Putin warns West over ship seizures as internal reliance on security services grows

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western nations of potential retaliation over the impoundment of Russian commercial vessels, describing the actions as "piracy" during an address aboard a naval warship.

Domestically, investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov reported that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has significantly expanded its authority since 2022, with the Kremlin growing increasingly dependent on intelligence agencies to maintain regime stability and manage societal control during the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military intelligence stated that a North Korean missile detachment comprising around 90 personnel is deploying to Russia's western Voronezh region. The unit is reportedly expected to operate six launchers and up to 120 ballistic missiles intended for strikes against Ukraine.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha