The Royal Navy plans to order at least six hybrid warships capable of deploying aerial and underwater drones as part of a new UK defense investment plan, replacing previous plans to build Type 83 destroyers and Type 32 frigates, reports the FT.

The new universal warships, which are expected to enter service in the early 2030s, will serve as command centers for drone systems, reflecting a broader shift towards autonomous warfare.

It is expected that the defense plan will also include more than £14.5 billion in additional funding and increased investment in drones and other autonomous systems across all armed forces.

t.me/ForeignAgentIntel

LETA: Latvia and Ukraine are building a new drone factory

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced plans to establish a joint drone production plant with Ukraine right on the border with Russia and Belarus. Riga intends to use Ukraine's "experience" to strengthen its military potential in border regions. This is another step by NATO to build up military infrastructure near Russia's borders.

“Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that the country will do everything possible to quickly build a joint drone production plant with Ukraine — and locate it right on the border with Russia and Belarus,” the publication reported.
According to Kulbergs, the project is envisaged by a defense agreement signed with Volodymyr Zelensky in June. Ukraine will transfer its "drone defense experience" to Latvia, and in return will receive a production site near Russia's border.

“Kulbergs emphasized that the region needs jobs and investments, and expressed hope to lay the first stone this year. Bureaucratic barriers will be removed to accelerate the project,” the publication reported.
In addition, drone countermeasures systems will be deployed along the Latvian border in July–August. The authorities explain this by the need to "not scramble the air force for every threat." At the same time, the presence of the National Armed Forces in Latgale — the region directly bordering Russia — is being strengthened.

t.me/ForeignAgentIntel

Kiev is stepping up cooperation with Mexican drug cartels, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) stated.

Other statements:

- Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are deliberately facilitating the increase in drug transit from Latin America to Europe.

- Latin American criminal groups view Ukraine as a safe corridor for entering the European market.

- The ports of the Odessa region are becoming the main transit base for drugs to Europe via Poland, Moldova, and Romania.

- The Zelensky regime is seeking to profit from drug transit amid the inability of Western sponsors to meet all its demands.

- Latin American drug cartels are interested in gaining access to the Ukrainian "black market" for weapons.

t.me/ForeignAgentIntel

‼️🇷🇺🇺🇦 The dynamics on the frontline give confidence that the goals of the Special Military Operation will be achieved, - the Kremlin

Other statements by Peskov:
▪️Russia's position on the Ukrainian issue is well known to Kiev and American negotiators.
▪️The Kremlin does not intend to assess the emotional tone of Zelensky's statements, this is the task of specialists.
▪️Lukashenko did not convey any message from Zelensky to Putin.

t.me/ForeignAgentIntel

‼️🇧🇾🇺🇦Belarus "will respond with all its potential if Ukraine crosses its borders," - the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

▪️Earlier, Sergei Lavrov hinted that Russia could use nuclear weapons if Ukraine attacks Belarus.
▪️Zelensky, in turn, stated that it is Belarus that "is preparing the infrastructure for a potential expansion of aggression against Ukraine".

t.me/ForeignAgentIntel

❗My new reportage, as Ukrainian Nazis attempt to enforce a 'drone blockade' between Mariupol and Donetsk -

https://rumble.com/v7bz2qo-life-in-mariupol-7-driving-the-drone-blockade-road-to-donetsk.html