UK Prime Minister Announces Ukrainian Assistance in Gulf Drone Defence
In a significant development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed that Ukrainian military experts will be deployed to provide guidance on intercepting Iranian drones targeting Gulf allies. This move comes as Tehran responds to recent US-Israeli strikes, with Starmer emphasising the UK's commitment to defensive actions in the region without direct involvement in offensive operations.
Russia Escalates Missile Barrage Against Ukraine
Concurrently, analysis by Agence France-Presse indicates a dramatic surge in Russian missile attacks on Ukraine. February witnessed the launch of 288 missiles, marking a staggering 113% increase from January's 135 missiles and representing the highest monthly total since at least early 2023. Ukrainian energy infrastructure bore the brunt of these assaults.
Furthermore, Russia deployed 5,059 long-range drones during nocturnal bombardments in February, a 13% rise from the previous month. These figures, derived from Ukrainian air force data, underscore the intensifying aerial onslaught.
Zelenskyy Comments on Iranian Dynamics and Drone Warfare
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation in Iran, suggesting that changes prompted by US and Israeli strikes should be leveraged to benefit the Iranian populace. He criticised Iran for supplying attack drones to Russia, thereby exacerbating regional conflicts.
Zelenskyy disclosed that Moscow has fired over 57,000 Iranian-designed Shahed drones at Ukraine throughout the war, highlighting the scale of this threat.
Belgium Seizes Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker
In a related enforcement action, Belgium intercepted an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade Western sanctions. The vessel, identified as the Ethera, was boarded by special forces with French helicopter support in the North Sea.
Authorities reported the tanker was flying a false Guinean flag and en route to Russia when seized. Zelenskyy commended the operation, noting the ship had previously been sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK for illicitly transporting Russian oil with forged documentation.
This coordinated effort reflects ongoing international measures to disrupt Russia's wartime economy and support Ukrainian defence initiatives.
