Jake Epstein

New: Ukrainian defense ministry sources say Starlink/Starshield services remain disrupted as of this morning, with recorded cases of communications loss at 100mph. No confirmation the restrictions were lifted.

Informație de presă – UPDATE Sâmbătă, 17 octombrie, sistemul de supraveghere radar al Ministerului Apărării Naționale a detectat un grup de ținte aeriene care evoluau la aproximativ 120 de kilometri est de Insula Șerpilor, pe direcția sud-vest.

Două aeronave F-16 ale Forțelor Aeriene Române, de la Baza 86 Aeriană Borcea, aflate în serviciul de luptă Poliție Aeriană, au decolat la ora 17.43 și au doborât două ținte aeriene deasupra apelor teritoriale ale României, în spațiul aerian național.

Țintele neutralizate erau drone de atac din familia Geran, cu propulsie cu reacție.

Prima a fost doborâtă la ora 18.01, la sud-est de Sulina, după ce a evoluat timp de două minute în spațiul aerian național, iar cea de-a doua, la ora 18.05, la est de Sulina, după o evoluție de cinci minute în spatiul aerian national. mapn.ro/cpresa/19446_informa…

I held a coordination call on the situation in Ukraine's regions following another wave of Russian attacks. Unfortunately, 28 substations and other critical energy facilities were hit. Restoration work is underway everywhere, and electricity is gradually being restored to people. I am grateful to every repair crew and everyone working for energy companies. The Prime Minister of Ukraine reported on preparing infrastructure for the heating season. We outlined in detail the key areas requiring attention from government agencies and energy companies, as well as regional and local authorities. Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential Office team have been given urgent tasks regarding contacts with partners who can swiftly strengthen our air defense. There are political agreements that have not been implemented at the working level. There are also delays in certain types of vital supplies at the level of the U.S. Department of War. This evening, we will hold an additional meeting to review the results of all the contacts that must take place throughout the day. I expect concrete results. Together with the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Commander of the Air Force, we set additional production capacity for turrets, which have proven highly effective against “shaheds.” We are increasing orders, and it is important to accelerate every process as much as possible – organizational, financial, and production-related. Instructions have been given to engage with the Baltic states on support for our logistics. I expect a report from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this. There was also a separate report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on information received from units using Starlink/Starshield services. Unfortunately, we have established that the equipment stops functioning at speeds of 130–161 kilometers per hour in various sectors of the front. This is slowing down our frontline logistics and limiting the use of various types of drones, particularly mid-strike drones and interceptors of jet-powered “shaheds.” This must be raised again with our partners at every level today – speed matters when it comes to protecting lives. I thank everyone who is helping! Glory to Ukraine!

Within hours today, #Lithuania faced two serious security incidents. Overnight, a sabotage attempt targeting Starlink infrastructure near Vilnius was thwarted. Its purpose was clear: to undermine a capability critical to #Ukraine’s defence and civilian communications. This morning, an unidentified UAV violated Lithuanian airspace, posing a risk to our citizens and their property. Both incidents are a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its wider repercussions for European security. Hybrid attacks, sabotage, and airspace incursions threaten critical infrastructure, spread fear, and seek to undermine European support for Ukraine. Lithuania supports, and will continue to support Ukraine in exercising its inherent right of self-defence, in full accordance with Article 51 of the #UN Charter. We also urge Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine. We remain vigilant. Attacks against our critical infrastructure will be investigated, exposed, and met with resolve. We stand with our Allies and with Ukraine.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is spilling over onto the Eastern flank of NATO and EU. This morning, NATO fighter jets stationed at Šiauliai Air Base scrambled once again after an unidentified object entered Lithuanian airspace. What appears to be a drone exploded over the northern part of the country, posing a danger to the civilian population. Our specialists are currently working at the site.