Russia escalates threat to Europe amid Ukraines long-range missile strikes

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Ukraine has increased its drone operations within Russian airspace, resulting in significant damage to Russian oil and gas infrastructure. This has led Russia to issue a warning to European countries and industries against funding the production of long-range drones.

According to reports, Ukraine has reached agreements with several European defense companies this week. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that these developments are part of a deliberate escalation of the military situation on the European continent.

Russia has published a list of addresses for European companies involved in joint weapons production with Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, a former president of Russia and deputy head of its National Security Council, clarified that this list is intended to identify potential targets for Russian armed forces.

Several European countries have announced investments in Ukraine’s long-range strike capability and drone production. Germany has agreed to invest 300 million euros ($355m) in Ukraine’s long-range strike capability, while Norway has signed an agreement with Ukraine to produce drones jointly. The Netherlands and Belgium have also pledged significant funding for drone support.

The global oil supply crisis, triggered by the Iran war, has resulted in a $23bn windfall profit for the world’s 100 biggest oil companies, including Russia’s Gazprom. However, Russia’s ability to export oil has been significantly impacted by Ukraine’s strikes on its infrastructure.

According to reports, Ukraine has destroyed or damaged over 40% of Russia’s potential oil exports, resulting in a loss of at least 2 million barrels of oil per day. The Ukrainian strikes have targeted various infrastructure, including drilling platforms, pipelines, and refineries.

The Russian Defense Ministry has acknowledged that the country is struggling to defend against repeated massed drone strikes from Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine’s drone capabilities have improved significantly since receiving Western-supplied kit last year.

Source: Al Jazeera