Baltic Sea

The Trump administration halted the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm project, despite it being 80% complete, citing national security. The decision drew criticism and potential lawsuits from developer Orsted.

US Vice President J. D. Vance stated that Russia has recognized the impossibility of establishing a puppet regime in Ukraine. This was Russia's main demand at the beginning of the war.

The US Navy confirmed the presence of an E-6B "Mercury" aircraft at Pituffik Air Base in Greenland. It is involved in routine operations and exercises with strategic nuclear submarines.

Finnish President Stubb stated that a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia is unlikely in the near future. He believes that Trump's patience with Putin may run out due to the protracted war and attacks on civilian targets.

NATO's easternmost countries are experiencing a sharp increase in radio and satellite jamming, affecting air and sea communications. Lithuania accused Russia of a 22-fold increase in GPS jamming.

European natural gas prices are rising as optimism for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine wanes. This is happening amid the difficulty of reaching a peace agreement and preparations for the upcoming heating season.

The US immediately ceases issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers. This decision was made to analyze verification protocols and improve road safety.

The leading CIA analyst on Russia was removed from her position. She oversaw the preparation of the report on Russia's interference in the 2016 elections.

The European Union plans to purchase $750 billion worth of oil and nuclear products from the US by 2028, and will also allocate $40 billion for AI chips. The EU will abolish tariffs on US industrial goods and increase defense procurement.

The Kremlin has significantly intensified hybrid attacks on the critical infrastructure of European countries. The number of incidents has quadrupled in 2024 compared to the previous year.

India and Russia intend to increase trade to $100 billion in five years. This is a response to trade pressure from the United States.

European leaders are likely to impose sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Trump. Zelenskyy called for sanctions if Putin refuses the summit.

Belarus is ready to mediate a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Press Secretary of the President of Belarus Natalia Eismont stated that Minsk is ready to organize a meeting at the highest level.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump does not rule out air support for Ukraine. This is one of the military options being considered as a security guarantee.

President Zelenskyy discussed with the President of the European Council, António Costa, further steps and the preparation of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Pressure on Russia must increase until it takes real steps to stop the war.

Chinese refineries increased purchases of Russian Urals oil, taking advantage of India's refusal of preferential batches due to Washington's increased trade tariffs. Urals exports to China almost doubled in August, while they significantly decreased to India.

Satellite images from Planet Labs recorded large-scale construction at five Russian nuclear facilities, including Osipovichi, Gadzhiyevo, Kaliningrad, Kamchatka, and Novaya Zemlya. The modernization indicates Moscow's possible plans for nuclear forces amid tensions in Europe.

South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

From July 1, 2025, Germany will require tankers in its territorial waters to have oil pollution insurance. This will strengthen the fight against Russia's "shadow fleet" and protect the Baltic Sea, minimizing the risks of environmental disasters.

Influential investor Stephen P. Lynch seeks to acquire a Russian pipeline. The White House is considering cooperation with the Kremlin on gas supplies to Europe, which is causing concern in Germany.

Sweden is strengthening control over ships in the Baltic Sea to counter the Russian "shadow fleet" used to circumvent sanctions. Gathering information about ships will form the basis for sanctions.

Joint training with the US Army was held in Šiauliai, Lithuania, to support HIMARS management skills. Lithuanian and American soldiers conducted theoretical and practical training.

Johann Wadephul stated a security threat due to Russia's "shadow fleet" and confirmed the EU's plans for new sanctions. The 17th package of sanctions will tighten measures against these vessels.

Finland is strengthening security in the Baltic Sea due to an increase in suspicious incidents related to Russian sabotage. Since 2023, 11 underwater cables have been damaged.

The Finnish authorities released the Eagle S tanker suspected of damaging Estlink 2 cables. The owners of the damaged cables refused to be arrested due to the high cost of maintaining the vessel and are planning a lawsuit.

Near the Polish city of Międzyzdroje, animal welfare activists freed a 7-meter humpback whale that had become entangled in fishing nets. The rescue operation was successful thanks to the calm behavior of the animal and the coordinated work of the services.

Russia is using technological innovations developed during the war in Ukraine against NATO countries. Particular attention is paid to the development of drones and electronic warfare, ISW reports.

Two Rostelecom cables connecting St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad were damaged in the Gulf of Finland. The repair work will take about a week and is being supervised by the Finnish Coast Guard.

The Swedish Prosecutor's Office has determined that the damage to the submarine cable between Sweden and Latvia was not sabotage. The incident was caused by a combination of weather conditions and technical deficiencies.

The Silver Dania vessel, which is cruising between St. Petersburg and Murmansk, was detained in the port of Tromso at the request of Latvia. The vessel is suspected of involvement in damaging the submarine cable between Sweden and Latvia.