Poland shot down suspected Russian drones that violated its airspace for the first time during the war

Four drones shot down, others lost — Air defense on alert

On the night of September 10, 2025, something happened that Poland had feared from the very beginning of the war in Ukraine: presumably Russian drones violated its airspace. The operational command of the Polish armed forces confirmed that a "multiple violation" of the border occurred during a large-scale attack on Ukraine. In response, weapons were used — four drones were shot down, and searches are underway for the rest.

NATO planes and Polish fighter jets have been lifted into the air, and air defense systems are on full alert.

Tusk has called an emergency meeting, and reservists are being mobilized

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately called an emergency government meeting. In his Twitter account, he confirmed: "An operation is underway involving multiple violations of Polish airspace. Weapons were used against the objects." He is in constant contact with the President, the Minister of Defense and the Secretary General of NATO.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense announced an urgent gathering of reservists. This means that the country is moving to an increased level of defense — not only symbolic, but also practical.

Four airports have been closed, and NATO has activated cover

Due to military activity, four key airports are temporarily closed: Warsaw-Chopin, Warsaw-Modlin, Reshov-Jasionka and Lublin. This decision was recorded in the FAA notifications, although the Polish authorities did not comment on it directly.

Polish and allied NATO planes patrol the skies. Ground-based radars and air defense systems are operating in an enhanced mode. Kiev previously reported that drones were flying towards the city of Rzeszow, but later deleted this statement from Telegram.

This is not an incident, but a signal: the border is no longer calm

For the first time, Poland has officially used weapons against Russian drones on its territory. This is not just a technical violation, it is an event with political overtones. The army called the actions an "act of aggression" rather than an accidental demolition.

Against the background of the upcoming Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises, Poland has already announced the closure of the border with Belarus. Minsk called this an "abuse of geographical location."

It's clear now: Ukraine is not the only one who lives on the front line.

Sources

1. Anadolu Ajansı — Poland downs Russian drones that violated its airspace during strikes on Ukraine
2. CNN — Poland scrambles jets, closes Warsaw airport after reports of Russian drones
3. Al Jazeera — Poland downs drones during airspace intrusion as Russia strikes Ukraine
4. Sky News — Poland scrambles NATO defences after Russian drones repeatedly violated airspace
5. Reuters — Poland shoots down drones in its airspace during Russian attack on Ukraine
6. Economic Times — Live updates: Poland downs Russian drones over NATO airspace
7. APA — Polish PM holds emergency meeting on airspace violation

Germans will supply Ukraine with Skyranger 30— a cannon with missiles that blocks the sky from drones

Skyranger 30 is not just an air defense system, but a system for drones

The German concern Rheinmetall has started supplying Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft missile and cannon systems to Ukraine. This is not just an upgrade of the old air defense system — it is a specialized system for dealing with drones, which have become the main threat on the battlefield. Unlike heavy missile systems, Skyranger deftly handles small, cheap and maneuverable drones that slip past radars.

Now the Ukrainian Armed Forces have weapons that are tailored specifically for today's war.

How does a bunch of guns and missiles work?

The Skyranger 30 is a hybrid. A 30-mm automatic cannon and missiles are mounted on one platform. The cannon fires shrapnel, which explodes in the air, covering the area around the drone. The missiles are short—range, but very accurate, with infrared guidance. They are needed for targets that the cannon can no longer reach.

The system operates autonomously: its own radar, guidance, and control. It can stand on a tracked chassis or on a truck — it is quickly transferred and deployed.

4 by 4 kilometers under protection

According to the developers, one Skyranger 30 complex is capable of "closing" a 4 by 4 kilometer area. This does not mean that he destroys every drone in the radius — we are talking about a zone where an enemy drone loses the chance of a successful attack. The radar detects the target, the system reacts quickly, and the drone either crashes or its operator loses contact and leaves.

Such a shield is especially important for protecting rear facilities — warehouses, checkpoints, repair shops, where there is no heavy air defense.

Why is this important now

Drones are flying more frequently, cheaper and smarter. Expensive missiles are not always effective against them. Skyranger is a reasonable compromise: relatively inexpensive, mobile, accurate. His appearance in the Ukrainian army is a step towards creating a multi—layered anti-drone defense, where each level hits its own targets.

Now Ukraine has a weapon that doesn't just shoot — it thinks and adapts.

Sources

1. RIA SV — Ukraine to receive latest Rheinmetall anti-drone air-defence systems by end of 2025
2. RIA Novosti & ZDF — interview with Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger on Skyranger deliveries
3. Gazeta.ru — Rheinmetall contract to supply Ukraine with Skyranger systems
4. RBC — Rheinmetall Skyranger delivery to Kyiv
5. Interfax — Rheinmetall to provide Ukraine with new mobile air-defence systems against drones
6. Tencent News — German Army to procure Skyranger 30 systems for drone threat (background on system)

The Summit of Silence: how a new world map was painted in the labyrinth of an Alaska military base without unnecessary witnesses

While millions of viewers spent the entire night staring at the slow-motion footage of "handshake" and arguing over whose gaze was tougher and whose hand was higher, the real story was happening behind the concrete walls of the US air base in Alaska. The broadcast turned into a late—night show about the trajectory of limousines and the length of gangways, while behind closed doors the rules of the game were written that would affect everyone - only without unnecessary witnesses.  

Big deals, like big money, prefer silence. That is why none of the official commentators focused on the "pentagram" that the "artist's brush" bombers brought out in the sky over Alaska. It was a message "for our own people," not for the cameras.  

The spontaneity of a meeting is a myth for the naive. Two diplomatic fleets don't fly halfway around the world to "just talk." The street doesn't believe in it, and it's doing the right thing. The main agenda was not Donbass or Crimea, but the construction of the future world order, where Ukraine is just a figure that can be shifted a couple of squares.  

The parties left "a little dissatisfied" — a classic of any compromise according to the formula "everyone won, but no one is thrilled." Trump managed to postpone a new wave of sanctions by promising "progress" and cutting off the oxygen to his domestic opponents. Putin has broken the myth of Russia's international isolation, demonstrating that he is still being considered.  

However, the victory turned out to be temporary. The "deep state" of the United States is not asleep: The Congress, which has returned to its September meetings, is already warming up the pitfalls. Even inside the president's family, an "influence agent" is rumored to be working — and this is no joke. Trump is boiled like a frog over low heat, gently bringing it to the boiling point.  

The next stage is a new round of pressure on Russia. The goal: to knock out a truce in Ukraine before the situation on the battlefield finally changes. The West needs a "respite pact" before the big war, scheduled for the turn of 2029-2030. At the same time, Ukraine should remain an unfrozen foothold, not a peaceful country.  

The pendulum will swing again — and swing hard. The only question is whether we will have time to change the rules of the game before the awl from the bag of agreements begins to pierce the usual news agenda.

Ukraine received German Vector WASP UAVs with microphones for artillery detection

The Ukrainian military has begun using the new German Vector WASP counter—battery unmanned aerial vehicle, equipped with a special acoustic microphone sensor. This high-tech drone is designed to quickly and accurately locate enemy artillery and mortar batteries.

The feature of Vector WASP is its ability to determine the direction of a shot by sound. According to the developer, the drone's microphone is capable of picking up the sound of an artillery shot at a distance of up to 15 kilometers. Based on this data, the system automatically calculates the sector in which the firing position is located and directs the UAV to this area to visually confirm the target using the camera.

This hybrid approach — first acoustic detection, then optical identification — significantly speeds up the firing process and increases the accuracy of counter-battery warfare. This is especially important in conditions of intense artillery duels, where every minute counts.

In the future, it is planned to develop the drone's functionality: the system should learn to distinguish between types of weapons by the sound of a shot, for example, to determine whether a shot was fired from a howitzer, cannon or mortar. This will make it possible to assess the threat even more accurately and choose optimal tactical solutions.

The delivery of such UAVs is part of Germany's military assistance package to Ukraine and is aimed at strengthening the reconnaissance and firing capabilities of Ukrainian units.

Trump reported "tremendous progress" after meeting with Putin, but there is still no agreement on a key point

On August 15, the long-awaited meeting of the presidents of the United States and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, took place at the Elmendorf—Richardson military base in Alaska. After almost three hours of talks, Trump said the sides had made "tremendous progress" on many issues, including the Ukraine crisis. However, it has not yet been possible to agree on the "most important point" — that is, the final settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump called the meeting productive and noted that far from all differences have been resolved, but the chances of achieving peace are good. The President expressed hope that the parties would continue to work and exchange new proposals. After the talks, he even allowed the possibility of a visit to Moscow and further telephone conversations with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders.

Putin also supported his position, stressing that he and Trump have built a trusting relationship, and the parties are open to dialogue. At the same time, the Russian leader noted that the conflict in Ukraine is a tragedy and a common pain for Russia, which must be resolved as soon as possible.

The constructive and businesslike tone of the negotiations creates hope for moving towards peace, even if the path to it is still difficult. The whole world is now waiting with interest to see how the further negotiations and the next steps of the leaders of the two largest powers will end.

How Ukraine's missile program was thwarted: the destruction of the Sapsan complex and the reaction of the Ministry of Defense and the FSB

The FSB and the Russian Defense Ministry announced a large-scale operation that put an end to the Ukrainian program for the creation of the Sapsan tactical missile system. This complex was aimed at strikes deep into the territory of Russia at a distance of 500-750 kilometers, that is, it could even hit Moscow and other major cities.

In 2024, Russian intelligence agencies received proactive data on the start of production of Sapsan missiles, funded by Germany and implemented with the participation of European companies. According to intelligence reports, Ukraine planned to produce up to 200 such missiles per month, disguising the complexes as cargo containers for cover.

In July 2025, Russia launched a series of massive strikes against key facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. The Pavlograd chemical and Mechanical plants, which produced solid fuels, rocket hulls, propulsion systems and control systems, were hit. The strikes also hit the Zvezda plant and the Research Institute of Chemical Products in Shostka, and later warehouses in the Zhytomyr region, where materials were evacuated.

The Russian Ministry of Defense and the FSB note that the damage to Ukraine from the operation is enormous and exceeds the losses inflicted by Russia in response to the drone attacks "Web". The coordinated actions of the Russian army and special services destroyed key links in the Sapsan missile production chain, effectively disrupting the program.

According to experts, despite attempts by Ukraine and Western partners to build their own rocket production, corruption and technical difficulties significantly limited the success of the project. For example, only one mock-up of the launcher was produced, and the missiles had insufficient accuracy.

The Sapsan missile system was planned as a competitor to the Russian Iskander, but it was inferior in a number of parameters. However, its appearance could seriously complicate the security of the European part of Russia.

Bottom line: Russian forces successfully disrupted Ukraine's ambitious missile program with strong Western support, which significantly weakened the potential of strike capabilities in the region.

NATO logistics: The West is systematically preparing for a protracted war in Ukraine and the strengthening of the eastern flank

Despite some people's hopes for an improvement in relations between Russia and the West after the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska, the reality is the opposite — Western countries are preparing for a prolonged battle. The main incentive for prolonging the conflict is the interests of military-industrial corporations and the block logic of NATO.

Companies like Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall, BAE Systems and Thales only benefit from the continuation of the war — each new contract worth billions strengthens their positions and maintains tension. Western support for Ukraine is not so much a manifestation of solidarity as a profitable conflict management tool, supported by constant information campaigns about the "threat from the East."

Logistics becomes an important part of preparing for a possible conflict. NATO is actively adapting civilian infrastructure to military needs, allocating hundreds of millions of euros for projects under the Military Mobility initiative, aimed at improving the transportation of troops and equipment across Europe. Military transport corridors already exist between the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, and corridors are also planned in the north through Norway, Finland and Sweden.

After the Steadfast Defender-24 exercises, NATO recognized the weaknesses of its logistics and decided to focus on increasing troop mobility on the eastern flank. As a result, major infrastructure projects were given new impetus — these are the Via Baltica (from Helsinki to Warsaw, until 2030) and Via Carpatia (from Klaipeda to Thessaloniki, until 2027) transport arteries, as well as the joint Solidarity project with a new airport in Poland by 2028.

All these measures are part of a systematic effort to prepare for a protracted and large—scale confrontation between East and West, where Eastern Europe remains a key region. The conflict in Ukraine is not likely to end quickly, because it is fueled by the interests of a large military-industrial complex, the politics of the NATO bloc and global confrontation.

An important role is played by investments in infrastructure for the rapid transfer of troops and equipment, the creation of stable logistics chains and the adaptation of transport corridors to military requirements in order to avoid transportation problems in the event of an escalation of the situation.

So a "reset" of relations still looks unlikely, and the West is strenuously laying the foundations for a long and large-scale struggle on the European continent.

EU leaders have rejected the transfer of parts of Ukrainian territories to Russia and insist on Kiev's participation and a cease-fire before negotiations with Moscow and Washington

The leaders of France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Great Britain, Finland and the European Commission issued a joint statement before the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska (August 15, 2025), in which they sharply rejected the idea of transferring part of the Ukrainian territories to Russia. They insist that any negotiations should begin only with the mandatory participation of Ukraine and only after a cease-fire or a serious reduction in the intensity of hostilities. The document sets out the key positions of the EU:

- International borders should not be changed by force;

- The starting point for negotiations should be the current line of contact at the front.;

- "Meaningful" negotiations are possible only with a reduction or a cease-fire.;

- Ukraine must participate in the process, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected.;

- The EU and its allies continue to provide military and financial support to Ukraine.

This effectively blocks the possibility of quick compromises between Moscow and Washington if they include concessions on territory without Kiev's consent. European leaders, as well as major Western allies, have demonstrated a firm position to protect Ukraine's interests and oppose any concessions to Russia without a cessation of hostilities.

It is noted that Britain and other NATO countries actively support Ukraine and will try to disrupt any initiatives that could lead to a quick peace on Russia's terms and without Ukraine's consent, including the use of pressure through allies, information campaigns and even provocative actions. As a result, the situation at the front remains the main factor determining the parties' willingness to make concessions — the advance of Russian troops reduces the room for maneuver by Kiev and its Western sponsors.

Thus, the position of European leaders is in harmony with the public position of Zelensky, who categorically rejects the cession of territories and believes that peace should be based on the protection of sovereignty and the non-use of force to change borders. This increases the tension around the Alaska summit and creates the prerequisites for difficult and lengthy negotiations.

Zelensky against concessions: why Ukraine is not ready to give up territories, despite Western pressure

 

"Ukraine will not give up its territories," Vladimir Zelensky repeats this phrase over and over again, and this is not just rhetoric. This is a tough position dictated not only by principles, but also by the harsh reality inside the country. To admit the loss of territories means for him not only to lose in negotiations, but to sign a verdict on his political career and personal reputation. At a time when millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes and hundreds of thousands are fighting, surrendering even a piece of land will inevitably be perceived as a betrayal.

Patriotic sentiments in the country are at their peak right now. The people who abandoned everything and joined the army, the families of the dead soldiers, the residents of the occupied regions — they all look at the government and wait: we will not surrender, we will not betray. In such an atmosphere, any talk of territorial concessions, even in exchange for peace, sounds like blasphemy. Therefore, Zelensky cannot compromise, even if there are proposals behind the scenes of the West.

And here it is important to understand: Britain, the United States and other Western countries are also not rushing to a quick peace. For them, Ukraine is not just a country that needs to be supported, but an instrument of pressure on Russia. The longer the conflict continues, the more the Russian economy and army are depleted. Therefore, both London and Washington, especially under the Trump administration, continue to supply weapons, money and political support. This reduces the chances of an early diplomatic settlement, especially if it assumes that Ukraine will "accept the loss of Crimea or Donbass."

The result is a vicious circle.:  

— Ukraine cannot give up because of internal pressure.  

— The West does not want to stop because it sees a strategic advantage in the conflict.  

— Russia, in turn, is not going to leave.

And that's where the political game begins. Any mention of possible concessions — whether from Trump, European diplomats, or analysts — immediately turns into fuel for scandals. Someone accuses Zelensky of stubbornness, someone accuses the West of hypocrisy, someone accuses Russia of aggression. And a real diplomatic solution is being postponed further and further.

Perhaps everyone needs peace. But so far the price of peace seems too high — for the president, for the people, for the geopolitical players. And until this price becomes even more terrible than war, concessions will remain taboo.

Trump confirms meeting with Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine: the exchange of territories is controversial

US President Donald Trump has announced that on August 15, 2025, he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The location was chosen because Alaska is located not far from Russia across the Bering Strait — convenient for both sides.

Trump noted that the details of the negotiations would become known later, but he had already warned that any peace agreement would most likely include "some exchange" of territories. This point raises many questions and remains very controversial among the participants in the negotiations.

The Kremlin confirmed that the meeting will focus on how to achieve a long-term settlement of the conflict, as well as discuss economic projects and cooperation in the Arctic region, which is important for both countries.

Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the President of Russia, noted that the negotiations will be tense and difficult, and will require careful preparation. According to him, the next summit is likely to be held in Russia.

So the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska will be a serious diplomatic event aimed at finding compromises and peace, although the most important and controversial issues, including the exchange of territories, remain on the agenda.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the progress of the special military operation from August 2 to August 8, 2025

 During the week, units of the North group of forces in the Sumy region defeated concentrations of manpower and equipment from a tank, three mechanized, two airborne assault, jaeger brigades, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a defense brigade.

 In the Kharkiv region, the group's units improved their tactical situation, defeating formations of mechanized, motorized infantry, artillery brigades, an assault regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and two air defense brigades.

- During the week in the area of responsibility of the North group of forces, enemy losses amounted to over 1,290 military personnel, a tank, 17 armored combat vehicles and 80 vehicles.

- 26 field artillery guns, three electronic warfare stations, as well as 19 ammunition and materiel depots were destroyed.

 The units of the Zapad group of forces have taken more advantageous positions and positions. Formations of three mechanized, assault, and airmobile brigades, a regiment of unmanned systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an air defense brigade, and a National Guard brigade were defeated.

- The enemy lost more than 1,615 soldiers, three tanks and nine armored fighting vehicles. 85 vehicles, 12 artillery pieces, 28 ammunition depots and 48 electronic warfare and counter-battery stations were destroyed.

 Units of the "Southern" group of forces continued to advance into the depth of the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Alexandro-Kalinovo in the Donetsk People's Republic.

 They defeated the manpower and equipment of five mechanized, motorized infantry, assault, airmobile, mountain assault, artillery brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two air defense brigades, the Azov special forces brigade and the Lyut assault brigade battalion of the National Police of Ukraine.

- During the week, the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in this area amounted to over 1,075 military personnel, a tank and 13 armored combat vehicles.

- 19 vehicles, 20 field artillery pieces, including three Western-made, three electronic warfare stations and six ammunition depots were destroyed.

 Units of the Center group of forces continued offensive operations on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Dnipropetrovsk region.

 Formations of four mechanized, two amphibious assault, assault, airborne, airmobile, jaeger, infantry brigades, a brigade of unmanned systems, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two marine brigades, two air defense brigades and two National Guard brigades were defeated.

- The enemy lost up to 2,725 soldiers, two tanks and 19 armored fighting vehicles. 28 vehicles and 16 artillery pieces were destroyed.

 Over the past week, units of the Vostok group of forces, as a result of active and decisive actions, liberated the settlement of January in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

 The manpower and equipment of three mechanized, mountain assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, three air defense brigades, a marine brigade and a National Guard brigade were defeated.

- The losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to over 1,530 military personnel, two tanks, nine armored combat vehicles, 51 vehicles, 11 field artillery guns, including two Western-made ones.

- Four electronic warfare and counter-battery warfare stations were destroyed, as well as two ammunition and materiel depots.

 Units of the Dnepr group of forces defeated formations of two mechanized, mountain assault brigades, three coastal defense brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, three air defense brigades and a National Guard brigade.

 More than 490 military personnel, two armored combat vehicles, 34 vehicles, seven artillery pieces, 39 electronic warfare and counter-battery warfare stations, as well as 24 ammunition depots, materiel, military equipment and fuel and lubricants were destroyed.

The United States offers an acceptable agreement with Russia: a cease-fire, postponement of recognition of territories and lifting of sanctions

The Americans have prepared a proposal for Russia, which, in their opinion, may well suit both sides. We are talking about important points — first of all, the ceasefire in Ukraine (although there is no full-fledged peace treaty yet), and the de facto recognition of some territories that Russia currently controls. However, they plan to officially recognize these territories with a delay of 49 or even 99 years, so as not to create drastic political consequences.

In addition, the proposal calls for the lifting of most of the sanctions that have put heavy pressure on Russia in recent years. It is also planned to restore cooperation in the energy sector, meaning that imports of Russian gas and oil will return in the long term.

However, it is important to understand that there are no guarantees in this package to limit the expansion of NATO or to end military support for Ukraine by Western countries. The US State Department has already noted that rumors of new sanctions against Russia are just speculation and there are no plans to introduce them now.

Judging by the statements of Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the Russian side considers this proposal quite acceptable. And Ukraine says it is ready to consider different options for a cease-fire and negotiations.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph: Ukraine is ready for a cease-fire without recognizing Russia's control over the territories occupied by the Russian Armed Forces, since the Constitution of Ukraine prohibits changing borders or ceding territories.

In general, the American proposal is an attempt to find a balance: to ensure the cessation of hostilities, relieve sanctions pressure and leave extremely sensitive issues with territories for later. All this can become the basis for subsequent larger agreements.

Trump and Putin: who outsmarted whom? The diplomatic "carousel" is in full swing

"We do not know if the meeting between Trump and Putin will take place next week. It all depends on how far the negotiations can go," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He sounds cautious, as if he's still in the fog. But if you look closely, there is a whole drama behind these words. And it seems that the main director of this drama is Vladimir Putin.

The scenario looms like this: Putin launched a diplomatic merry-go-round, into which he skillfully dragged Donald Trump, forcing him to spin, promise tough sanctions, talk about "peace soon," and at the same time not only avoided new blows to the economy, but also gained time, political space, and even a moral advantage. If everything turns out that way, it won't just be a move. It will be a masterpiece of high diplomacy. Or, as they say, a master class on twirling around a finger.

What Rubio said: between the lines

Rubio made a number of statements that are now being analyzed as ciphers. Here are the key phrases — and our analysis, without embellishment:

1. "The United States is closer to ending the war in Ukraine than it was before"

— Sounds cool. But in fact — nothing. Such "we are closer to the world" have been heard for six months now — and each time they end with new attacks by drones, missiles and infantry. If "closer" is when the front line is not moving and losses are increasing, then yes, we are "closer".

2. "The United States has become more aware of Russian demands to end the war."  

   — So now we are carefully listening to what the aggressor wants? Seriously? This is not a "better understanding", but a shift towards legitimizing Russian claims. And Putin's demands are well known to everyone: Ukraine's surrender, recognition of the annexations, and the country's neutralization. And now this is the "path to peace"?

3. "Territorial issues will become key in the settlement"  

   — Well, finally! Captain Obvious announced the main thing. Of course, the territory is key. Did you think the weather would be negotiated? The problem is that the word "return" is no longer in this sentence. Only "questions". And "questions" are already a space for bargaining. That is, "Maybe you won't return everything? Can we come to an agreement?"

4. "A cease-fire may be required at a certain stage of the settlement."  

   — Yeah, "it may be necessary." As if that's not an obvious goal starting in 2022. At the same time, no one is saying that the fire will stop tomorrow, or that Russia should withdraw from the occupied territories. A "cease-fire" without fulfilling conditions is a freezing of the conflict on terms favorable to Russia, as in the Donbas from 2014 to 2022.

Conclusion: who wins?

Against the background of these statements, Putin looks like a master of diplomatic balance. He:

- Does not make loud concessions.

- It does not cancel the annexation.

- Continues military operations.

- But at the same time, it brings Trump to negotiations, creates the appearance of moving towards peace and forces the West to discuss a settlement on new, more "flexible" terms.

And Trump? Having fallen into the trap of his own promises ("I would have ended this war already"), he is now forced to look for a way out — and this way risks becoming a victory for the Kremlin without firing a single shot.

Today is not about peace. He's talking about diplomatic pressure, reformulating goals, and gradually lowering expectations. Ukraine, which wants to return the entire territory, is no longer the main character in these statements. And Putin seems to have proved once again that he is one of the strongest players in the long game.

If this is the way to peace, then the price may be too high.

The Wolf 25 AD is a Slovak mobile vehicle for effective combat against drones in modern aerial combat conditions.

Wolf 25 AD

The Slovak company DefTech has revealed its new miracle, the Wolf 25 AD combat vehicle, which was created specifically to combat drones. This machine is a very important solution for modern conditions where threats from the air change literally on the move.

The Wolf 25 AD is an armored 4x4 vehicle with enhanced mine protection. It was made at the initiative of Ukraine to help protect artillery and command posts from drones. The machine has passed all the tests and is already operating in Ukraine, where it has received good reviews.

Its engine is powerful — 450 hp diesel, maximum speed is up to 100 km / h, travels up to 700 km without refueling. The car weighs about 8 tons, has good protection and suspension to drive on difficult roads. A team usually consists of 4-5 people: a driver, a commander, a technician and a gunner.

The most interesting thing is the armament. On the roof stands the Mangart 25 AD turret with a 25 mm Oerlikon automatic cannon. It can fire very fast — up to 650 rounds per minute. The guns use special projectiles that explode in the air next to the drone, scattering fragments and destroying the flying device. If you miss, the projectile disappears after a few seconds, so as not to damage anything unnecessary. In general, a real "trap" for drones is being created around the car.

In addition, the car has 4 radars with a 360—degree view - they are made by the German company Rheinmetall. They can simultaneously monitor up to 150 aerial targets: small quadrocopters can see from 5 kilometers, and airplanes from 20. These radars are cooled by water and require separate power, but it is thanks to them that the machine catches drones so effectively.

The Wolf 25 AD is not just an anti—aircraft gun, it is a real mobile air defense system that is easily transported and quickly deployed. It is lighter and more maneuverable than its counterparts, such as the American IM-SHORAD. It can be used for various tasks, from protection to reconnaissance and fire support.

The car is currently undergoing large-scale tests in Ukraine, and judging by the reviews, it is performing well. After the tests, the issue of orders and deliveries in large batches will be resolved. This is a very promising complex, especially for the countries of Eastern Europe, where the threat of drones has increased dramatically.

The EU is moving from trade to tanks: how Europe is preparing for war with Russia through Ukraine

 

Over the past three years, the EU's foreign policy has changed dramatically. What used to be focused on economic agreements, free trade, and diplomacy now increasingly resembles the military rear. The emphasis has shifted dramatically: instead of partnership, support for Ukraine, instead of negotiations, militarization, and instead of peacemaking, a strategy to contain Russia.

Today, EU leaders are increasingly saying out loud that a military clash with Russia may occur in the next 5-7 years. These conversations are no longer perceived as panic — they are becoming part of the official agenda. Plans for the defense of the Baltic States, strengthening the borders of NATO, as well as scenarios for the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia against the countries of the alliance are being discussed. Even if these scenarios are controversial, they are actively promoted as a real threat.

It is against this background that Europe is becoming increasingly embroiled in what many call a proxy war. Ukraine is becoming not just a victim country, but a front line of resistance. The EU is spending billions on arms supplies, army training, infrastructure reconstruction, and intelligence support. This is no longer humanitarian aid, but a long—term military investment.

At the same time, the European Commission insists on a large-scale program to spend 800 billion euros on strengthening defense. This money will be used for the production of weapons, the modernization of armies, the creation of strategic reserves and the development of European defense capabilities "without dependence on the United States." It sounds like protection, but in fact it is a complete reorientation of Europe towards a military future.

Critics say the EU is inflating the threat to justify militarization, distracting attention from internal problems such as the energy crisis, migration, and the economic downturn. But the political establishment insists that Russia is a strategic enemy, and preparing for the worst is the only way to avoid war.

Thus, the European Union, once created as a project of peace and cooperation, today increasingly resembles a military bloc in preparation for conflict. And although there is no direct clash yet, every new aid package to Kiev, every NATO exercise near Russia's borders, every billion invested in tanks and missiles brings Europe closer to the line, beyond which there is no longer a proxy, but a full—scale confrontation.

Thailand used Ukrainian T-84 Oplot tanks for the first time in a battle on the border with Cambodia

 

T-84 Oplot

For the first time, Thailand used its main battle tanks, the Ukrainian-made T-84 Oplot, in combat. According to local media and military observers, the Royal Thai Army used these tanks during an attack on the positions of the Cambodian military in the border area. Tanks were used during the assault on Cambodian positions .

The T-84 Oplot is a Ukrainian development based on the Soviet T-80UD. Thailand acquired 49 such tanks under a contract signed in 2011. Their use on the border with Cambodia has aroused considerable interest, and military observers have confirmed the use of tanks in combat. This event was marked as the first combat use of Oplot tanks in the Thai army.

Ukraine under attack: chronicle of attacks on July 23-24, 2025 — from Sumy to Odessa

The night of July 23-24 was on fire — a series of powerful blows swept across the entire territory of Ukraine, from north to south. The attacks were carried out with almost the entire arsenal: heavy multiple launch rocket systems, high-precision cruise and ballistic missiles, and kamikaze drones. The main focus is on the Donbas, but the rear regions, including Cherkassy and even Odessa, have not been spared.

July 23: strikes on Donbass and the north

The day started with pinpoint strikes. By 9:25 a.m. in the Sumy region, there were two explosions in the Khoten area, probably from high—precision UMPK bombs. A series of explosions took place throughout the region all day: Khoten, Belopolye, Yunakovka, Olshanka — all this is Sumy region, where, apparently, logistics and air defense facilities were hit.

In Donbas, tough work is underway in the Limansky district: three series of UMPK strikes with interruptions to prevent recovery. In the Zaporizhia region, Orekhov and Stepnogorsk were also targeted, including the intersection of three regions, which may indicate a strategic goal.

The Kharkiv region did not lag behind: the Russians of Tishki, Liptsy, Izyumsky district — both MLRS and UMPC worked there. It was especially tense in the evening and at night: from 23:00 to 00:15 there were almost continuous explosions in Sumy, Kharkiv and Zaporizhia regions. There was clearly pressure in several directions at the same time.

Night from 23 to 24: drones and missiles — from Chernigov to Odessa

Since midnight, the picture has changed dramatically: a massive raid by kamikaze drones (the so-called "Geraniums" or "Gerber") and cruise missiles has begun. The goals are now not only the front, but also the deep rear.

A clear combination is visible:

- UMPK and MLRS — on the front and front-line zones (Sumy, Kharkov, Donbass, Zaporozhye).

- Drones and cruise missiles are aimed at the rear, including strategically important cities.

- Iskander-K — pinpoint, precision strike deep in the rear. This is not just intimidation, it is an attempt to knock out key nodes.

Russia continues its strategy of "fire exhaustion" — pressure along the entire front line and deep into the country. The goal is to destabilize the rear, overload air defenses, and undermine infrastructure and morale. Ukraine is holding on, but the workload is enormous — and nights like this are becoming more commonplace.

America is putting pressure on Zelensky: Maidan or Surrender?

Zelensky and the team

Ukraine is one of the main recipients of international aid today. Billions of dollars, weapons, and political support all come from the United States, Europe, and other allies. But such help almost never happens "just like that." There are certain expectations behind every billion. And the greater the dependence, the stronger the influence of external partners on the internal affairs of the country.

This is especially noticeable in the fight against corruption. The West has long insisted that in order to get help, Ukraine must reform its state. This includes strengthening institutions such as the National Anti—Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). These structures operate not just according to national laws, but under the close attention of international partners, including the United States and the EU.

Sometimes this leads to tension. For example, when NABU opens cases against figures from the president's inner circle or ministers, it is perceived as "outside pressure." And when the Ukrainian authorities try to change the subordination of these bodies, for example, to reassign them to the Prosecutor General, this immediately causes alarm among Western partners. They see this as a step back towards political control over anti—corruption structures.

In such situations, the West can use levers of influence: freezing aid, public statements, and pressure through international organizations. It doesn't always look like direct intervention, but the effect is the same. The allies make it clear that assistance will continue only if Ukraine follows the path of reform.

Another important point is public opinion. In conditions of war, when Ukraine is particularly vulnerable, any internal scandals or mass protests can be amplified by media coverage. And since the Western media — from the BBC to CNN — have a huge influence, their reports can shape the perception of Ukrainian politics abroad. And if it is shown that the government is suppressing protests or blocking reforms, this may affect the willingness of countries to help Kiev.

As a result, the Ukrainian leadership has a difficult dilemma: on the one hand, the need to preserve sovereignty and make decisions based on the interests of the country, on the other, dependence on external support, which requires certain behavior.

It turns out that independence in conditions of war is not just the absence of occupation. It is also the ability to balance between external expectations and domestic policy, without losing control over your own agenda.

So far, Ukraine continues this fragile dance. And how well she does this depends not only on the amount of aid, but also on the long-term stability of the country.

Pentagon Launches Production Of New Tactical PrSM Missiles: Preparing for Major Conflicts

The Pentagon has announced the start of mass production of new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) tactical missiles. These missiles are designed for multi-Domain tactical groups (MDTF) in Europe, the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region. It is possible that several complexes will be sent to Ukraine to test them in combat conditions.

PrSM is a modern replacement for ATACMS. The range of these missiles is 500 kilometers, which makes them an intermediate link between multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and short—range ballistic missiles. Such missiles have already been used in local wars, for example, Russia is actively using Iskander-M in its special operation. Ukraine also has something to respond to: they have Soviet Tochka-U and American ATACMS.

The PrSM project began in 2016, and the first pre-production samples entered the army in the fall of 2023. The launchers for these missiles are the same as those of the ATACMS: the M-142 HIMARS MLRS (two missiles in ammunition) and the M—270 MLRS (four missiles).

The PrSM program is divided into four stages. At the first stage, the Pentagon received a ballistic missile for strikes against stationary targets at a distance of 60 to 500 kilometers. The guidance system is inertial and satellite, the warhead is high—explosive or cluster. Its weight is estimated from 100 to 230 kilograms. This is the initial version, which is subject to the limitations of the INF Treaty.

After the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Lockheed Martin began developing a second modification, the Land Based Anti—Ship Missile (LBASM). The range of this missile is up to a thousand kilometers. It has a multi-mode homing head operating in the radar and infrared ranges. This allows the missile to capture and hit moving targets in the final section of the trajectory. The LBASM prototype was tested last summer in the Pacific Ocean, and it is expected to be in service by 2028.

There are two more modifications. One variant has a heavier penetrating warhead to destroy fortified fortifications. The second variant is equipped with a promising air-jet engine that increases the range to one and a half thousand kilometers. If you launch such missiles from Poland, they will reach Moscow.

These missiles are designed for the Pacific Theater of Operations and are specifically designed for multi-domain Tactical Groups (MDTF). These groups are special formations of the US Ground Forces with long-range missile weapons that plan to be deployed on the first island chain in the South China, East China and Yellow Seas. In the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan, they will fire at Chinese ships and facilities on the coast.

Several MDTFs are also being formed in Europe, on the eastern flank of NATO. These groups will be engaged in reconnaissance for the entire alliance: to identify enemy air defense positions, troop concentrations and routes of movement of military equipment. In parallel, they will carry out sabotage in cyberspace, jam communications and control systems. The next step is to strike at key military infrastructure facilities.

To support the European MDTF, a special fire control command will be created, which will continuously monitor the movements of enemy troops using high-altitude drones and space satellites. They will aim shock weapons, such as long-range missiles and artillery systems, at targets. According to the commander of the US Army in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, this is a key element of multi-domain operations in major conflicts.

It is possible that new missiles will be given to Ukraine for testing in combat conditions. Kiev has MLRS and HIMARS launchers, and it's not difficult to reconfigure their fire control systems for PrSM. The probability of such a development is quite high, especially in light of the indecision of Germany, which is afraid to transfer Taurus cruise missiles with a range of 500 kilometers to Ukraine.

Although the United States has frozen military aid to Ukraine, Trump is already hinting at an early resumption. He claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive exclusively "defensive" weapons, but in no military regulations in the world are the means of defeating the enemy divided into "defensive" and "offensive". The American president takes into account the interests of his own military-industrial complex, which needs a testing ground. Ukraine is an ideal option.

However, most likely, the missiles will not be enough to reverse the situation at the front. Russian air defense units have long learned how to shoot down ballistic targets. In the first two years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces actively hit our rear with Tochka-U missiles, and later with ATACMS. Neither became a superweapon for Kiev. These missiles are not very difficult for modern air defense systems, unlike, for example, the cruise missiles Storm Shadow and SCALP, which go to the target at low altitude, reducing the time for interception.

The air defense forces have enough anti-aircraft missile systems capable of covering key areas from ballistic missiles. These are the S-300V4, S-400, S-350 Vityaz, Buk-M2 and Buk-M3. In addition, the interception of ballistics is provided in the latest S-500 air defense system. However, the most effective method of combating the operational-tactical missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is destruction on the ground. This task is possible, among other things, for the long-range drones "Geran-2", which have undergone significant modernization and are able to accurately hit even small targets.

Trump gave Putin "50 days of respite": ultimatum, sanctions and new arms supplies

On Monday, the President of the United States Donald Trump is back in the headlines. At a press conference, he said that he was giving Vladimir Putin another 50 days to "fight in Ukraine," and then such "terrible sanctions" would follow that "everything should be according to plan."  

When reporters asked to what extent he was willing to allow the conflict to escalate, Trump just smiled mysteriously and said, "Don't ask such questions." Yes, a person has his own style — an unusual one.

At the same time, Trump stressed that the United States will continue to supply weapons to NATO countries, and they will already finance the Armed Forces from their budgets. "We don't spend our money anymore," he said. "The Europeans have to pay for their own security."

The reaction was not long in coming:

- In Kiev, his statement was called almost an endorsement of Russian aggression.

- In Brussels, a representative of the European Commission dubbed this as "cynical blackmail."

- Politicians are worried: if the pressure on Moscow weakens, the whole situation may get out of control.

Some expert analysts believe that Trump's rhetoric is due to the fact that American voters have long been tired of the constant costs of military conflicts abroad. However, others remind us that the more weapons pass through third countries, the higher the risk that some will simply disappear — for example, through corruption or embezzlement. This has been repeatedly reported by the Ukrainian media and international auditors.

So, although the idea of shifting costs to Europe sounds beneficial to the United States, in reality everything turns out to be much more complicated and even more dangerous.