Exclusives
 | From outsourcing to powerhouse: Ukraine’s tech bets big amid war. U-Nation is turning wartime grit into tomorrow’s innovation. |
 | Putin is not the disease — he’s a symptom: Hoping Putin’s death will bring peace is irresponsible, Ukrainian diplomat says. Ukraine’s deputy FM Serhii Kyslytsia says Putinism is so entrenched in Russia that removing the man won’t fix the machine. |
 | Russia raises taxes as $59.7B deficit grows. Russians face a VAT increase while Putin dismisses the 5 trillion ruble budget hole, breaking the promise of no tax rises until 2030. |
Military
Putin lies when he says Russia is making gains: Zelenskyy
In his nightly address, President Zelenskyy reported thousands of Russian losses near Dobropillia and warned that only stronger international pressure and military aid can curb Moscow’s “virus of war.”
Frontline report: Latvia delivers critical armored vehicles as Ukrainian forces counter Russian advance near Lyman
The battle for Lyman intensifies as Latvian military aid arrives just in time to support Ukrainian forces facing renewed Russian pressure, with 42 modern armored vehicles potentially transforming the defensive capabilities of the 3rd Army Corps.
Ukraine creates the world’s first drone air-defense military branch
Ukrainian Air Force command now oversees its own drone troops, equipped to destroy incoming UAVs.
“So much for Happiness” — Ukrainian drones blast Russian-controlled gas and chemical plants in Luhansk Oblast
Ukrainian drones burned three Russian gas distribution plants in occupied Luhansk, as Ukraine widens its list of Russian and Russian-controlled industrial targets.
Ukraine strikes 85 strategic targets in Russia in less than two months – Ukrainian commander
Russia’s military-industrial complex has suffered “significant” damage from Ukrainian drone strikes on 52 weapons plants and 33 military installations, creating a fuel crisis that impacts battlefield logistics.
Russian drone crashes 800 meters from South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency called the overnight drone crash near Ukraine’s South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant an incident that “came close to disaster.”
Trump: slow occupation of Ukraine damages Russia’s reputation
Despite deploying 900 drones in single-night attacks on cities like Kyiv, Russia has captured “very little territory” in recent months, President Trump said during White House remarks.
Over 70% of Czech artillery shells now go to Ukraine, says arms industry chief
A top defense figure says artillery demand is maxing out, with chemical supply bottlenecks now in play.
ISW: Kremlin keeps faking military progress to sell false narrative of inevitable victory
Russia’s MoD overstated territorial gains by up to 112%, the think tank finds.
Intelligence and Technology
General Staff documents Hungarian drone route into Ukraine
A drone originating from Hungarian territory crossed into Ukraine twice at different altitudes during morning hours, according to detailed tracking data released by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
NATO can’t afford to shoot down cheap Russian drones with expensive missiles: Rutte
Rutte says NATO will deploy new counter-drone technologies within weeks following a series of Russian incursions into the alliance’s territory.
Putting Moscow within striking range – Zelenskyy presses Trump for long-range Tomahawk missiles in UN meeting
Ukrainian president requests 2,400-kilometer range weapons during UN meeting, with Trump responding “we will work on it.”
Bavaria launches Patriot air defense system factory to cut US dependency by 2027
A new Bavarian factory will double PAC‑2 missile production, giving Europe a chance to control its air defense destiny.
Danish PM warns of more “hybrid attacks” as mystery drones target critical infrastructure
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Denmark faces ongoing hybrid attacks from what she called a “cowardly enemy,” while pointing to Russia as the primary security threat to Europe.
Two large drones breach Swedish airspace near naval command base
Local residents contacted police after observing two large drones over Sweden’s Karlskrona archipelago, home to the country’s primary naval facility.
Denmark’s Aalborg Airport again closed for one hour after police officer spots possible drone
Police say an officer on the ground reported something resembling a drone just before midnight.
International
Germany “not at war, but no longer at peace”: Merz
Chancellor Merz said Germany backs Ukraine not just for Kyiv, but to protect European security and its own freedoms, as cyberattacks, sabotage, and Russian drone incursions signal a growing hybrid threat.
Hungary denies drone flights as Zelenskyy reports border incursions
Ukrainian forces recorded reconnaissance drones entering airspace along the Hungarian border, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Denmark to provide military aid package to Ukraine worth more than $400 million
The Danish government is investing $407 million in Ukrainian defense capabilities, including funding for solid rocket fuel production that will begin operations in Denmark this December.
Moldova bars pro-Russia party from election as Moscow’s interference reaches crisis point
Electoral commission removes Heart of Moldova from Sunday’s vote after court finds voter bribery and illegal financing linked to Russian operations.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine ready for diplomatic solution to reclaim Russian-occupied territories
Ukraine could shift from military to diplomatic tactics for territorial deoccupation if battlefield efforts fail or fighting stops, Zelenskyy said.
Poland reopens Belarus border after 2-week closure, urges citizens to evacuate immediately
Two weeks after closing all Belarus crossings due to Russian military exercises, Poland reopened passenger and cargo routes but warned citizens the security window for safe departure may be closing rapidly.
Hungarian Gripens scramble as five Russian jets approach Latvian airspace from the Baltic
This latest incident comes amid mounting warnings over Russian provocations in the region. The Hungarian fighters are stationed in Lithuania under NATO’s air policing mission.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
YouTube bloggers arrested for illegal Fukushima zone livestream. They are reportedly Ukrainians
One of the detainees is Oleksandr Kryukov, who previously lived in the Russian-occupied part of Luhansk Oblast and later moved to Russia.
One in fifty gas stations in Russia stops selling fuel — even Moscow feels pinch
Petrol disappears from stations while the Kremlin urges patience.
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