Russian and Ukrainian tensions continue to escalate as the Kremlin stated on Monday that they are taking all necessary measures to protect their citizens and key infrastructure from Ukrainian attacks. This comes after a series of conflicts, including the recent accusation by Moscow that Ukrainian forces killed 27 people in shelling of a Russian-held city in eastern Ukraine. In addition to the military clashes, Russian energy company Novatek was forced to suspend some operations at a Baltic Sea fuel export terminal due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies are actively taking measures to protect Russia from these "terrorist attacks". The Russian-installed officials in Donetsk denounced the attack on the city, stating it was a heinous act of terrorism that targeted a busy area with shops and a market. However, Ukrainian forces denied responsibility for the deaths, shifting the blame to Russia for the heavy loss of life. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured by Russian air strikes and shelling since President Vladimir Putin sent soldiers into Ukraine nearly two years ago.

The conflict has been ongoing for some time, with both sides accusing each other of unprovoked aggression. The situation has raised tensions between Russia and the West, with Kyiv prioritizing the domestic production of long-range drones, further escalating the conflict. The head of Ukraine's main military industry manufacturer announced the establishment of serial production of kamikaze drones with a combat range of 1,000 kilometers. This development allows Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, despite misgivings in the West about such attacks. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, both sides remain locked in a battle of accusations and military advancements, with no end in sight as they continue to assert their positions.