Newsflash

Ukraine clears combat-ready Varta 2 armored vehicle to face Russian forces

Rank: 85

Ukraine’s Varta 2 Armored Vehicle Cleared for Production and Frontline Deployment

Ukrainian defense manufacturer Ukrainian Armor has announced that its next-generation armored vehicle, the Varta 2, has successfully completed all state trials and codification, paving the way for serial production and deployment to the frontlines. The company’s CEO, Vladyslav Belbas, confirmed that the vehicle has passed rigorous testing and is now approved for supply to Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Since its prototype debut, the Varta 2 has garnered significant interest from soldiers, underscoring its critical role in modern warfare.

The Varta 2 stands out for its speed, mobility, and high protection levels, while its load capacity allows for the integration of advanced combat modules, delivering unprecedented firepower in its class. It is designed to support infantry and counter enemy armor effectively. Multiple variants, including turret-equipped and combat module configurations, enhance its battlefield versatility.

A key feature is its ability to mount a 30 mm automatic cannon, a first for a domestically developed Ukrainian armored vehicle of this type. The SICH combat module includes a ZTM-1 30 mm cannon, AG-30 grenade launcher, and PKT machine gun, all remotely operated with thermal and day vision targeting for precision strikes. Unlike its predecessor, the Varta 2 uses a modular chassis from Base, improving durability and adaptability.

Unveiled at the MSPO 2024 defense exhibition in Poland, the Varta 2 represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s domestic defense industry, offering capabilities previously unavailable through Western military aid. Its deployment is expected to bolster Ukraine’s artillery and armored vehicle capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. 🚀🔥

“Dudes with track pants and hunting rifles”: why Ukraine became the West’s most embarrassing blind spot

Rank: 85

### Ukraine’s Defiance: How a Nation Outlasted Every Prediction

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the West dismissed Kyiv’s chances. The U.S. evacuated diplomats, Europe urged surrender, and analysts predicted a swift Russian victory. Yet Ukraine defied all expectations—repelling Moscow’s forces from Kyiv, reclaiming Kherson and Kharkiv, and innovating drone warfare to strike deep inside Russia. Despite Western hesitation—delayed aid, cautious weapon deliveries, and fears of escalation—Ukraine held the line, even pushing into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024, a historic first since WWII.

But Ukraine’s fight extends beyond the battlefield. The West’s long-standing bias toward Russia—rooted in Cold War thinking—has shaped flawed policies. Academia, media, and policymakers often frame Ukraine as a Russian periphery, ignoring its sovereignty. Disinformation campaigns, fueled by Kremlin-funded narratives, distort public perception, while funding cuts to Ukrainian studies programs deepen ignorance. Meanwhile, ordinary people worldwide have shown solidarity, humanizing Ukraine’s struggle.

Yet the biggest myth persists: that Russia remains unstoppable. Ukraine has already rewritten the rules of modern warfare, proving resilience against a larger foe. The question now is whether the West will finally recognize Ukraine’s agency—or keep underestimating a nation that has outlasted every prediction. 🇺🇦✊

Russia kills 10, injures 31 civilians across Ukraine in latest wave of attacks — Kherson suffers worst toll

Rank: 85

Summary of Recent Russian Attacks on Ukraine (22–23 May)

Russia’s latest wave of attacks on Ukraine resulted in 10 civilian deaths and at least 31 injuries across multiple regions, with Kherson Oblast bearing the brunt of the assaults. Russian forces targeted civilians with drones and artillery, striking homes and infrastructure in what authorities describe as a "human safari." Other affected oblasts include Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Poltava, where casualties and damage were also reported.

Kherson Oblast: Epicenter of Civilian Strikes

Russian forces shelled 43 settlements in Kherson, killing 5 civilians and injuring 19 others in a series of drone and artillery attacks. Among the victims: - A 64-year-old woman wounded by a drone in Stanislav. - A 61-year-old woman critically injured by artillery in Antonivka. - A 71-year-old man hit by drone shrapnel in Beryslav. - A 61-year-old man killed by a drone in Kherson’s Dniprovskiy district. - A 55-year-old ambulance driver wounded by artillery.

Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia: Continued Destruction

• Donetsk Oblast saw 3 civilians killed in Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Raihorodok, with 4 more injured.
• Zaporizhzhia Oblast endured 658 attacks across 17 localities, injuring 3 civilians, including a 69-year-old woman in Orikhiv.

Kharkiv: Aviation Bombs and Drone Attacks

• A 66-year-old man was injured in Pechenihy.
• In Kupiansk, two 60-year-old municipal workers were hit; one died.
• A woman was killed in a missile strike in Chuhuiv, with two men injured.

Drone Assault: 175 UAVs Launched, 150 Neutralized

Russia deployed 175 Shahed drones and decoy UAVs, along with an Iskander-M missile, targeting multiple oblasts. Ukraine’s Air Force neutralized 150 drones (91 by fire, 59 via electronic warfare). Attacks caused: - Power outages in Poltava (2,000+ households affected). - Infrastructure damage in Chernivtsi (railway station fire). - Building and vehicle damage in Ivano-Frankivsk.

The relentless strikes underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis as Russia continues its campaign of terror against Ukrainian civilians. 💔

Russia strikes global food lifeline in Ukraine, killing two civilians and injuring many others

Rank: 85

Russian Missile Strike on Odesa Port Kills Civilians, Disrupts Global Food Supply

On 23 May, Russian forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile attack on a civilian port facility in Odesa, killing two men—a 40-year-old port worker and a 71-year-old civilian—and injuring at least eight others, four critically. The strike targeted purely civilian infrastructure, with no military presence in the area, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack destroyed vehicles, shattered windows, and damaged commercial equipment, further straining Ukraine’s critical export hub.

The Odesa port is a vital artery for global food security, handling 60% of Ukraine’s exports, including over 28 million tons of cargo in 2025—15 million of which was grain. It supplies essential food shipments to Spain, China, Romania, and vulnerable populations in Africa and Asia. Ukrainian Minister Oleksii Kuleba condemned the strike as a blatant war crime, emphasizing the port’s purely civilian and humanitarian role.

Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation into the attack while urgently seeking additional Patriot air defense systems—the only weapon in its arsenal capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Despite the U.S. possessing over 60 Patriot batteries, the largest stockpile in NATO, it has declined to provide any to Ukraine, citing isolationist policies. The strike underscores the ongoing threat to civilian infrastructure and global food supply chains amid Russia’s continued aggression. 🚢💥

Ukrainian defenders who survived battle of Kyiv and over 1,000 days in Russian captivity return home in largest prisoner swap of war

Rank: 85

Major Prisoner Exchange Marks Significant Step in Ukraine-Russia Conflict

In a landmark development, Ukraine and Russia completed the first phase of their largest prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, with 270 Ukrainian soldiers and 120 civilians returning home. The exchange, brokered in Istanbul, saw a total of 390 Ukrainians released, while Ukraine transferred an equal number of individuals to Russia. The freed Ukrainian defenders had fought across key battlegrounds, including Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donbas, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, showcasing their resilience in critical conflicts.

Upon their return, all returnees are receiving comprehensive medical evaluations, physical and psychological rehabilitation, financial compensation, and support to reintegrate into civilian life or military service. This exchange is just the beginning, as Ukraine prepares to welcome additional liberated captives in the coming days. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters remains operational around the clock, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bringing its people home. 🇺🇦✊

Ten nations forge Ukraine’s marines into Europe’s ultimate fighting force

Rank: 85

Ukrainian Marines Train to NATO Standards Amid Ongoing Combat Operations

Ukraine’s Marine Corps is undergoing rigorous training across Europe, from the UK to Norway, to meet NATO standards as the country marks Marine Corps Day on 23 May. Established in 2014, the holiday honors marines actively engaged in combat in southern Ukraine, Donetsk Oblast, and near Kursk Oblast. Over 2,000 Ukrainian marines received training abroad in 2023 alone, with more than 800 completing programs in 2024, reflecting Ukraine’s rapid defense expansion.

Led by Major General Dmytro Deliatitskyi, the 30th Marine Corps of Ukraine’s Navy is participating in over 100 multinational training events involving the UK, US, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and other allies. The curriculum covers amphibious tactics, combat logistics, medical evacuation, staff operations, and unit command. Beyond enlisted personnel, the training includes NCOs and officers, ensuring full interoperability with NATO forces.

Ukraine’s Marine Corps is not only growing in size but also evolving into a highly mobile, combat-ready force. These efforts represent a strategic investment in a professional military capable of integrating with NATO structures, reinforcing Europe’s eastern flank. 🇺🇦⚓️

Ukrainian drones hit Energia plant supplying batteries for Iskander and Kinzhal missiles

Rank: 85

Ukrainian Drone Strike Targets Key Russian Military Battery Plant

In the early hours of 23 May, Ukrainian long-range drones struck the PАО Energia factory in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, approximately 200 km from the Ukrainian border. The facility is a major producer of military-grade batteries used in Russian weapon systems, including Iskander-M missiles, naval cruise missiles, and aerial bomb guidance modules. Local footage captured explosions and fires, with eyewitnesses and OSINT analysts confirming multiple drone impacts and significant structural damage.

Ukraine’s General Staff later confirmed the operation, stating it was conducted by Special Operations Forces in coordination with other defense units. The strike aimed to disrupt Russia’s military-industrial complex, as Energia is a critical supplier of power systems for advanced weaponry. The plant also manufactures components for radio-electronic warfare systems like Krasukha and Moscow-1, as well as batteries for drones, aviation, and naval platforms.

Following the attack, one workshop was destroyed, and nine workers were injured, according to Russian emergency services. The plant’s role in Russia’s defense sector is extensive, supplying over 20 military-industrial entities, including KBP (Tula), Kalashnikov Concern, and NPO Splav. Energia is one of only three such facilities in Russia, making it a logistical bottleneck in weapons production.

Russian officials downplayed the incident, with Lipetsk Oblast Governor Igor Artamonov acknowledging debris damage and minor injuries but denying chemical leaks. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 112 drones nationwide, with only one reportedly shot down in Lipetsk Oblast.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones targeted the Severny military airbase in Ivanovo, near Moscow, causing minor property damage but no casualties. Russian authorities also temporarily closed multiple airports, including Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, amid heightened tensions.

The strike underscores Ukraine’s strategy of disrupting Russia’s military supply chains, particularly in critical energy and munitions production. 🔥💥

German tech giant arms Putin’s war machine while Europe sleeps

Rank: 85

German Company Accused of Bypassing Sanctions to Supply Russia’s Military

Despite being the most sanctioned country globally, Russia continues to sustain its military capabilities, with a German company allegedly playing a key role. Kontron, a German technology firm, has reportedly circumvented EU sanctions by using its Slovenian subsidiary, Kontron doo, to supply Russia with dual-use equipment—specifically the SI3000 telecommunications platform, which can intercept communications. These shipments, totaling over €3.5 million, were delivered to Iskra Technologies, a Russian firm linked to the FSB, the Ministry of Defense, and Rostelecom.

While Kontron claims these were legacy contracts, EU regulations strictly prohibit such exports unless for critical purposes like medicine or cybersecurity. Despite publicly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announcing its withdrawal from the Russian market, Kontron has maintained ties with sanctioned entities. Iskra Technologies, partly owned by Kontron, remains operational and has even been awarded for "import substitution" efforts in Russia.

Further raising concerns, Kontron shipped around 50 consignments of equipment to Kazakhstan in 2023—a country that has not enforced sanctions against Russia—suggesting a deliberate evasion tactic. Despite mounting evidence, neither the European Commission nor German authorities have initiated formal investigations. However, European Parliament members are now pushing for stricter enforcement and immediate action.

Kontron holds nearly 50% of Iskra Technologies and retains the option to acquire full control, though the identity of the remaining stakeholder remains undisclosed. The case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing sanctions and preventing Western technology from fueling Russia’s war efforts. 🚨

Putin wants a buffer zone in Ukraine — Kyiv says put it in Russia

Rank: 85

Russian Military Establishes "Security Buffer Zone" Along Ukrainian Border as Tensions Escalate

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have begun creating a so-called “security buffer zone” along the border with Ukraine, claiming the move is necessary to suppress enemy fire points. In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, countered that any buffer zone should instead be established on Russian territory, citing ongoing Ukrainian military operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Putin’s remarks, made during a government meeting, lacked specifics on the zone’s location or enforcement, though he referenced reconstruction efforts in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk Oblasts.

Ukraine has accused Russia of obstructing peace efforts, with Tykhyi emphasizing that Putin’s statements prove Moscow is the primary barrier to negotiations. Kyiv also noted Russia’s rejection of recent international proposals for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, reports indicate that during past negotiations, Russia demanded Ukraine formally recognize its control over Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts—including areas it does not currently occupy—and threatened new offensives in Kharkiv and Sumy if Kyiv refused.

Analysts, including the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), have cast doubt on Russia’s ability to seize Sumy Oblast soon, given its struggles in smaller battles over the past three years. Ukrainian military leaders, including Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warn that Russia’s long-term goals remain unchanged: full control over four Ukrainian regions and the establishment of buffer zones across Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv. Zelenskyy has also accused Moscow of using negotiations as a stalling tactic to erode international support for Ukraine.

The escalation underscores the deepening conflict, with both sides entrenched in their positions and no clear path to resolution in sight. 🔍💥

EU launches € 150 bn SAFE defense loan scheme, eyes joint Ukraine procurement

Rank: 85

EU Finalizes €150 Billion Defense Loan Program to Support Ukraine and Strengthen Joint Procurement

On 22 May, the European Union approved a €150 billion loan program under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, aimed at enhancing military aid for Ukraine and fostering joint defense procurement among member states. Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s first defense commissioner and former Lithuanian prime minister, hailed the move as a "very important breakthrough" in European defense cooperation. He emphasized that member states would use these loans for joint procurement projects, including those benefiting Ukraine.

Member states have six months to submit proposals for funding, though the UK—while ineligible for loans—is expected to participate in SAFE-backed projects under the recently signed EU-UK security pact. Administrative details, including fee structures, are still being finalized.

Kubilius also addressed shifting U.S. security commitments under a potential Trump administration, urging Europe to avoid an "angry and chaotic divorce" with Washington. Instead, he advocated for a rational division of responsibilities, noting that Europe must take greater ownership of its defense.

Mixed Reactions Among EU Members While 15 countries, including Germany and Poland, plan to leverage budget flexibility to boost military spending, others—such as France, Italy, and Spain—remain hesitant due to high debt levels. These nations, among the least generous in Ukraine aid, raise doubts about the EU’s ability to meet its €800 billion defense funding target.

No Illusion of Peace with Russia Kubilius dismissed hopes for diplomacy with Moscow, stating that Putin’s goal is not peace but dominance. He argued that only "formal peace through strength" can deter Russian aggression, citing Ukraine’s democratic progress as a direct threat to Putin’s regime.

The EU continues to tighten sanctions on Russia while exploring ways to redirect frozen Russian assets—such as the Danish model—to fund Ukraine’s defense industry. This latest initiative underscores Europe’s commitment to long-term security cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. 🔍💡

EU approves Polish plans to use Covid recovery funds for defence and security

Rank: 85

Poland Secures EU Approval for €6.1 Billion Defence Fund Amid Rising Security Concerns

Poland has become the first and only EU member state to redirect post-pandemic recovery funds toward security and defence, with the European Commission approving its plan to allocate 26 billion zloty (€6.1 billion) from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz emphasized the urgency of this move, citing the threat posed by "aggressive imperial Russia at our borders." The newly established Security and Defence Fund will focus on four key areas: building civilian protection infrastructure (e.g., shelters), expanding Poland’s arms and steel industries, upgrading dual-use infrastructure (roads, airports), and enhancing cybersecurity.

The fund, set to launch in Q3 2025, will offer low-interest loans and capital investments to local governments, state-owned firms, and private companies. Deputy Minister Jan Szyszko highlighted its potential to create jobs in smaller towns while strengthening national security. Poland’s revised spending plan, initially blocked due to EU rule-of-law concerns under the previous government, was unblocked after the current liberal coalition took office. The country has also invoked an EU "escape clause" to exclude increased defence spending from budget rules, joining Germany and Greece in doing so.

With defence spending now at 4.7% of GDP—the highest in NATO—Poland continues to prioritize military readiness. Final approval from the European Council is expected on 20 June, marking a significant step in Poland’s efforts to bolster its defences amid regional tensions.

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“New era” for German army as permanent brigade launched in Lithuania

Rank: 85

Germany Launches Historic NATO Brigade in Lithuania Amid Rising Security Concerns

Germany marked a significant milestone in its military strategy on Thursday as Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda inaugurated the country’s first permanent large-scale foreign deployment—a new armored brigade stationed in Lithuania. The ceremony, held in Vilnius’ Cathedral Square, underscored NATO’s strengthened eastern flank in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Around 800 German troops participated in the roll-call event, where the brigade received its official colors and a joint Lithuanian-German insignia.

Merz emphasized Germany’s commitment to NATO solidarity, stating, “Lithuania has asked for support—and Germany stands ready.” He warned potential adversaries that any threat to an ally would trigger a unified NATO defense, while acknowledging Germany’s historical responsibility toward Lithuania, referencing past Nazi atrocities. Calling the deployment a “step into a new era,” Merz noted it was the first time Germany had permanently stationed a major military unit abroad.

Nausėda hailed the moment as “historic” for both nations and NATO’s broader security framework. He pledged Lithuania’s dedication to defense, announcing plans to allocate 5% of GDP to military spending by 2025—a target exceeding NATO’s 2% guideline. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reinforced the message, declaring deterrence and defense as Germany’s top priorities, asserting, “Without security, there is no freedom.”

The brigade, named “Lithuania,” will grow to 5,000 troops by 2027, with headquarters near the Belarusian border. Temporary barracks in Vilnius will house personnel until permanent facilities are constructed. Merz acknowledged the risks faced by troops but called their presence “indispensable” for regional stability. He and Nausėda stressed the tense security environment in the Baltics, framing the deployment as a critical deterrent against aggression.

This move reflects NATO’s evolving posture amid escalating geopolitical tensions, signaling a robust alliance response to emerging threats. 🛡️🇩🇪🇱🇹

Deterrence and revulsion

Rank: 85

Summary of the Article

On October 7, 2023, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar orchestrated a brutal attack on Israel, aiming to shatter its deterrence capabilities and provoke a regional conflict by inciting extreme violence and hostage-taking. His strategy backfired: the horrific livestreamed killings of civilians sparked global outrage and swift U.S. intervention, preventing Iran or other allies from joining the fight. The aftermath has been devastating—Gaza faces obliteration, with over 53,000 deaths, while Israeli officials and even the U.S. president discuss displacing its population. Though Israel has reasserted its deterrence through military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, its leadership now risks dangerous escalation.

Initially, Western allies supported Israel’s right to self-defense and hostage recovery, but the relentless violence and blockade have turned global sympathy into revulsion. Domestic dissent in Israel also highlights concerns that Netanyahu’s extreme measures are driven by political survival, relying on far-right coalition partners. As international tolerance wanes, Israel’s allies face mounting pressure to compel Netanyahu toward a solution—one he is likely to resist. The situation has reached a critical juncture, demanding urgent intervention to prevent further catastrophe. 🌍⚠️

Russia just released 390 POWs. Here’s why that doesn’t mean peace is coming

Rank: 75

Summary of the Article:

The recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, which saw 390 Ukrainian POWs return home, is a moment of profound relief for their families and a humanitarian victory worth celebrating. However, this should not be mistaken for progress toward peace. Historically, Russia has used such exchanges as a delaying tactic, creating false hope while advancing its strategic goals. During the eight-year Minsk process, prisoner releases were followed by escalating demands from Russian proxies, with no real ceasefires or territorial concessions. Instead, Russia strengthened its control over occupied regions while maintaining the illusion of negotiations.

This pattern persists today, with Russia leveraging humanitarian gestures to buy time and weaken international resolve. While European leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron have firsthand experience with Russian deception, the current U.S. administration lacks this awareness, risking misplaced optimism in negotiations. Prisoner exchanges remain morally necessary—especially given reports of brutal treatment, such as the case of Ukrainian journalist Victoriia Roshchyna—but they must not be conflated with genuine diplomatic progress.

True peace will only come when Russia halts its attacks, withdraws from occupied territories, respects Ukrainian sovereignty, and abandons war propaganda. Until then, negotiations risk becoming another tool for Russia to consolidate gains while preparing for further aggression. The international community must remain clear-eyed: humanitarian victories are not strategic breakthroughs, and past mistakes in misreading Russian tactics must not be repeated. 🕊️⚖️

Russia copies Ukraine’s cheap & dirty WWI-style drone killers as Kyiv’s long-range drones hit home

Rank: 75

Ukraine’s Ingenious Drone-Hunting Yak-52s and Russia’s Response

Ukraine has repurposed propeller-driven Yak-52 training planes into effective drone-hunters by arming backseat crew members with shotguns, offering a low-cost solution to counter expensive Russian UAVs. The tactic proved so successful that Russia’s design bureau developed the Yak-52B2 variant, adding an underwing sensor turret alongside the shotgun setup. Both versions leverage the Yak-52’s affordability, maneuverability, and slow-speed handling (cruising at 225 km/h), making them ideal for defending vulnerable cities against drones.

The financial contrast is stark: shooting down a $100,000 Russian drone with advanced missiles can cost millions, while a shotgun from a Yak-52 costs just thousands. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expanded its drone warfare capabilities, converting the Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat—a lightweight sports plane—into long-range attack drones capable of striking targets up to 1,600 km away. These drones have targeted Russian oil refineries, missile research centers, and naval bases, disrupting military logistics and reducing petroleum production by 10% in late 2024–early 2025.

Russia’s air defenses are stretched thin, struggling to protect frontline forces, critical infrastructure, and cities from Ukraine’s growing drone arsenal. The Yak-52’s effectiveness was demonstrated when a Ukrainian crew shot down numerous Russian drones over southern Ukraine in mid-2024, drawing both admiration and retaliation. After a Russian Iskander missile strike damaged or destroyed the original drone-hunting Yak-52 in Odesa, Ukraine quickly deployed a replacement.

As both sides adapt, Russia may soon deploy its own Yak-52B2s to defend strategic sites, continuing the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game in the skies. The conflict underscores how innovation and cost-effective solutions are reshaping modern warfare, with Ukraine’s engineers leading the charge in developing battlefield technologies to counter Russia’s advantages. 🚀✈️

Russian war goal: to create “unified state” including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, says Kremlin official

Rank: 75

Summary of the Article:

Russian State Duma Defense Committee member Viktor Sobolev has articulated the Kremlin’s long-term goal of creating a “unified state” comprising Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus as the ultimate objective of its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine. In an interview with RTVI, Sobolev framed this vision as the fulfillment of Russia’s “special military operation,” invoking historical and cultural narratives of the “Russian world” to justify territorial claims. He emphasized figures like Prince Vladimir and Yaroslav the Wise as symbols of a shared Russian identity, asserting that Kyiv is the “mother of Russian cities.”

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council’s Andrii Kovalenko dismissed these claims as recycled rhetoric, noting that President Vladimir Putin first proposed a “single state” in 2001 during a meeting with Belarusian and Ukrainian leaders. Ukraine rejected the idea outright, and subsequent Russian efforts to advance this agenda through political, cultural, and sporting channels between 2010 and 2014 failed. Kovalenko criticized Sobolev’s statements as part of a long-standing imperialist mindset.

Russian officials, including presidential advisor Anton Kobyakov, have further reinforced this narrative by framing the war in Ukraine as an “internal crisis” rather than an international conflict. The article highlights how Russia’s imperial ambitions predate Putin’s rule, rooted in deep-seated cultural and historical factors. While Western leaders and Russian opposition figures often blame Putin alone, the text argues that meaningful change in Russia requires confronting its imperial legacy and holding Russian society accountable for its role in perpetuating aggression and colonialism. True decolonization, it suggests, demands more than just removing Putin—it requires dismantling the structures that enable such ideologies.

Ukraine and Swedish defense giant SAAB launch talks on modernizing Soviet-era jets

Rank: 75

Ukraine and SAAB Discuss Defense Cooperation and Fighter Jet Modernization

On 23 May, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry held a strategic meeting with representatives from SAAB, a leading Swedish defense and security company known for advanced military solutions, including the Gripen fighter aircraft. The discussions focused on modernizing Ukraine’s Soviet-era aircraft and exploring the potential transfer of Swedish combat platforms.

Key topics included integrating cutting-edge avionics, radar systems, defensive technologies, and electronic warfare solutions into Ukraine’s existing fleet. The talks were led by Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Kozenko and Thomas Linden, Director of SAAB’s Ukraine operations. Kozenko highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation, noting that Ukraine would gain enhanced combat capabilities while Sweden could leverage real-world feedback from active conflict zones.

A significant point of discussion was the potential transfer of SAAB-built fighter jets to Ukraine, contingent on a political decision from Sweden regarding the supply of next-generation aviation platforms. Both parties agreed to continue consultations and strengthen collaboration under existing agreements, signaling a step forward in defense partnerships.

This meeting underscores Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its air defense capabilities through international cooperation while offering Sweden valuable insights from ongoing military engagements. 🚀✈️

Seven Hermitage museum employees named in illegal Crimean excavation report

Rank: 75

Summary of Illegal Archaeological Activities in Occupied Crimea by Russia’s Hermitage Museum Employees

The Regional Center for Human Rights has exposed seven employees of Russia’s State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg for conducting illegal archaeological excavations in occupied Crimea. The Hermitage, a renowned institution, has been weaponized by the Russian state to legitimize its occupation by appropriating Ukrainian cultural heritage under the guise of "research." Ukraine sanctioned the museum in May 2023 for these activities, as Russia’s Ministry of Culture issued over 1,355 unauthorized excavation permits in Crimea between 2014 and 2023, violating Ukrainian law.

The report identifies key Hermitage employees involved: - Alexandra Kattsova (2014–2024): Excavated at Kitei settlement and Zapovitne village. - Maria Akhmadeeva (2017–2023): Led the "Feodosia Expedition," digging at Feodosia’s necropolis. - Svetlana Adaksina (2014–2022): Conducted work at the Genoese fortress Chembalo in Balaklava. - Olga Sokolova (2014–2018): Excavated the ancient city of Nymphaeum in Kerch. - Vasily Gukin: Dug at Sudak settlement and fortress. - Mark Kramarovsky: Headed the "Old Crimean Expedition," excavating in Stary Krym. - Nadezhda Novoselova: Spent a decade at the UNESCO-listed Chersonesos Tauric site in Sevastopol.

These actions, backed by Russia’s Ministry of Culture, violate international law and destroy Ukraine’s cultural heritage. In November 2024, Ukraine’s Prosecutor’s Office charged a Hermitage-affiliated archaeologist for illegal excavations at the ancient city of Mirmekion in Kerch, further highlighting Russia’s systematic looting and distortion of Crimean history. The occupation administration’s illegal restorations aim to erase Ukraine’s cultural legacy, replacing it with a fabricated "Russian" narrative. 🏛️⚖️

G7 says Russia’s frozen assets stay off-limits until full compensation paid to Ukraine

Rank: 75

G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Reaffirm Support for Ukraine, Condemn Russian Aggression

At the conclusion of their meeting in Banff, Canada (May 20–22, 2025), G7 leaders issued a joint communiqué declaring that Russia’s frozen sovereign assets will remain inaccessible until it ends its war against Ukraine and compensates for the damages inflicted. The group condemned Russia’s “continued brutal war” and reaffirmed their “unwavering” commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, pledging sustained military and economic support for its defense and reconstruction.

Meanwhile, US President Trump has pushed for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, though efforts have stalled as Russia persists in attacking civilian targets while demanding Ukraine’s capitulation. Critics warn that Trump’s administration may lift sanctions on Russia to restore trade relations, despite no concessions from Moscow. The G7, however, signaled readiness to escalate economic pressure—including additional sanctions—if a ceasefire remains elusive.

Highlighting Ukraine’s recovery needs, the G7 cited a World Bank estimate of $524 billion required over the next decade, emphasizing private sector investment as crucial. They endorsed initiatives like the MIGA SURE trust fund and the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome (July 10–11, 2025) to accelerate rebuilding efforts. Additionally, the G7 barred entities from countries aiding Russia’s war machine from profiting from Ukraine’s reconstruction, reinforcing accountability for aggression.

The communiqué underscored a unified stance: Russia’s assets stay frozen until it halts hostilities and pays reparations, while Ukraine’s recovery will exclude those complicit in the conflict. 🌍✊

Ukrainian-Estonian start-up turns recon copters into precision killers that outsmart jammers

Rank: 75

Ukrainian-Estonian Startup Deftak Secures €600K Investment for Revolutionary Drone Weapon

Deftak, a Ukrainian-Estonian defense startup, has received a €600,000 investment from the European Defense Fund Darkstar to advance its cutting-edge drone weapon technology. The company’s precision-guided munitions transform standard reconnaissance quadcopters into highly effective strike platforms, capable of delivering accurate attacks even in GPS-jammed or electronic warfare environments—conditions that define modern combat. Already deployed by Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the system has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, proving ten times more cost-effective than traditional alternatives while enabling high-altitude precision strikes. This innovation introduces a new tactical advantage, particularly for hover-capable drones.

Darkstar co-founder Ragnar Sass praised Deftak as a startup delivering a critical battlefield edge. The investment will accelerate production scaling, bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and enhance NATO’s technological superiority. Darkstar has a track record of supporting defense innovations, previously backing Farsight Vision, a startup creating 3D terrain maps for military use, which has already garnered positive feedback from frontline operations. Deftak’s success underscores how wartime innovations from Ukraine are reshaping military tactics globally. 🚀💥