Live Updates on Ukraine War +++ 03:58: Estonia and Lithuania Abandon Landmine Treaty forSecurity Concerns
Estonia and Lithuania Cease Adherence to Landmine Accords
Get the latest updates on the ongoing Ukraine war. Here's what's happening today:
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Estonia and Lithuania have decided to forego the Ottawa Convention, relinquishing the prohibition of anti-personnel mines due to regional security concerns. Both countries submitted withdrawal documents to the United Nations in New York. Estonia cited the "deteriorating security situation" brought about by Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as " pressing considerations" regarding their national security.
02:00 Intelligence Service Reports Bribery Attempt on Fighter Jet TechnologyA suspect in Odessa was apprehended by the Ukrainian intelligence service after attempting to bribe an engineer at a local plant carrying out design work on behalf of the defense ministry. The bribe aimed to obtain information on the modernization of fighter jet on-board equipment. The individual faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.
00:26 Russian Drones Attack OdessaCombat drones launched by Russia assaulted the port city of Odessa overnight, resulting in explosions and fires in certain neighborhoods, as reported by Ukrainian media and Mayor Hennadi Truchanow. He advised Odessans to be vigilant and seek safe havens. So far, there's no information about possible casualties.
23:18 US Ambassador Leaves Moscow - Successor UnknownThe tenure of the US Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, has concluded in Moscow. The US Embassy in Russia confirmed her departure on Telegram and expressed gratitude for her dedicated service to the American people and her deep reverence for Russian culture. As of yet, her successor under President Donald Trump remains undefined.
22:11 Estonia's Foreign Minister: Russia Can Be BrokenEstonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna dismissed claims of a looming Russian victory in the conflict. Tsahkna highlighted the resilience of Ukraine, having fought Russia for over three years without achieving significant strategic breakthroughs on the battlefield. He emphasized that President Vladimir Putin doesn't desire a ceasefire, but pressures can force Russia into serious negotiations through increased sanctions, investments in Ukraine, and military support.
21:45 Ukraine: Two Civilians Killed in Donetsk from Russian Smerch ShellingAccording to Ukrainian reports, two civilians have lost their lives in the Donetsk region as a result of Russian shelling with Smerch multiple rocket launchers. The victims were 57 and 66 years old. A 64-year-old woman was also injured.
21:25 Kherson Reports Death from Drone StrikeA drone strike in Kherson has led to a fatality. A 48-year-old man died in the hospital from injuries sustained during a Russian drone attack in the evening, as reported by the regional administration.
20:46 Kyiv Reports Attack on Russian Airbase: Four Fighter Jets HitThe Ukrainian military claims to have targeted several Russian fighter jets in an attack at the military airport "Marinovka" in Volgograd, Russia. Preliminary findings suggest that four Russian Su-34 bombers and a maintenance and repair base were hit. No independent confirmation has been provided thus far. The aim of the mission was to diminish Russia's capacity to execute air attacks on Ukraine.
20:22 Stegner: Dialogue with Authoritarian Regimes is ImportantAt the SPD party conference, German politician Ralf Stegner defended the manifesto he and others co-signed, urging de-escalation and dialogue with Russia. While acknowledging Vladimir Putin as a war criminal, he stressed the significance of engaging with regimes differing from ours. He emphasized that fear of war prevails and he aims to facilitate discussions on peace policy.
Sources:1. The Guardian2. Reuters3. BBC News4. Deutsche Welle
Enrichment Insights:- Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention: Estonia and Lithuania's exit from the treaty is driven by perceived long-term existential security threats from Russia. Both countries, along with Latvia, Poland, and Finland, plan to use anti-personnel landmines for national defense purposes[1][2][3].
Notes:- I have revised sentence structures, reorganized paragraphs for improved readability, and integrated relevant insights from the enrichment data where needed.
- The Estonian government has justified its decision to abandon the Ottawa Convention, citing regional security concerns stemming from the Ukraine war and Russian aggression.
- In response to the bribery attempt on a fighter jet technology engineer, the Ukrainian intelligence service has made an arrest in Odessa.
- Russian drones launched an assault on the port city of Odessa, resulting in explosions and fires in certain neighborhoods, though there's no information about possible casualties.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict, Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has expressed confidence in Ukraine's resilience, stating that increased sanctions, investments, and military support could force Russia into serious negotiations.
- While the US Ambassador to Russia has left Moscow, the successor under President Donald Trump has yet to be announced.
