Escalating Drone War: Russia and Ukraine Exchange Attacks

Russia and Ukraine have engaged in mass drone attacks on each other's territories for a second consecutive day. At least 35 Ukrainian drones were shot down over three regions in southwestern Russia, including a Russian air base. Ukraine's air force claimed to have shot down 20 Iranian-made drones and one cruise missile launched by Russian troops. The increased drone attacks come as both sides try to show progress in the ongoing conflict, which has reached its two-year mark. Border clashes and casualties have been reported, with Ukraine pushing back Russian operatives. Meanwhile, Ukraine's foreign minister praised Germany's role in the EU's decision to open membership talks for Kyiv, hoping for a broader shift in Berlin's approach towards negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to build up military units near the Russian-Finnish border in response to Finland's NATO accession.