Tensions rise in Europe | Trump: "Russia has lost control"
Tensions in Europe are rising as Trump claims Russia has lost control of its diesel industry due to Ukrainian strikes and calls for an end to the war. Meanwhile, NATO is conducting extensive exercises in Latvia to prepare for a potential direct confrontation with Russia, learning lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine, particularly regarding the widespread use of drones.
Tensions in Europe are rising amid a statement by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Russia has "unfortunately lost control of its diesel industry" following Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure. Trump called for an end to the war, which he described as "ridiculous and endless," noting that about 25,000 people are killed every month. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its attacks, and over the weekend carried out its largest assault on Russia, involving 1,100 drones and severely damaging the largest refinery in Moscow. Zelensky arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly and is expected to meet with Trump. On the other hand, NATO is preparing for a scenario of direct confrontation with Russia. In a large-scale exercise in Latvia, a Danish force practiced drone attacks to simulate the type of warfare in Ukraine. Commander of the Canadian brigade, Colonel David Brassard, said: "We are no longer just training. We are rehearsing for a mission." Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs warned of an approaching Russian escalation but noted it remains below the threshold of direct invasion. According to him, the Russian army is more dangerous today than four and a half years ago due to the combat experience it has gained. However, there is doubt about its ability to field enough soldiers for a large-scale conflict. The main concern is a Russian provocation in the "gray zone." NATO is trying to implement drone lessons: 90% of battlefield casualties are caused by them, and towed artillery is almost unused. Forces are practicing artillery dispersal and digging deep positions.