UK to Guide Gulf Allies on Iranian Drone Interception
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced that Ukrainian experts would collaborate with UK experts to guide Gulf allies on intercepting Iranian drones. Starmer stated on Sunday night that the UK would not participate in offensive strikes but would maintain defensive actions in the region. Ukraine had not yet commented on this announcement.
The UK will not participate in offensive strikes but will maintain defensive actions in the region, guiding Gulf allies on intercepting Iranian drones.
Russian Missile and Drone Attacks Escalate in Ukraine
Analysis by Agence France-Presse (AFP) indicates that Russia launched 288 missiles at Ukraine in February. This represents a 113% increase from January's 135 missiles, marking the highest monthly total since early 2023. These attacks primarily targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Additionally, Russia deployed 5,059 long-range drones in February, a 13% increase compared to January. This data was derived from daily figures provided by the Ukrainian air force.
Zelenskyy on Iran's Role and Opportunity for Change
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He stated that resulting changes should be "used properly" to benefit the Iranian people.
Zelenskyy attributed Iran's current international standing to its supply of attack drones to Russia in the four-year conflict in Ukraine and its involvement in regional conflicts. He highlighted the importance of this opportunity for change, noting the Iranian people's historical resilience against their regime. Zelenskyy previously reported that Moscow had launched over 57,000 Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones at Ukraine during the war.
President Zelenskyy: "Resulting changes should be used properly to benefit the Iranian people."
Belgium Intercepts Sanctioned Russian "Shadow Fleet" Tanker
In a separate development, Belgium seized the oil tanker Ethera in the North Sea. The vessel is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," used to circumvent Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Prosecutors stated the tanker was falsely flying the flag of Guinea and was thought to be en route back to Russia when it was intercepted within Belgium’s exclusive economic zone.
President Zelenskyy commended Belgium's action. He noted the vessel had been under US, EU, and UK sanctions but continued to transport Russian oil using false flags and forged documents. He expressed gratitude for this "strong action" and thanked France for supporting the operation.
Belgium's "strong action" in seizing the "shadow fleet" tanker Ethera was commended by President Zelenskyy.