Drones crashed in Finland, Ukraine apologises. Zelensky proposes truce to Russia on energy

Ukraine said it apologised to Helsinki after two Ukrainian drones crashed in southern Finland over the weekend, adding that they were probably diverted from their course due to Russian interference. "In no case were the Ukrainian drones directed towards Finland. The most likely cause is the interference of Russian electronic warfare systems. We have already apologised to the Finnish side for this incident>, Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy told reporters.

European Commission foreign affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper also intervened on the matter: 'On the diplomatic level, our message is clear and the High Representative has always been firm in reiterating it: even when we have drones flying over the territory of EU member states, the main culprit remains Russia. Without Russia, this would not happen". "Tomorrow we will also have the Foreign Affairs Council, which will be held in Ukraine," he also added. "It will be an opportunity not only to once again commemorate all the terrible tragedies in Bucha, but also to relaunch support for Ukraine. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine, particularly with regard to its security and defence, and to enable it to protect itself for as long as necessary'. Still on the drones that crashed in Finland, for which the Commission referred to the local authorities for formal confirmation that they were indeed Ukrainian aircraft, 'we are fully aware of what happened and we are following the situation very closely,' said another Commission spokesman, Thomas Regnier. 'I would like to remind you that dealing with these drone incursions is first and foremost a competence of the member states, and these are not the first incidents. We are obviously very concerned about these incursions. This is also why, at European level, we have taken several measures to strengthen the capabilities of our Member States'.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia to agree to a mutual cessation of attacks against energy facilities to help alleviate the global oil crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. "If Russia is ready to stop hitting Ukrainian energy facilities, we will not hit their energy sector in response," Zelensky told reporters.

The war in Ukraine is at a point of "no proximity to the ceasefire", "evidently an agreement cannot be found, there is a stiffening of the Russian side that is making unacceptable demands". This was said by Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in his video link-up speech at the 'Forum of Italian cuisine' event at Masseria Li Reni with Bruno Vespa. 'I do not see a positive outcome around the corner,' he added.

On the military front, on the night between Sunday and Monday one person died and another was injured in a drone attack by Ukrainian forces in Taganrog, in the Rostov region of Russia. This was reported on Telegram by the region's governor Yuri Slyusar. Social media quoted by Ukrainska Pravda reported that it was the 'most powerful attack' in Taganrog during the entire war with Ukraine. The explosions reportedly lasted over two hours.