SBU says Ukraine struck a Russian air force base in Crimea, destroying or damaging at least seven aircraft.

Deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said on July 2 on social media that Finland has become a target for Russian nuclear strikes after it lifted a ban on deploying nuclear weapons on its territory. Finland announced on March 5 it would seek to amend law to remove a comprehensive ban on importing, transporting, delivering and holding nuclear explosive devices. On June 17 Finland’s parliament approved an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act removing prohibitions on transit of nuclear weapons and storing them in Finland for defensive purposes; the president signed the amendment on June 26 and it entered into force on July 1.

NATO’s top military commander said European allies have largely filled the gap left by US cuts to funding for NATO forces.