Russia is using tankers to launch drones towards Europe

On September 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia’s "shadow fleet" of oil tankers is being used to control drones over European cities, citing intelligence reports. His remarks follow a series of Russian airspace violations in Poland, Romania, Estonia, and elsewhere, which have heightened tensions with NATO.

Zelensky urged tougher sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet, calling for restrictions on its energy trade and tanker operations. The fleet consists of hundreds of old, poorly maintained ships, often sailing under foreign flags. While the EU prepares its 19th sanctions package, the U.S. has yet to impose new measures. After meeting U.S. President Donald Trump in New York, Zelensky said Ukraine counts on "strong steps" from Washington.

Russia withdraws from European Convention against torture

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law withdrawing Russia from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.

According to Kremlin-aligned media, Russian authorities claimed the convention and its protocols no longer apply due to the Council of Europe’s “refusal” to include Russia in its statutory bodies. The move ends Russia’s obligation to grant international inspectors access to its prisons and bars inmates from appealing to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

Russia joined the convention in 1996 and ratified it in 1998. The treaty prohibits torture and requires member states to prevent it, with oversight from the independent CPT, which has the right to inspect detention facilities and issue recommendations.

Kremlin shows a cautious reaction to possible Tomahawk supplies to Ukraine

The Kremlin has issued a cautious response to U.S. officials’ remarks on the potential delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine and the possibility of strikes inside Russian territory.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing that Moscow is “carefully analyzing” statements made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. He added that Russian military experts are closely monitoring the issue and raised questions over who would operate the missiles if supplied — whether Ukrainian forces alone or under direct U.S. involvement. Peskov emphasized that the matter is “very serious” and requires a detailed assessment.