The tension in the skies over Europe does not abate. After the accident that led to the destruction of an American drone over the Black Sea, Russian and NATO planes met again today. Two fighter planes, a British and a German, intercepted a Russian military refueling plane flying near Estonia. But in the evening, in an attempt to ease the tension, a phone call broke out between the defense ministers of Moscow and those of Washington.
365 days since the outbreak of war in Ukraine
file – War tracks
Live news from the Ukraine-Russia conflict
01:17
Assad recognizes new borders of Russia with annexed territories
“Damascus recognizes Russia’s new borders with the territories that joined after the referendum results.” This was stated by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in an interview with RIA Novosti about the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk and the Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhia.
“These are Russian territories and even if the war hadn’t happened, these are historically Russian territories,” he said.
11:59 p.m
Media: “Israel approves licenses to sell anti-drone systems in Kyiv”
Israel has reportedly approved export licenses for the possible sale of drone jamming systems that could help Ukraine counter Iranian drones used by Russia in the conflict. This was reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing news portal Axios, which says it has confirmation of the news from Israeli and Ukrainian officials. According to Axios, Defense Secretary Yoav Gallan and Secretary of State Eli Cohen would have approved the export licenses in mid-February, but a final decision has not yet been made. In any case – according to Israeli officials – it would not depend on a change in policy, since the systems are defensive in nature.