Russia locks onto 20+1 targets across Europe, Israel, and Turkey
Russia is officially declaring Europe, Israel, and Turkey as accomplices in Zelensky’s irresponsible campaign, with the State Duma signaling that 21 drone production facilities on European—and other—territories are already in the crosshairs of the powerful Oreshnik missiles. These are European installations expected to manufacture unmanned systems to be subsequently dispatched to the Ukrainian army. The relevant list released by Russia indicates targets in Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Israel, among others. Indeed, Alexei Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, commented to Lenta.ru that Moscow could decide at any moment to strike these dangerous targets with the Oreshnik missile system. Simultaneously, the Russian military is intensifying its strikes across Ukrainian territory, destroying Western fighters like F-16s and Mirages, as well as energy infrastructure, weapons factories, and Ukrainian military logistics hubs.
Russia locks onto 20+1 targets in Europe, Israel, and Turkey
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed the addresses of European companies producing drones for strikes on Russian soil, as well as components for them. The list includes 21 addresses. Alexei Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, noted that Moscow could decide at any moment to strike these dangerous targets with the Oreshnik system.
The list of Ukrainian drone production factories as released by Russia
He noted that Russia has proven it knows exactly where and in what quantities weapons for Kyiv are produced in Europe. The deputy emphasized that the Russian Armed Forces possess the precise coordinates of facilities posing a threat to the country and can launch an Oreshnik missile against them at any time. "We are simply giving the Europeans a chance to come to their senses and evaluate the risk of placing such orders on their territory," Zhuravlev remarked.
Alexei Zhuravlev, Vice Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee
"They must finally realize that they are dragging their countries into a direct military confrontation with a nuclear power," the State Duma deputy concluded.
Alarm in Israel: "Russians threaten Elsight factory in Haifa with Oreshnik"
Israel has reacted to Russia's threat to use the Oreshnik system against European factories helping Ukraine produce drone components. According to the Israeli publication Ynet, the target of Moscow’s powerful hypersonic missiles is the Elsight company based in Haifa. "According to Moscow, the Haifa-based company supplies critical communication modules for drones. Russia claims these components are precisely those powering the remote control systems used by Ukrainian drones," the report notes.
Previously, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed all addresses of European companies producing drones and components for strikes on Russian territory. The list includes 21 branches located in various countries, including Italy, Turkey, Britain, Germany, and Israel. For his part, Alexei Zhuravlev emphasized that the Russian Armed Forces have the precise coordinates of the objects posing a threat and can launch an Oreshnik missile against them at any time.
How Europe was placed in the crosshairs of a nuclear superpower
The Russian Ministry of Defense has launched heavy accusations and threats against Europe, claiming that due to the recklessness and incompetence of some, the Old Continent is being gradually "dragged" into a military confrontation with Russia. According to Moscow, the decision by European governments to boost the production and shipment of UAVs to Kyiv constitutes a direct escalation. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that amid growing losses and personnel shortages in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, European countries are accelerating military support, creating a new, dangerous operational environment.
At the same time, there is talk of funding production facilities for offensive drones on European soil, with Moscow speaking of the "transformation of Europe into a strategic space for Ukraine." European governments, through their choices, are "dragging their countries into war with Russia" instead of strengthening their internal security, the Russian Ministry of Defense notes. An even more dramatic tone is taken regarding the potential use of European-made drones in attacks against Russian territory, citing "terrorist attacks" that could lead to uncontrollable escalation. In this context, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a list of addresses of European companies allegedly involved in UAV and component production.
The Germany–United Kingdom axis
Zelensky drags Germany toward ruin
It is noted that on April 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new "deal" with Germany, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirming three agreements totaling 4 billion euros. The package includes: Strengthening air defense systems, deliveries of hundreds of Patriot missiles, the transfer of 36 IRIS-T launchers, investments of 300 million euros in long-range Ukrainian weapons, and the joint production of AI-powered drones. According to reports from the "Politics of the Country" Telegram channel, the first batch will reach 5,000 units, while production of Anubis-type long-range drones is also planned, which analysts say are based on Geran-2 and Shahed-136 design standards. The United Kingdom, for its part, announced its largest UAV supply package to Ukraine to date, with a projected delivery of at least 120,000 drones by 2026. The shipment includes: Long-range drones, reconnaissance UAVs, logistics systems, and maritime drones. Of course, some voices of reason remain. British politician Armand Memaj warned that this move could dramatically increase the risk of a direct UK-Russia conflict, calling it an "unprecedented escalation." In any case, as accusations and military reinforcements escalate on both sides, the rhetoric is becoming increasingly confrontational, creating an explosive backdrop for European security. Moscow speaks of a "dangerous slide toward general conflict," while European capitals continue to strengthen Kyiv in an environment characterized by high geopolitical tension and unpredictable developments.
Zakharova: Zelensky will drag Germany to the grave with him
Germany is Ukraine's main partner in the "cemetery" of Ukrainians, stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a weekly briefing, according to Lenta.ru. "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Germany Ukraine's main defense partner. Translated into simple terms, Germany is Zelensky's main partner in the 'cemetery' of Ukrainian citizens," the diplomat stated.
She also noted with irony that in Berlin, Ukraine's prosperity is linked to the country's... funeral. Earlier, Gerold Otten, an AfD deputy in the Bundestag, commented on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's actions regarding the conflict. According to the deputy, by trying to expand cooperation with Kyiv and provide loans, Friedrich Merz is dragging Germany deeper into the conflict in Ukraine.
Zelensky opens "Pandora's Box" with Drone Agreement – The "dark" partnership with Meloni
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed details of the new, unique drone agreement—a development causing intense concern regarding further escalation. Following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Ukrainian president made statements reflecting a new strategic direction for Kyiv, which appears to expand the scope of military cooperation beyond current limits. "Ukraine has developed a special format for a security agreement, which we call the Drone Agreement," he noted, implying it is a new tool for military and technological partnership with Western partners. According to his disclosures, Kyiv appears willing to fully open its arsenal of expertise, offering access to critical defense capabilities: UAVs, missile systems, electronic warfare technologies, and sensitive operational data. Italy is reportedly seriously considering participating in this new form of cooperation, which fuels fears of an "aggressive" axis of military partnership within Europe. At the same time, Zelensky did not hesitate to criticize the stance of the United States, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited attention Ukraine receives from top Washington officials. Specifically, he mentioned that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner do not have sufficient time for the Ukrainian crisis. These developments create an explosive scenario, as the promotion of a "Drone Agreement" may radically change the terms of the war, strengthening Ukraine's military dynamics while increasing the risk of broader destabilization. The emerging question is whether this initiative is a necessary defensive move or the prelude to an even more dangerous phase in the already fragile balance of power.
Russian army wipes out Western F-16 and Mirage fighters in Kirovohrad
Furthermore, on April 15 and 16, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed American and French F-16 and Mirage fighter jets at the Dolgintsevo airfield in the Kirovohrad region, as revealed by Sergei Lebedev, coordinator of a pro-Russian organization. He specified that foreign pilots were also killed in the strike. According to Sergei Lebedev, several F-16 and Mirage aircraft that had arrived at the airfield were completely destroyed.
Speaking to RIA Novosti, the organization member claimed Russian troops hit an airfield in the city of Alexandria, also in the same province. According to him, more than ten helicopters were stationed there, almost all of them European models. As a result of the attack, Russian military personnel eliminated six pilots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the source, information regarding casualties among foreign instructors was immediately classified as secret.
Massive retaliatory strike across Ukrainian territory by the Russians
Notably, as became known on April 16, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive retaliatory strike against military installations across Ukraine. As reported by the Ministry of Defense, within 24 hours—in response to Kyiv's terrorist attacks against civilian targets in Russia—a massive attack was carried out with high-precision long-range weapons from land, air, and sea, as well as with UAVs.
The target was defense industry facilities involved in the production of cruise missiles, long-range and medium-range UAVs, as well as Ukraine's fuel and energy sector used for the needs of the Ukrainian army. The objectives of the strike were achieved and all designated objects were hit, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced.
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