saying “hybrid actors” were behind the attack. Now, Sweden, Germany and Lithuania have launched investigations into the alleged ‘sabotage’ plot, with special emphasis on the likely role of the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3. Also read: NATO chief meets Trump in Florida to discuss global security and Russia-North Korea ties Over the past months, NATO nations and officials have accused Moscow of staging hybrid attacks on Western nations since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hybrid warfare typically refers to activities designed to destabilise nations through non-traditional and diverse means, including cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage and misinformation campaigns. Russian hackers have allegedly targeted critical infrastructure, including energy and government systems, in countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Germany. In response to recent actions by a Russian warship against a German helicopter, Germany has vowed to expand patrolling operations in the Baltic Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Major escalation as Russian warship accused of firing flare ammo at German helicopter

In a tit-for-tat move, Russia has announced the suspension of the NATO liaison mission. The announcement comes after NATO expelled eight members of the Russian mission to the military alliance for alleged spying.

Russia has announced the suspension of the NATO liaison mission

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nato vs-russia

Russian warplanes trigger first Finland-Sweden joint operation in Baltic – What happened?

Russia testing NATO again? Mi-8 helicopter breaches Polish airspace briefly

Russian drone strikes just 2 km from Poland, narrow escape for Western diplomats

Elite UK military veterans 'secretly' train Russian soldiers: Report

‘Germany wants war again’: Russian FM accuses Berlin after drone incident

Major escalation as Russian warship accused of firing flare ammo at German helicopter

Russia has announced the suspension of the NATO liaison mission