Experts doubt Russia's claim of a bird strike in the Kazakhstan plane crash; evidence hints at a midair explosion. NATO boosts Baltic patrols as Finland investigates undersea cable sabotage linked to Russia.

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Experts are increasingly skeptical of Russia's assertions regarding a recent plane crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines jet in Kazakhstan. Preliminary investigations and evidence point to the possibility of a midair explosion rather than the claimed bird strike. The Embraer 190, which was en route from Baku to Grozny with 67 individuals on board, crashed near Aktau, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives. Experts have noted unusual damage patterns on the wreckage consistent with a missile strike, raising questions about the actual circumstances leading to the disaster. In a surprising turn of events, NATO has announced plans to enhance patrols in the Baltic Sea amidst concerns about possible sabotage of undersea cables, believed to be linked to Russian activities in the area. This development coincides with ongoing investigations led by Finnish authorities, who are examining a potential connection between a ship operating in the region and the suspected interference with critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, tensions between Syria and Israel persist as the new leadership in Damascus expresses a desire for improved relations, indicating a shift in regional dynamics. Adding to the geopolitical turmoil, U.S. citizen Eugene Spector has been sentenced to 15 years in a Russian maximum-security prison for allegedly leaking sensitive biotechnology secrets. In another case, Marc Fogel, an American imprisoned in Russia, has been designated as "" by the U.S. State Department, highlighting ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two nations. As tensions escalate across multiple fronts, the global community watches closely for the implications these events may have on international relations and security.