The Kremlin reacted positively to the recently published US National Security Strategy (NSS). Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "window of opportunity for dialogue" with the US is now "open".
This was noted in its analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
On December 7, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the new US National Security Strategy "largely corresponds to Russia's vision" and could be a "modest guarantee" that Russia and the United States will be able to continue working towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.
Peskov said the Kremlin considers the National Security Strategy's call for cooperation with Russia and refraining from including Russia on the list of "direct threats" to the United States as a "positive step".
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said the updated National Security Strategy is a signal that the United States is ready to discuss issues related to "security architecture", possibly referring to the European security architecture and the role that NATO plays in it.
Medvedev said the National Security Strategy "unexpectedly" coincides with Russia's ideas about the need to share security and respect the sovereignty of states.
Medvedev said that the "window of opportunity for dialogue" is now "open".
Balloons from Belarusian airspace continue to intrude into NATO airspace in Lithuania.
Vilnius International Airport said it temporarily suspended operations on December 6 due to an unspecified number of balloons flying into the airport from Belarusian airspace.
At the time of writing, Lithuanian authorities had not said who was behind the latest balloon incursion, but air incursions from Belarus have forced Vilnius International Airport to suspend operations several times in recent months.
ISW continues to assess that Russia is increasingly engaging in covert and overt attacks on Europe and that the ongoing airspace violations are likely part of "Phase Zero" - Russia's broader information and psychological phase to create conditions - to prepare for a possible future war between NATO and Russia.
ISW continues to assess that Belarus is a de facto ally of Russia in the war in Ukraine, so Belarusian violations of NATO airspace are likely part of Russia's broader efforts within Phase Zero.
Russian forces are conducting a campaign of airstrikes against Ukrainian ground supply lines in the northern Kharkiv region.
The goal is to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and facilitate the achievement of battlefield victories.
Ukrainian forces have recently advanced into the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical zone. Russian forces have recently advanced near Hulyaipole.