The United Kingdom has accused Russia of conducting dangerous flybys after a Royal Air Force surveillance plane was intercepted over the Black Sea, warning against the risk of potential escalation between Nato and Russia.
UK Defence Secretary Issues Defiant Message
"Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression," defence secretary John Healey said. Healey called the incident "another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace."
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that two Russian jets intercepted the Rivet Joint aircraft, which was unarmed and conducting routine surveillance in international airspace over the Black Sea. The MoD reported that Russian warplanes flew as close as six metres to the RAF jets, triggering onboard emergency systems.
Zelensky Warns of Possible Northern Offensive
In related developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a possible fresh ground offensive from Russia against the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on the war-hit country's northern front. Such an operation would likely be made possible by deeper involvement from Belarus, Zelensky said.
"Together with our military leadership, intelligence services, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we discussed in detail the latest developments along the Belarus-Bryansk region direction," he stated. Kyiv is ramping up defences in the region and will look to persuade international partners to increase diplomatic pressure on Belarus, he added.
Criticism Over Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions
Meanwhile, the UK government faces criticism over its decision to ease restrictions on the importation of refined Russian fuel. World affairs editor Sam Kiley described the move as a "gut punch to Ukraine," arguing that it will "kill Ukrainians and enfeeble Britain, and is a stain on the national reputation."
The decision to allow Russian diesel and jet fuel into the UK has been condemned as a violation of agreements with allies to choke off the Kremlin's money pipe and a violation of the UK's written commitments.
Ukraine Drone Attacks Shut Down Russian Oil Refineries
In a separate development, virtually all major oil refineries in central Russia have been forced to halt or scale back fuel output following Ukrainian drone attacks in recent days, according to official data and sources. Moscow had already introduced a gasoline exports ban from April until the end of July.
The combined capacity of refineries that have fully or partially halted operations exceeds 83 million metric tonnes per year, accounting for around one quarter of Russia's total refining capacity. The strikes have reduced Russia's oil output, adding pressure to Moscow's federal budget.
Lithuania Capital on Alert After Drone Alarm
Residents of Lithuania's capital Vilnius were told to take shelter and the president and prime minister were taken to safe locations after an alarm over drone activity near the border with Belarus. The alert lasted for about an hour and led to the closure of airspace over Vilnius Airport.
The incident underlined jitters on Nato's eastern flank over incursions related to Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine. It came hours after a Nato jet shot down a Ukrainian drone over southern Estonia, for which Ukraine apologised.
