Nato fighters intercept five Russian jets near Latvia. Pentagon chief summons hundreds of generals to Virginia

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has ordered hundreds of US military generals and admirals to assemble on short notice and for no stated reason at a Marine Corps base in Virginia next week, 30 September. In a statement issued today, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that Hegseth "will address his senior military leadership early next week," but gave no further details. There are about 800 generals and admirals scattered across the US and in various countries around the world. According to sources reached by the Washington Post, participants include high-ranking commanders in conflict zones and senior military leaders stationed in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

I am "very disappointed in Putin" for prolonging the war. US President Donald Trump said this when meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House. "With all the heavy bombardment over the last two weeks, they have gained virtually no territory," the tycoon said. "I would never say to anybody 'paper tiger', but Russia has spent millions and millions of dollars on bombs, missiles, ammunition and lives, and they have gained virtually no territory," he explained.

NATO and the European Union have declared a real war on Russia via Ukraine and are already directly involved. This is what Russian media report on statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. According to Lavrov, the crisis in Ukraine is 'a clear example' of how 'NATO and the European Union want to declare, and have already declared, a real war on my country and are already directly involved in it'.

(ANSA) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 25 - If Nato shot down Russian jets that violate its airspace, "it would be war", Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov said in an interview with RTL France. "You know, there are many Nato planes violating Russian airspace, it happens quite often. After that, they are not shot down," Meshkov said. Regarding the incursions of drones and foreign aircraft into European skies in recent weeks, the diplomat reiterated Moscow's position: 'We deny it'. Russia "does not do this, it does not play games with anyone", Meshkov said that the West has "deceived" Moscow "on many occasions". (ANSA).

A global race is on to copy the Iranian Shahed drones, used to terrible effect by Russia in Ukraine. As the Wall Street Journal reports, underlining the West's lag behind Iranian technology, the US, China, France, the UK, and other countries are investing huge resources to develop replicas of these low-cost, long-range aircraft capable of saturating enemy air defences. Designed by Iran in the early 2000s and already used against Israel and by Iranian proxies in the Middle East, the Shaheds have a low cost - between 35,000 and 60,000 per unit - and a range of over 1,600 kilometres. The Shahed's triangular-wing design favours low-cost mass production because it typically requires no structural components, explained Steve Wright, a consultant to companies and the British government on drone design. A fibreglass or carbon fibre body and the use of a propeller engine rather than jet propulsion also help keep costs down. "If you go to war, you need very deep pockets," explained General Andre Steur, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, pointing out that the war in Ukraine highlighted the need for cheap and numerically significant weapons, and the West's current inadequacy on this front.

In the US, companies such as SpektreWorks and Griffon Aerospace are developing prototypes similar to the Shahed, such as the Lucas and Arrowhead, following up on a memo from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Other Western models are aiming for higher performance: the British SkyShark, for example, flies at 450 kilometres per hour - almost four times the speed of the Shahed-136 - at an estimated cost of between $50 and $65,000. The French Mbda has also created a long-range attack drone at a much lower cost than a cruise missile. However, Western manufacturers face higher labour and material costs than the Shahed. The war in Ukraine,' notes the Wall Street Journal, 'has shown how urgent it is to develop cheap alternatives to conventional missiles, which cost over a million dollars and take more than a year to produce. Russia began deploying the Shahed at the end of 2022, after signing an agreement with Iran for the purchase and local production of the drones. Since then, it has launched tens of thousands of attack drones against targets in Ukraine, often using them as 'decoys' to occupy air defences and pave the way for devastating missiles. According to experts such as James Patton Rogers of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute, the ability to strike at long range with swarms of low-cost drones represents 'one of the most serious threats to international security'.

NATO, in a post on X, updates the position where the five Russian fighters were intercepted by the two Hungarian Gripens, i.e. near Latvian airspace and not Danish as previously indicated.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed support for US President Donald Trump's position that Nato member countries should be prepared, if necessary, to shoot down Russian drones and jets entering their airspace. "If that is necessary. I totally agree with President Trump: if that was necessary,' Rutte said in an interview with Fox News.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command intercepted two 'Tu-95s and two S-35s operating in the Alaskan Air Defence Identification Zone on 24 September'. This is according to a NORAD memo, which states that 'one E-3, four F-16s and four KC-135s were deployed to identify and intercept in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone'.

"In my opinion, a workable solution must now be worked out that allows, without interfering with property rights, an interest-free loan totalling almost EUR 140 billion to be made available to Ukraine. This loan will only be repaid when Russia has compensated Ukraine for the damage caused during this war. Until then, Russian assets will remain frozen, as decided by the European Council. Assistance on this scale will require budgetary guarantees from the Member States. These bilateral guarantees should be replaced, as soon as the next multiannual financial framework is in place in 2028, by collateral guarantees under the long-term EU budget. The funds thus mobilised would guarantee Ukraine's defence capabilities for several years. I will discuss this proposal with European heads of state and government at our meeting next Wednesday in Copenhagen. I propose that we give a mandate at the European Council at the end of October to prepare this instrument in a legally secure manner'. This was stated by German Chancellor Merz in his op-ed in the Financial Times.

"Two Hungarian Gripen fighter jets of Nato Baltic Air Policing took off today from the Siauliai base in Lithuania in response to a Russian Su-30, Su-35 and three MiG-31s flying in the vicinity of Danish airspace, demonstrating the Alliance's commitment to protecting and safeguarding the Baltic States and the eastern flank." This was announced by the Allied Air Command.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with Axios news agency today, said he had clear support from US President Donald Trump to carry out attacks against targets on Russian territory such as energy infrastructure and weapons factories. "If they attack our energy, President Trump claims that we can respond with energy," Zelensky said, adding that the Russians "need to know where the bomb shelters are. They need them. If they don't stop the war, they will still need them. They need to know that we in Ukraine, every day, will respond. If they attack us, we will respond'.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in an op-ed published by the Financial Times, called on the EU to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort, arguing that such a move could unlock a EUR 140 billion loan for Kiev and demonstrate "the strength to stay in the game" against Russian aggression. In stark contrast to Berlin's earlier scepticism about the use of seized Russian assets, Merz said the loan should be used to finance military equipment, with EU governments deciding on purchases together with Kiev.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte reported today on X that he had an 'excellent meeting' with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday, in which he reiterated the alliance's support for Kiev. "Very good meeting yesterday with Zelensky and his excellent team. Nato's support for Ukraine continues to arrive - including essential American armaments and supplies financed by the Nato allies,' Rutte wrote.

"We continue," he added, "to work hand in hand to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself as we work for an end to the war and a lasting peace.

"President Trump said that Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, could regain all its territory. Behind this surprising optimism lies the announcement of less US involvement and the transfer of responsibility for ending the war to Europe. Better the truth than illusions'. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk writes this on X.

The US has deployed four F-16 surveillance aircraft to intercept Russian bombers and fighters after a Moscow military aircraft was detected in nearby Alaskan airspace. This was reported by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, emphasising that the Russian aircraft remained in 'international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian airspace. Russian activity in the Air Defence Identification Zone happens regularly and is not seen as a threat'.

"The Russian side categorically rejects the absurd speculations about its involvement in the incidents". This was stated by the Russian embassy in Denmark referring to the closure of the Danish airport Aalborg after reports of drone detection in its airspace and that of four other Danish airports. Tass reports.

Following the appearance of drones over several airports in Denmark, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius spoke of a new reality 'with which we are dealing'. Drone overflights do not surprise him, Pistorius said on the sidelines of the East German Laender prime ministers' conference at Ettersburg Castle near Weimar. "We are not at war, but neither are we completely at peace any more. We are attacked, in a hybrid way, with disinformation campaigns and, of course, through drone intrusions,' the minister commented.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt spoke of a 'turning point' for German internal security in light of the hybrid threats attributed to Russia. Speaking in the Bundestag on his ministry's 2026 budget, he called the threat posed by airspace violations in neighbouring countries, drone overflights and cyber attacks 'omnipresent'. Germany, Dobrindt said, will invest in upgrading defences against drones and in a reform of the Air Safety Act.

"Ukraine would be ready to launch an offensive against Russia for which US support would be needed," the Wall Street Journal reveals, citing intelligence elements provided to the US President, and possibly underlying his latest utterances about Kiev's ability to turn the tide of war. Trump was reportedly informed of these plans by his intelligence as part of a briefing on the situation on the battlefield, and also of the poor progress of Moscow's forces in recent years.

A fire broke out in a company in the Belorechensky area of the Krasnodar region after a drone raid. Employees were evacuated. This was announced by the Russian authorities, reports the Interfax news agency. According to the local civil defence, there were no injuries and the fire, which involved an area of 50 square metres, was extinguished. "On the night of 25 September, drone fragments fell near one of the municipal companies. About 140 employees of the company were evacuated to a protective structure,' the civil defence said, reported by Interfax.

Denmark has contacted NATO following the sightings of drones in its airspace since yesterday evening in the vicinity of several airports, but has not yet decided whether to activate NATO Article 4. This was reported by Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Pulsen at a press conference, local media reported. Article 4 of NATO states that 'the parties shall consult each other whenever, in the opinion of either party, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of either party is threatened'. This is different from NATO Article 5, which instead states that 'an armed attack against one' of the members of the Alliance 'may be considered an attack against all' members.

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said there was no evidence that Russia was behind the drone raid. The Defence Minister added that the drones 'did not come from very far' and that the incident was different from previous incidents.

The attack on the night of 23-24 September against the Global Sumud Flotilla "closely concerns our country" because "the safety of our compatriots in international waters". Thus Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in an urgent briefing to the Chamber of Deputies in relation to the safety of the maritime caravan heading towards Gaza.

"Among those sailing there are also Italian citizens, including MPs and MEPs. It is therefore clear that what happened closely concerns our country, because it concerns the safety of our compatriots in international waters. The Italian government has expressed and continues to express its strongest condemnation of what happened. Actions of this kind, conducted against civilian units in the open sea, are totally unacceptable'. The intervention of the Navy's Multirole Frigate Fasan, which was already sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Mediterranean Safe, was authorised. "The Frigate Fasan," the minister went on to explain, "reached the area where the Global Flottilla was sailing for possible rescue, assistance, and protection activities for people who might be in danger. I immediately informed the Israeli military attaché in Italy, our ambassador and the military attaché in Tel Aviv, and the Farnesina crisis unit of this decision'. A second ship of the Italian Navy, the frigate missile launcher Alpino, will be sent in possible rescue and protection of the Flotilla.

Hamburg is hosting the Bundeswehr's 'Red Storm Bravo' exercise from today until Saturday 27 September. Some 500 soldiers with vehicles and helicopters will take part in the operation, along with police, fire brigade, civil authorities, and logistics and port companies. The scenario, linked to Germany's NATO obligations, simulates the escalation of a conflict on the borders of the Baltic States. In this context, Hamburg becomes a logistical hub for the transit of troops and vehicles to Eastern Europe. The first NATO units would arrive via the port and then be transferred via roads and motorways, even through the city centre. According to the Bundeswehr, the aim is to test joint procedures and strengthen civil-military cooperation. "Defence is a task for the whole of society," emphasised the commander of the Landeskommando Hamburg, Kurt Leonards. This is why civil organisations and the Labour Agency are also involved, which, according to the emergency regulations (Arbeitssicherstellungsgesetz), should, in the event of a crisis, guarantee personnel in critical sectors such as health, infrastructure and administration, also through possible forced relocations.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said at a press conference after the new night-time drone sightings that a professional actor was behind the incident. It is, he said, a 'systematic' attack and he described it as 'hybrid'. The Danish armed forces, he adds, have the capability to shoot down drones, but there is currently no direct military threat against Denmark. Bbc reports.

The Danish police received reports at 4.21am today of drone sightings near Billund Airport in central Denmark. The airspace was closed for an hour. More drones were reported around 10pm yesterday at Esbjerg, Soenderborg and Skrydstrup airports, after a sighting had led to the closure of Aalborg airport. "It was not possible to shoot down the drones or identify the operators," the police said. Air traffic is now regular. The ministers for defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, and justice, Peter Hummelgaard, will hold a press conference in the morning.

A harsh attack on Russia for inflicting "a deep wound to international law" and a severe criticism of Israel for having "exceeded the limit of the principle of proportionality" in its reaction to Hamas, ending up by "breaking humanitarian norms and causing a massacre among civilians". These are some of the salient passages of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's speech (in Italian) at the UN General Assembly, which lasted 16 minutes and was applauded by a half-empty hall due to the late evening hours.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright called on India to reconsider its oil imports from Russia, stressing that the US does not intend to punish India but aims to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "There are many oil exporters in the world. India does not need to buy Russian oil,' Wright stressed.

The Russian Defence Ministry announced that its anti-aircraft fire 'intercepted or destroyed' 55 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight. This was reported by Tass.

The Ukrainian Defence Forces announced that they had shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter jet in the Zaporizhzhia sector. This was written by the Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram. The fighter was shot down at around 4 a.m. local time (3 a.m. Italian time), while conducting attacks with guided aerial bombs. Also according to Ukrainian forces, Ukraine was attacked last night by 176 Shahed, Gerbera and other types of drones. The air defence announced that 150 were shot down, 13 hit eight locations, and fragments from one downed drone hit one location.

What he said at the United Nations General Assembly we have all heard: "In seven months I have ended seven wars that they said were not terminable. It hasn't happened before, I'm very honoured to have done it,' Donald Trump said, adding: "I've never had a call from the United Nations" and "no one has thanked me" for the work. An effort for which the US president reiterates that he is once again more than worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. But has Trump really stopped seven wars in seven months? Let us try to match his words with deeds.

The Danish airport of Aalborg is closed due to the detection of drones in its airspace. This was reported by the police, quoted by Sky News. As a result of the incident, flights arriving and departing from Aalborg Airport have been blocked. In a post on X, the Nordjyllands Police stated that 'drones have been observed near Aalborg Airport and the airspace is closed. The police are present and investigating'. Aalborg is located in the north, in the Jutland region, and is Denmark's fourth largest city by population. Its airport is the second in the country to be forced to close in a few days due to Uavs: on Monday, Copenhagen Airport temporarily halted operations following reports of drones flying in its airspace. On that occasion, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that she "cannot exclude in any way" Russia's involvement behind the drone overflights.

The 'reparation loan' for Ukraine being considered by the EU with the use of the Russian central bank's immobilised assets may be worth up to EUR 130 billion. This is what ANSA learns from several sources close to the deal.

The reparation loan will be based on the portion of Russian assets in the EU currently not already invested in securities, which according to leaks is now worth approximately EUR 175 billion. From this will be subtracted the funds from the Era loans. The final amount will in any case be defined on the basis of the IMF's assessment of Ukraine's financing needs in 2026 and 2027.

The Kremlin retorts curtly to President Donald Trump's words after meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. 'Russia is not a paper tiger but a real bear, we have no alternative to continuing the war for our future,' Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peshkov warned, denying that Ukraine 'can regain anything' as the US president had claimed. Zelensky's appeal to the UN: 'International law is collapsing, Russia wants to expand the war. Do not remain silent and help us'. Germany meanwhile denounces that a Russian jet flew over a German navy frigate in the Baltic after raids in European skies in recent days. Moscow denies: "Hysteria". In New York the meeting between the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: "Stop the killings in Ukraine", says the Trump administration representative.