“Ghosts” burn Russian amphibious planes in Crimea: its Black Sea Fleet loses its eyes. Ukrainian special forces have struck a major blow against Russian aviation, depriving the enemy of key maritime surveillance assets.

According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, these aircraft were equipped with costly systems designed to detect and counter submarines. 

Loss of “Chaikas” undermines Russian sea surveillance

Ukrainian Navy Spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stressed on a TV broadcast that the destruction of the Be-12s is a positive development for Ukraine, since the aircraft had provided Russia with effective maritime observation. Their loss will complicate Moscow’s logistics and reduce the capabilities of the Russian fleet.

“They have the Be-200, a more modern version, but besides these, they also rely on helicopters and other propeller planes. Flight activity is indeed high, with dozens per day,” Pletenchuk noted.

Russia resorts to helicopters and drones

Following the destruction of its specialized aircraft, Russia has increased its reliance on helicopters, as well as various reconnaissance and strike drones, including Orion, Forpost, and Mohajer-6.

“If things continue at this pace, Russia will face a serious problem sustaining these anti-drone patrols,” the Navy spokesperson added.

US President Donald Trump says Ukraine has every chance to reclaim all territory “with time,” patience, and support from the EU and NATO. Meanwhile, Ukraine needs weapons and billions of dollars to defend itself from Moscow, backed by China and North Korea. 

Earlier, Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. However, nine months later, this has not happened.

In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the US decision not to impose sanctions on Russia for escalating terror against civilians reflects a deliberate US policy acting as a broker between Ukraine and Russia. Yet the war has not ended. Moreover, the Russian attacks continued not only in Ukraine but also in Poland. 

In September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if the war continues into 2026, the country will lack $120 billion annually to finance defense and recovery. 

Half of this sum—$60 billion—comes from Ukraine’s budget, while another $60 billion must be secured from other sources, primarily Western partners.

Trump on Russia’s war against Ukraine

Trump’s statements came after the UN. On 23 September 2025, Donald Trump was in New York, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that after reviewing the military and economic situation in Ukraine and Russia, he believes Ukraine, with support from the EU, is in a position to fight and reclaim all its territory within its original borders.

“With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option,” Trump said.

The American leader emphasized that Russia has been waging a senseless war against Ukraine for over three and a half years. According to Trump, a “real military power” could have won it in less than a week.

“In fact, it is very much making them look like ‘a paper tiger,’” Trump wrote.

Economic pressure on Russia and Ukraine’s opportunities

He said that Ukraine will be able to restore its country to its previous state when residents of Moscow and all major Russian cities, towns, and regions realize what is really happening in this war.

And when they understand that it is almost impossible to get gasoline due to extremely long queues and face all the other problems of a wartime economy, where most resources are spent fighting Ukraine, a country with a higher morale that only grows stronger.

In reality, most Russians still support the war against Ukraine. They are enduring poverty and sanctions, yet are mobilizing to serve on the front lines. 

The US and NATO support

The US president noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin faces massive economic difficulties. He believes that now is the time for Ukraine to act.

Trump said the US will continue to supply weapons to NATO “for NATO to do what they want with them.”

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is attempting to persuade US President Donald Trump’s administration to engage in arms control talks amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. The pressure is aiming to foster closer US-Russia relations and secure concessions regarding the war in Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

New start and strategic stability

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START III) is an agreement between Russia and the US that limits the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems to curb the nuclear arms race and ensure strategic stability. 

The treaty caps deployed nuclear warheads at 1,550 for each side and limits the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers to 700 units.

War escalation and peace talks

“ISW continues to assess that the Kremlin is dangling the prospect of bilateral arms control talks in front of the United States to secure Russia’s desired demands in Ukraine and deflect from Russia’s responsibility for the lack of progress in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations,” the experts note. 

They point out that in recent months Moscow has sought to provoke escalation, including by exiting the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in August 2025, in order to compel the Trump administration to engage in arms control talks.

The Kremlin leader has leveraged New START to seek US concessions on Ukraine, linking Western support for Kyiv to Russia’s decision to suspend participation in New START in February 2023.

Putin seeks superpower status

ISW analysts believe that Putin’s statements on 22 September aim to present him as Trump’s equal and Russia as a global power comparable to the US. Since Trump’s inauguration in January, Putin has sought to position Russia as the Soviet Union’s heir to superpower status.

Putin expressed willingness to extend the START treaty for one year, but only if the US takes corresponding steps, TSN reports. 

He also accused the West of undermining the foundations of nuclear dialogue and seeking “absolute superiority.” Putin hinted that Russia is prepared to respond with “military-technical measures” to any strategic threats.

“Putin’s posturing aims to reinforce the Kremlin’s false narrative that a Russian victory in Ukraine is inevitable, so Ukraine and the West should concede to Russia’s maximalist demands now out of fear that Russian aggression will only worsen in the future,” the experts concluded. 

Russia denies involvement in the latest drone attacks on Europe. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that accusations against Russia regarding unknown drones appearing over Copenhagen and Oslo are “groundless” and not worthy of attention, Interfax writes. 

“Constantly making groundless accusations, frankly, leads to such statements no longer being taken seriously,” Peskov said, denying any Kremlin involvement.

Drones in Norway and the European threat

Unidentified drones were also spotted in Oslo, triggering an air alert over the Akershus Fortress. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the incident “the most serious attack to date on critical infrastructure.”

The Kremlin’s denials during the war in Ukraine

During the war in Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks on civilian targets. For example, after large-scale shelling of Ukrainian cities, the Kremlin claimed the strikes were a response to Ukrainian provocations, without acknowledging its role in escalating the conflict.

The same rhetoric after the attack on Poland

Following the 10 September attack, when Poland shot down four out of 19 Russian drones with F-16 and F-35 aircraft that violated its airspace, Dmitry Peskov even refused to comment.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense denied any responsibility for the airspace violation, stating that during the nighttime attack, all intended targets in Ukraine were hit, and no objectives in Poland were planned.

Analysts challenge this claim, noting that drones were using 4G modems with Polish and Lithuanian SIM cards to test connectivity as early as June.

Moscow denies responsibility for Russian strike on Poland, Belarus insists drones “just lost their way”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed the reason behind President Donald Trump’s administration’s unwillingness to impose harsher sanctions on Russia. In an interview with NBC News, he stated that stricter measures could undermine Washington’s role as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia. 

Rubio’s remarks came ahead of a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly.

“The minute we go heavy on the sanctions and everything else, our ability to act as a broker to bring about peace is diminished,” Rubio said.

The US Secretary of State also did not rule out that Washington may eventually have to impose stricter sanctions on Russia, amid recent Russian provocations in Europe.

Ukrainian civilians pay price after Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin, while US offers no aid to Kyiv

Rubio criticizes Europe for buying Russian energy

Rubio also criticized European countries for continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas, calling it “absurd.” He urged allies to do more to pressure Russia.

Most European countries have already stopped buying Russian oil. However, those that continue are pro-Russian Hungary and Slovakia.

“Some countries are asking the US to impose more sanctions, but there are countries in Europe that are not doing enough, so I think they need to do more,” Rubio said.

China remains Russia’s largest partner

Meanwhile, the US has imposed no sanctions on Beijing for its support of Moscow. The Kremlin is actively strengthening ties with China, receiving financial, technological, and military support. The total trade volume between the countries in the first seven months of 2025 amounted to $125.8 billion. 

Washington seeks to avoid escalating tensions with China, given the large trade volume and interdependence in the technology and energy sectors.

Sanctions on China could complicate these diplomatic and economic processes. As a result, the US pressures Europe to stop buying Russian oil and impose sanctions, while avoiding such measures itself.

Moreover, despite the intensifying attacks on civilians, the US has not provided new defense packages to Ukraine, thereby weakening Kyiv’s position and strengthening Moscow.

The Russian troll farm, notorious for its 2024 video depicting Kamala Harris as a “rhino poacher,” has reemerged. This time, it has deployed over 200 new websites posing as local media outlets in the US, France, Canada, Norway, and even “fact-checking organizations” publishing in Ukrainian, Turkish, and Swahili languages, The Register reports. 

According to Insikt Group (Recorded Future), the campaign is run by the CopyCop (Storm-1516) network, which uses uncontrolled AI models such as Llama 3 to mass-produce fabricated news, deepfakes, and political disinformation.

The Kremlin’s link: Ex-Florida cop and Russia’s military intelligence agency, or GRU

Investigators say the operation is likely coordinated by John Mark Dougan, a former Florida sheriff’s deputy who received political asylum in Moscow in 2016.

His fake media outlets have already been cited thousands of times on social media and even in news coverage. Insikt Group reports that the GRU funds LLM servers for the troll factory, using them to rewrite legitimate media articles and launch disinformation campaigns against the US, Ukraine, France, and others.

Disinformation disguised as “local news”

CopyCop sites impersonate American news portals while twisting global narratives to discredit Ukraine and the West. In March 2025, for instance, clearstory[.]news spread a false claim that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was “embezzling US taxpayer funds,” based on a forged document from the Presidential Office in Kyiv.

Election Interference at Scale

Matt Mooney, Director of Global Issues at Insikt Group, said CopyCop’s expanding infrastructure shows a clear Kremlin intent to interfere in elections not just in the US but also across Europe. In January, the network launched 94 sites to meddle in Germany’s federal elections. This year, the number of such outlets has surged past 300.

Pressure on the US and Canada

New sites have also surfaced in Canada, including albertaseparatist[.]com and torontojournal[.]ca, exploiting separatist sentiments in Alberta to divide public opinion.

Meanwhile, the US is facing a political storm, as some senators demand answers from the Director of National Intelligence on whether information about foreign interference in elections has been deliberately withheld.

A new poll by Transparency International Ukraine has found that three-quarters of Ukrainians support EU membership. Most of the population believes in the country’s European future.

Kyiv and Western regions lead in support

According to research by Transparency International Ukraine (TI), 74% of citizens support Ukraine joining the EU. The highest levels of support are in Kyiv (82%), the western regions (80%), northern regions (78%), and central regions (76%), while in the south and east, the figures are somewhat lower—69% and 64%, respectively. Only 6% oppose membership, and 18% are undecided.

Main expectations from European integration

The Ukrainians most often associate joining the EU with a better future for children (65%), peace (60%), economic growth (60%), improved quality of life (59%), and new job opportunities (58%).

Fifty-five percent believe membership will help fight corruption, and 54% believe it will promote adherence to the rule of law. Only 2% see no benefits.

Concerns and optimism among Ukrainians

The main risks identified include youth emigration (48%), exploitation of natural resources (35%), an influx of immigrants (31%), and increasing bureaucracy (30%). Forty-two percent are optimistic that the EU accession process will take up to 5 years, 22% estimate 6–10 years, and only 12% believe Ukraine will never join.

“The survey showed that Ukrainians … remain very optimistic, believing that we will be able to join the European family within the next five years,” commented Andrii Borovyk, Executive Director of TI Ukraine.

The survey was conducted by Info Sapiens in June–July 2025 on behalf of TI Ukraine. The sample included 1,015 respondents, representative by gender, age, type and size of settlement, and macro-region in government-controlled territories.

Russia has built a secret EU network to supply Ukrainian SIM cards for its kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has recently apprehended FSB agents who organized a large-scale operation to supply Ukrainian SIM cards to Russian combat drones through European Union countries.

Kremlin uses the EU as a war platform

Agents purchased Ukrainian SIM cards and routed them via the EU to Naberezhnye Chelny and Yelabuga in Tatarstan, the largest drone manufacturing hub in Russia. The SBU is conducting investigations to hold all network participants accountable within EU territory.

Internal agents and recruitment

Russian operatives recruited residents from Kyiv Oblast, including a former law enforcement officer, as well as employees of Ukrainian mobile operators, to collect intelligence “from within.”

This allowed the occupiers to improve communication and navigation for their combat drones.

SBU documents and stops FSB activity

During raids, authorities seized smartphones containing evidence of contacts with FSB handlers and foreign accomplices, as well as SIM cards prepared for shipment to Russia. The detainees face charges of high treason under martial law, carrying potential life imprisonment and property confiscation.

The operation was carried out by SBU officers in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast with support from the Internal Security Department of the National Police and the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.

The Kremlin is reportedly preparing a large-scale operation to derail Moldova’s European trajectory and weaken President Maia Sandu’s government. According to Bloomberg, Moscow aims to discredit the ruling party, Action and Solidarity (PAS), and destabilize the country ahead of the parliamentary elections on 28 September.

Kremlin’s plan: disinformation and protests

Leaked documents outline multiple tactics: recruiting Moldovans abroad to vote in an organized manner, staging protests and calls for government resignation, running large-scale disinformation campaigns on social media, and leveraging compromising material against officials.

Young men from sports clubs and criminal groups are expected to be mobilized for provocations during and after the elections.

On Monday, 22 September, Moldova already detained 74 people suspected of preparing violent unrest. 

Officials said the suspects had traveled to Serbia for training that included firearms handling, crowd-control tactics, and provocations during protests, allegedly under instruction from Russian citizens. Participants were reportedly paid around €400 each.

European officials sound the alarm

European authorities warn that Russia is highly likely to attempt most of these measures. Support for pro-Russian parties in Moldova ranges from political consulting to direct funding.

President Maia Sandu has previously warned of voter bribery, cyberattacks, paid protests, and disinformation campaigns, urging international partners to strengthen monitoring of democratic processes.

Elections and Moldova’s future

These elections will shape Moldova’s European path. Recent polls suggest PAS may retain the lead, but without a parliamentary majority, leaving room for political maneuvering by the opposition, which is actively supported by Moscow.

The situation remains tense, and Russian attempts to influence the outcome could determine the country’s political direction for years to come.

A Ukrainian military-intelligence portal that publishes information about sponsors and accomplices of Russia’s aggression has uncovered the production network behind the Russian guided glide bomb D-30SN. Identified suppliers include manufacturers from Ireland, China, Switzerland, the United States, Taiwan, and Japan.

The intelligence service presented a list of 36 enterprises involved in its production cooperation; some of these still evade sanctions pressure.

Why is D-30 SN especially dangerous?

This bomb is not a simple free-fall weapon. It is fitted with aerodynamic surfaces like wings or special gliding surfaces that allow it to glide, significantly extending its flight after release from an aircraft. Its guided accuracy enables large-scale destruction.

To operate under electronic warfare conditions, the D-30 SN’s navigation system includes a satellite navigation module with an adaptive antenna array (CRPA) or the “Kometa-M8” familiar from other systems. This provides the navigation signal with resilience to jamming and interference commonly used to disrupt guided munitions.

The D-30SN can be carried by Su-34, Su-30SM, Su-35, Su-24 aircraft, and the S-70 “Okhotnik” UAV. When released from altitudes of 12–15 km, its effective range is up to 100 km.

Preliminary reports indicate that these glide bombs can also be launched from ground platforms, such as 300 mm Tornado-S MLRS, using a booster motor.

Conventional air-defence systems do not always intercept D-30 glide bombs because of their range, high accuracy, and gliding characteristics.

Who is responsible for D-30SN assembly?

The patent holder and main organizer of UMPB production is the Russian corporation Tactical Missile Armament Corporation (KTRV). The principal manufacturer is an enterprise within the corporation, the JSC Concern “Granit-Electron”.

Dozens of enterprises involved in D-30SN production are long known for their ties to Russia’s military-industrial complex and are already under sanctions by most members of the sanctioning coalition.

What’s inside the D-30SN?

Ukrainian intelligence has found a part from the Irish manufacturer TE Connectivity inside this bomb — a low-level signal relay IM06 12VDC.

TE Connectivity has operated in industrial technologies for about 80 years. The relay is an important element in the electrical control systems of a complex navigation-guided bomb, ensuring stable operation in combat conditions. In 2024, TE Connectivity agreed to pay $5.8 million in fines related to illicit supplies of goods, including wires and connector assemblies, connected with certain military projects in China, Reuters reports. 

Ukraine also found a Chinese sensor MT6701 STD 243 produced by Shanghai MagnTek Microelectronics Inc. (MagnTek). This company has been sanctioned by the US in the context of supplying microelectronic components to Russia. Nevertheless, these parts continue to be found in Russian weapons, which have killed at least 13,800 civilians in Ukraine (not counting the hundreds of thousands of victims in occupied cities such as Mariupol).

Also among the identified details was a Schottky diode SS54 by Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. The company is based in Yangzhou near Shanghai and has ties to several sanctioned Russian enterprises, including Simmetron Electronic Components, which supplies the Russian military. Despite sanctions, supplies continue and contribute to Russia’s battlefield capabilities in Ukraine.

Yangjie is the parent company of the US manufacturer Micro Commercial Components (based in California) and has production and R&D facilities in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan. This makes the company’s role notable in the context of sanctions circumvention and support for Russia’s military industry.

Another Chinese component found is a step-down DC/DC converter by XLSEMI, which has also been blacklisted by the US and other Western countries. Nevertheless, its deliveries persist.

Ukraine’s intelligence has uncovered a quartz resonator ATS8SASM CTS172131 by American CTS Corporation in a deadly D-30 SN bomb. CTS Corporation appears on lists of companies whose products or components have repeatedly been found in Russian weapon samples on Ukrainian battlefields despite sanctions. This points to challenges in export-control enforcement and the difficulty of stopping illicit flows of military-related technology to Russia.

Another US company spotted in the list is Linear Technology Corporation (Analog Devices), which supplies DC/DC converters LTM4613V and LTM4615V. The US and EU have also sanctioned it for supplying microelectronic components to Russia, including for Orlan-10 UAV production.

Two Swiss companies were also detected in the D-30SN: STMicroelectronics and U-blox. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, U-blox has halted sales to Russia, Belarus, and the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Nevertheless, U-blox modules have still been found in Russian-made reconnaissance drones. The company explains that such components could have been removed from civilian devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and cars and repurposed for military use.

How does Russia circumvent sanctions?

The ability of Russian President Vladimir Putin to circumvent Western sanctions is one of the major shortcomings of the Western response to the war in Ukraine. Rather than becoming economically isolated, Russia, after more than three years of war, feels relatively confident.

According to a New York Times, Russia’s technology imports often begin when US chipmakers sell products to international distributors. Chip manufacturers are not legally required to track the downstream destinations of their goods.

What should be done?

What should governments do? 

• Approve a list of goods subject to enhanced export controls.
• Prohibit their re-export to Russia, Belarus, Iran, and D​PRK.
• Formalize strengthened inspection procedures for shipments to high-risk jurisdictions.
• Increase penalties and liability for violations and negligence; involve banks in compliance checks (similar to AML/CFT measures).
• Exchange information and synchronize efforts with other countries.

What should manufacturers and distributors do?

• Create a list of products whose shipments require enhanced scrutiny.
• Approve and regularly update screening procedures that take into account recommendations, red flags, and common sanction-evasion schemes.
• Distribute new screening policies to counterparties and include compliance clauses in contracts.
• When products are discovered in the aggressor’s weapons, investigate supply chains, inform stakeholders and governments, and take measures to stop deliveries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that military escalation will compel Ukraine to accept his terms, while US President Donald Trump is unlikely to strengthen Kyiv’s defense, according to Bloomberg.

Sources close to the Russian authorities said that during the Anchorage meeting, Putin concluded that the US does not plan active intervention. This prompted the Kremlin to intensify attacks on military and civilian targets in Ukraine and continue strikes on energy infrastructure.

According to the UN, Russia has already killed 14,000 civilians in the war, with additional losses in Mariupol potentially reaching 100,000 civilians.

Escalation as a pressure strategy

In the month following the talks, the number of drone and missile attacks increased by approximately 46%, according to Bloomberg, based on data from the Ukrainian Air Force. On 16 September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that since the beginning of September, Russia had launched 3,500 drones of various types, nearly 190 missiles, and over 2,500 bombs.

These included some of the largest missile and drone strikes since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, damaging government and residential buildings in Kyiv and Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv.

This clearly indicates that Putin does not want to end the war against Ukraine. British MI6 Chief Richard Moore also confirmed this, saying that he sees “no evidence” of the Kremlin seeking peace talks or a settlement in Ukraine. He emphasized that the Russian president shows no interest in negotiations that do not involve Ukraine’s capitulation.

Conclusion: The Kremlin continues escalation

Despite the increase in airstrikes, Russia’s territorial advance has slowed, even with intensified pressure along the front lines. Russia redeployed 100,000 soldiers to attack Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian stronghold in Donetsk, yet Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces managed to retake some territory in Donetsk.

“Russia’s summer 2025 offensive failed to secure control over any targeted cities in eastern Ukraine,” said Alex Kokcharov, a geoeconomics analyst at Bloomberg Economics.

Putin plans new victories before winter

The Russian president will continue participating in any ongoing dialogue with the US, but will act according to his own strategy.

“Putin seeks to achieve some visible victories by winter, but he is failing on the battlefield so far,” said Nikolai Petrov, a senior research fellow at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre.

He says that that’s why “Putin turns to nuclear blackmail and psychological pressure, including mass bombardments.”

On 18 September, US President Donald Trump concluded his second official visit to the UK. During a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the American president stated that he feels obliged to resolve the war in Ukraine and expressed hope that good news on this matter would come soon.

He also said that Putin had let him down on Ukraine. However, again, no additional measures or aid for Ukraine have been announced. 

Ukrainian partners could wait for a peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia, but as President Volodymyr Zelensky noted, this may never happen. That is why a ceasefire alone is sufficient to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, UNIAN reports. 

“These effective and reliable guarantees must be provided before the war ends,” Zelenskyy claims.

Is the Korean scenario relevant to Ukraine’s situation? 

The Ukrainian president was asked whether a “Korean scenario”, envisioning ending the war without a final peace treaty, is being considered and whether this is being discussed with US President Donald Trump.

“This may be discussed rhetorically, but our story is definitely different from Korea. And this brings us back to the question of security guarantees — why Ukraine needs them. It may happen that there is no final document ending the war,” Zelenskyy explains.

A ceasefire can provide guarantees

The Ukrainian president stressed that security guarantees should not be delayed until the end of the war. He noted that French President Emmanuel Macron shares this view.

“A ceasefire is sufficient to provide security guarantees. We cannot waste time waiting for a clear treaty ending the war,” Zelenskyy says. 

He clarifies that these guarantees must protect Ukraine from new aggression. 

“What security guarantees are important for us? Guarantees that prevent the ‘Russians’ from launching new aggression. Even if they try, they will face real resistance,” he underlines. 

Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that no one is willing to wage a war against the Kremlin, which makes security guarantees “unconvincing.” He added that current guarantees may have the same fate as the Budapest Memorandum, which has not protected Ukraine from aggression, despite the fact that Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons for a military shield by the US, the UK, and Russia. 

In his view, Kyiv requires substantial military aid, instead of empty promises. 

Ukraine’s Lviv has become a hub for defense innovation, drawing international investors into Ukraine’s cutting-edge technologies. At the Defense Tech Valley 2025 summit, Ukrainian Defense Companies attracted over $100 million.

Amid ongoing war and without guaranteed US aid or security assurances, Ukraine faces a critical need for robust defense funding to secure victory.

The annual cost of the war currently amounts to around $120 billion, with Ukraine seeking to allocate $60 billion from its 2026 state budget for defense, roughly half of what is actually needed. The remaining funds must come from international partners, making global investment in Ukraine’s defense sector crucial.

Defense Tech Valley 2025 summit

Over 5,000 participants from 50+ countries attended Defense Tech Valley 2025. At the event, four companies from Europe and the US announced plans to invest over $100 million in Ukrainian defense tech.

Key investments include: 

• NUNC Capital (Netherlands): €20 million for advanced materials, electronic warfare, and smart manufacturing.
• Verne Capital (Germany-Luxembourg): up to €25 million in European defense and cybersecurity companies.
• Varangians (Sweden): closed its first deal (details forthcoming).
• Oedipus Inc.: Europe’s first permanent capital fund focused solely on defense tech.

Boosting Ukrainian defense tech

According to Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Brave1 has helped Ukrainian defense companies raise $90 million since 2024, with the average investment growing from $300K to $1 million. The initiative continues to expand Ukraine’s defense tech ecosystem and foster international collaboration.

On 19 September, the Polish Border Guard reported that two Russian fighter jets conducted a low flyover above Petrobaltic, Poland’s only offshore oil and gas platform in the Baltic Sea, TVP World writes. 

Unlike Turkiye, which shot down a Russian Su-24 in 2015 for violating its airspace, European NATO members respond to such actions only by strengthening patrols and deploying additional forces under Operation Eastern Sentry.

Poland also did not down the jets over its oil platform. 

NATO on alert

Polish Armed Forces and other services were immediately informed of the violation. On 10 September, Poland shot down 4 out of 19 Russian drones in its airspace with support from NATO aircraft. On the same night, Ukrainian air defenses destroyed more than 380 drones by mobile fire groups across the country. 

Moscow denied targeting Poland after drones. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that no targets on Polish territory were intended. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the EU and NATO “accuse Russia of provocations daily,” and that Western institutions “lack evidence to support their accusations.”

A week later, Warsaw recorded another night of drone provocations from Russia and Belarus. The country’s Border Guard Service reported heightened activity of the enemy targets attempting to violate its airspace. 

Escalation in the Baltic Region

On the same day, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace without authorization. They remained for about 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35 jets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called these actions part of a systematic Russian campaign against Europe and NATO: “Small steps at first, and eventually major losses.”

The conclusion of the war in Ukraine will inevitably lead to an economic collapse in Russia. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, military spending has become the main driver of the Russian economy, sidelining private business and civilian sectors. Strengthening Ukraine militarily and economically will accelerate Russia’s financial exhaustion.

Currently, Russia’s economy still largely depends on the oil sector, which accounts for about 77.7% of the federal budget. China remains Russia’s main economic partner. In 2024, bilateral trade between Russia and Beijing exceeded $240 billion. Beyond trade, China supplies Russia with critical components for producing military drones and equipment, boosting Moscow’s military capabilities.

The military-industrial complex keeps the economy Afloat

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia’s defense spending has risen to nearly 8% of GDP, making the military-industrial complex the sole driver of domestic demand. While the Kremlin supports growth in strategic sectors, it simultaneously destabilizes the broader economy, leaving small and medium-sized businesses without prospects.

Mass layoffs after the war

Once the war ends, Moscow will be forced to cut defense spending. Millions of workers in the military-industrial complex will lose their jobs, and entire regions will be left without an economic foundation.

The demobilization of hundreds of thousands of contract soldiers will create an additional shock to the labor market.

Budget deficit and decline of civilian production

Russia’s federal budget is already strained: revenues in the first half of 2025 fell by nearly 17% due to declining oil and gas income.

Russia rehearses caution in demobilization from war in Ukraine—but 1989 Afghan lesson haunts Kremlin

Sanctions and import restrictions on technology force Russian companies to produce cheaper, simpler goods, reducing competitiveness and closing opportunities in global high-tech markets.

Inevitable economic crisis

Russia is trapped in a “military rent” scenario: continuing to finance the war is increasingly difficult, yet cutting spending without triggering economic collapse is impossible. Resolving this crisis will require a long and painful restructuring of the entire system.

The British Foreign Office announced on 19 September the launch of Silent Courier, a Darknet messaging platform designed to streamline the recruitment of intelligence personnel. The platform, operated under the UK’s MI6, targets potential agents in Russia and other countries, according to the BBC. 

Relations between Moscow and London have worsened in recent years, as Russia has repeatedly threatened NATO countries, including the UK, in response to London’s military aid to Ukraine. A recent update to the UK’s Strategic Defence Review stated that the threat from Russia is at its highest level since the Cold War.

Meanwhile, Russia has escalated espionage and sabotage operations on foreign soil, not only within Ukraine, but also beyond, targeting Ukraine’s allied countries largely in Europe.

On 18 September, three people were arrested in the town of Grays, Essex, England, on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services. This has raised concerns about foreign states using British citizens as local proxies.

Technology supporting national security

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the evolving global threats require ensuring the UK is “always one step ahead” of adversaries.

“Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe. Now we’re bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK – in Russia and around the world,” Cooper said.

The portal will be open from 19 September for anyone willing to share confidential information about terrorism or hostile intelligence activity. Usage instructions will be published on MI6’s verified YouTube channel. To maintain confidentiality, users are advised to access the platform through secure VPNs and devices not personally linked to them.

Earlier, General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, suggested that the US and European countries may have no more than 18 months to prepare for a potential large-scale military conflict with China and Russia.

Russia’s economy is shrinking, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service. Russia’s small and medium-sized enterprises are on the brink of survival.

Record drop in registered companies

According to the agency, the number of registered businesses in Russia fell to its lowest level since 2010. It is just 3.17 million as of 1 September 2025. By comparison, there were 3.29 million companies in 2023.

Causes of the crisis

The main factors driving the business decline are the high interest rate of the Central Bank, which stayed at 21% annually for six months, and intensified tax control.

In 2024, the Russian tax authorities liquidated 100,000 legal entities, compared to 172,000 in 2023 and over 214,000 in 2022. Rather than revitalizing the market, this has weakened competition, reduced jobs, and decreased innovation.

Business “mortality” exceeds “birthrate”

For the first half of 2025, more companies closed than were created, a trend not seen since 2022. Trade, construction, and industrial enterprises were hardest hit. Even with a slight reduction of the key rate to 17%, the market continues to contract, leaving little chance for growth in Russia’s small and medium-sized business sector.

The General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has adopted a resolution titled “Nuclear Safety, Physical Protection, and Safeguards in Ukraine,” which calls on Russia to immediately deoccupy the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Moscow, however, has no intention of doing so.

The ZNPP has been under occupation since 4 March 2022. Since then, the IAEA has repeatedly passed resolutions calling for the plant’s return to Ukrainian control, none of which have been implemented. 

Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the creation of a “demilitarized zone” around the ZNPP at the UN Security Council. But Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, immediately dismissed the proposal, Deutsche Welle writes.

Effectively, the only solution is to deoccupy Zaporizhzhia Oblast to protect European countries from the destruction of the largest station in Europe. 

A direct call for deoccupation

“The resolution contains a direct call for the immediate removal of all unauthorized military and other personnel from the ZNPP,” states the Ukrainian Energy Ministry. 

The document confirms that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and all nuclear facilities in Ukraine must operate under the full sovereign control of competent Ukrainian authorities. 

The resolution also reaffirmed the mandate and ongoing work of the IAEA mission at ZNPP despite Russia’s repeated attempts to undermine its activities.

Additionally, the document highlighted Russian strikes on the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and damage to the New Safe Confinement, emphasizing the risks these actions pose to international nuclear safety.

The ZNPP case illustrates how limited the enforcement of international law can be in real-world situations.

Ukraine’s response and pressure

“We are grateful to every country that supported this crucial document. Sixty-two votes in favor demonstrate the civilized world’s clear stance: nuclear terrorism is unacceptable, and the ZNPP, occupied by Russia, must be immediately returned to Ukrainian control,” claims the agency. 

Ukraine’s Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk says Ukraine will continue to work with the IAEA and partners to ensure the implementation of every provision of this resolution. 

Ukraine stresses that the increased international pressure on Russia is necessary to ensure full and unconditional compliance with all IAEA resolutions and the return of the Zaporizhzhia NPP under Ukrainian control.

Legal violations of the ZNPP occupation

• UN Charter: The occupation and military maneuvers around ZNPP endanger nuclear safety, violate the principles of peaceful coexistence, and threaten regional stability.
• Hague and Geneva Conventions (First Additional Protocol, 1977, Article 56): Attacks on objects that could cause major technological disasters, such as nuclear power plants, are prohibited. Even if such objects are considered military targets, attacks are forbidden if there is a risk of severe civilian casualties.
• International treaties on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and IAEA resolutions.

Ukraine has become a hub of innovation during Russia’s war. Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar says the country is experiencing a true boom in technological innovation, and world leaders recognize its potential, UkrInform reports. 

From startups to large industrial companies

At the world’s largest aviation and space technology festival, TEKNOFEST 2025 in Istanbul, Bayraktar said that Ukraine has developed a powerful innovation base and gained valuable experience.

“The war has become a catalyst for rapid technological innovation: while there were only a few companies producing drones before, today there are already hundreds. The same applies to robotics and other high technologies,” he emphasized.

According to him, the key task now is to transform startups into large industrial enterprises.

Baykar supports Ukraine 

Bayraktar noted that Baykar’s Ukrainian office already employs more than 120 people, and the company continues to assist Ukraine both technologically and in other areas.

“In Ukraine, efforts are underway to harness this experience and give startups the opportunity to grow into larger companies on an industrial scale,” he said.

A new science and education center for Ukrainian youth

Beyond military innovations, Baykar, together with the National Center “Minor Academy of Sciences of Ukraine”, will create a modern educational center for children and young people.

“Ukrainian youth will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and education through the latest scientific and technological methodology already applied in Turkiye,” Bayraktar announced at the TEKNOFEST 2025.

He added that the Academy already hosts a Mathematics Museum, and the new center will expand practical opportunities for students in other sciences.

An astonishing thing happened in Ukraine in September 2025: a Russian advanced half-million-dollar missile was shot down by a hundred-year-old weapon.

A Kyiv air defense volunteer operator stopped the Kh-69 cruise missile with a “Maksim” machine gun used by the Russian Empire and Soviet troops during World War II, UkrInform reports. 

Normally, Kh-69 missiles are intercepted in Ukraine with air-defense missile systems (SAMs) such as the Patriot and other MANPADS and AD systems. Shooting down a Kh-69 is an outstanding result because these missiles are designed to penetrate even high-capacity air-defense systems.

The hero with the call-sign “Hrek” and a weapon from the past

During the morning attack on 7 September, one of the Russian missiles hit the governmental building, and another was heading toward residential areas. Its flight was intercepted by a volunteer with the call-sign “Hrek,” who opened fire with a Maksim machine gun.

“The missile was flying very low, and large air-defense systems find it hard to spot. We requested permission to open fire and acted instantly. Hitting such a target with a ‘Maksim’ is a one-in-a-thousand chance, but we managed it,” the fighter said.

The Maksim machine gun is a heavy-mounted weapon with a liquid-cooled barrel developed in the early 20th century. It has a firing range of about 1,000 metres and an effective range of 2.5–3 km. 

During World War II, the Maksim was used to engage open group targets, support infantry in defense and attack, and be mounted on armoured trains, combat vehicles, and trucks.

Why was this shoot-down unique? 

The Kh-69 was flying at about 50 metres altitude at over 550 km per hour. Equipped with counter-jamming and interception-avoidance systems, it can penetrate even powerful air-defense arrays. In April 2024, a similar missile obliterated the Trypillia thermal power plant in Kyiv Oblast, causing widespread blackouts.

This time, after a series of shots, the missile began to smoke and fell several hundred metres from the positions. There were no casualties; only some cars were damaged.

“If it had hit a densely populated area the consequences would have been serious. Such a missile breaks into tens of sub-munitions,” the volunteer emphasized.

Half a million dollars versus $11

The missile costs about $500,000, while the expenditure on ammunition amounted to only $11.15.

“We spent $11 on rounds,” said Hrek. “But most importantly, he adds, “no one died, children and women remained alive.”

The volunteer serves in the “Legion D” formation of the separate “Center” company, where more than a hundred fighters defend Ukraine.

“When we go on duty, we stand as long as needed. We are here because we can defend and do something for victory,” the machine-gunner concluded.

Earlier, Russia launched a drone attack on Poland from the territory of Ukraine and Belarus. While deploying most modern NATO aircraft, including F-16 and F-35, which Ukraine does not have, the country only managed to down 4 out of 19 drones.

At the same time, Kyiv is capable of intercepting 500-600 Russian targets per night. Still, the country is not a member of the Alliance. 

Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods says that the oil giant has no plans to return to Russia. However, the company is negotiating with Russian officials over the recovery of $4.6 billion in expropriated assets, the Financial Times reports. 

Russian officials continue to claim that Exxon “may be allowed” to return to the country amid the Alaska peace summit, at which “normalization and deepening of economic ties” between Russia and the US were discussed.

Exxon Mobil trapped in “Sakhalin-1”

Exxon Mobil exited the Sakhalin-1 oil project in March 2022, following Russia’s all-out war on Ukraine.

Despite wanting to reclaim its assets, Russian authorities denied the request. In October 2022, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ordering the forced seizure of Exxon’s stake, transferring it to the Russian company Rosneft through its subsidiary.

Exxon was forced to write off assets worth over $4.6 billion, having effectively lost control of its stake in the project and being unable to operate or extract value from it.

Ahead of the meeting with Trump, Putin signed a decree that potentially allows foreign investors, including Exxon Mobil, to reclaim their shares in the project.

Negotiations focus only on losses

However, according to CEO Darren Woods, Exxon has no intention of returning to Russia.

“We don’t have any plans to re-enter Russia. This was really around settlement discussions around the arbitration associated with the expropriation of our assets in 2022,” Exxon’s top executive said.

He added that Exxon executives are negotiating with Russian officials about recovering the $4.6 billion in expropriated assets, but not about investing in the country.

Russian officials continue to say that Exxon “may be allowed” to return, amid the Alaska peace summit, which discussed the normalization and deepening of economic ties between the US and Russia.

On Wednesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that negotiations between investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev and US officials “continue regarding cooperation in energy deals, including Sakhalin-1.”

The longer Russia prolongs its war in Ukraine, the more the global balance of power shifts. Recently, Moscow reportedly supplied North Korea with nuclear submarine modules, including a reactor, a move that could mark a breakthrough for Pyongyang in building its own strategic submarines, Korea JoongAng Daily reports, citing South Korean government sources.

According to several officials, during the first half of 2025, Russia may have delivered two or three modules to North Korea, including a reactor, turbine, and cooling system, which are the key components of a nuclear submarine’s power plant. These were not newly produced units but parts removed from decommissioned Russian submarines.

“Since last year, North Korea has been persistently requesting nuclear submarine technology and advanced fighter jets from Russia.

Russia was initially reluctant but appears to have agreed to provide them this year,” one government source said on condition of anonymity.

A shadow beneath the Pacific

For Pyongyang, nuclear-powered submarines are a strategic priority, as they could enable the capability to launch nuclear strikes against the US. In March, the state-run Rodong Sinmun published photos of Kim Jong Un inspecting a nuclear submarine under construction.

Until recently, experts were convinced that North Korea could not independently develop a reactor for submarines. If the transfer of modules is confirmed, the country would gain access for the first time to a technology that had been out of reach.

Reports also suggest Pyongyang demanded this assistance from Moscow in exchange for sending troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

A red line crossed

Confirmation of the transfer would mean Russia has crossed a “red line,” in blatant violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Such a step would likely provoke new sanctions targeting both North Korea and Russia.

South Korea’s intelligence service has already passed the information to the US and its allies. 

Russia is protecting occupied Crimea better than its oil refineries. Moscow is constantly boosting air defense systems in the peninsula with the most advanced systems in response to Ukraine’s strikes, says Ukrainian Navy Spokesperson Captain 3rd Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk, Espreso reports. 

Meanwhile, Russian oil remains a key source of revenue that funds its military aggression against Ukraine. In 2025, profits from the oil and gas sector account for about 77.7% of Russia’s federal budget. 

Russia deploys S-500 “Prometey”, but fails against Ukrainian attacks

“All the air defense systems they have were already deployed there. They’ve concentrated the S-500 ‘Prometey’ in Crimea for a long time,” Pletenchuk says.

The S-500 is Russia’s newest generation air defense system, designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles, strategic aircraft, and hypersonic missiles. It can detect targets up to 800 km away and strike them at a range of 600 km, as per Defence Blog. 

Equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities, it can operate independently or integrate with S-400 systems, each valued at approximately $600 million.

Despite these defenses, Ukrainian forces destroyed an S-500 complex in Donbas this summer with ATACMS missiles, according to the Tivaz artillery division.

Crimea remains strategic for Russia

Pletenchuk notes that Crimea continues to be a critical location for Russia.

“The Russians will cling to the peninsula until the very end. They are strengthening Crimea’s air defenses far more than their own oil refineries,” he said.

Despite the saturation of air defenses, Ukraine continues to strike Russian military assets in Crimea.

“Our Armed Forces are still able to target key enemy resources. For Russia, the oil industry is particularly important because it funds their operations and contributes to their budget,” Pletenchuk adds.

Key targets of the last few months

In August, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that it destroyed several high-value Russian targets in Crimea, including:

• UTIOS-T radar system
• RT-70 radio telescope, a unique Soviet-era facility for monitoring satellite constellations
• GLONASS satellite navigation system dome
• Coastal radar station MR-10M1 ‘Mys’ M1
• 96L6-AP radar of the S-400 missile system

The most interesting of them is the radio telescope. It was built during Soviet times to monitor satellite constellations. Pletenchuk emphasized that “it was genuinely one-of-a-kind.”

Poland has recorded another night of drone provocations from Russia and Belarus. The country’s Border Guard Service has reported heightened activity of the enemy targets attempting to violate its airspace, PAP reports. 

Polish Minister of Interior Affairs Mariusz Kamiński describes the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border as “very tense.”

“Tonight, the Border Guard observed increased activity of Belarusian and Russian drones trying to cross Polish airspace,” the minister emphasizes.

Border openings only when safe

When asked about reopening border crossings with Belarus, Kamiński reminded that the closure was imposed due to the Russian-Belarusian military exercises “Zapad-2025”.

During the drills, both countries tested an attack on Poland and a nuclear attack. 

“The border will open only when we have full confidence that there are no threats or provocations to Poland. If our intelligence confirms that it is safe, we will reopen the border,” he added.

On 16 September, Belarus also announced that its forces practiced deploying Russia’s Oreshnik missile system, marking the first known training with the weapon system outside Russia.

Impact on freight transport

The suspension affects road and rail transport in both directions, hitting the main route that carries 90% of rail freight between China and the EU. In 2024, shipments via this route increased by 10.6%, and the value of goods rose by 85%, reaching €25.07 billion, as per Politico.

PKP Cargo warned that short delays are manageable, but prolonged border closure would force a rerouting of trade to southern corridors.

Poland is preparing a record defense budget amid Russian drone attacks. On 18 September, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that in 2026, the country’s defense spending will reach a record $55 billion, which is 4.8% of GDP, ArmyInform reports. 

He emphasized that this is an all-time high for free Poland, though even this increase does not fully meet the country’s security needs. 

“Between 2022 and 2026, the budget has tripled. Over four years, we have tripled spending on Polish state security, and we will continue to increase it because the needs are even greater,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

Poland urges NATO to accelerate defense spending

The Polish defense minister stressed that NATO allies must quickly reach 5% of GDP in defense spending.

“Within the next three to four years—by 2030—NATO countries should spend about 5%. We are talking 3.5% on ‘hard’ weapons and 1.5% on infrastructure,” he explained.

Poland’s security tied to Ukraine

Kosiniak-Kamysz made these statements during his visit to Kyiv on 18 September, where he met his counterpart, Denys Shmyhal.

“Poland’s security line runs along the front between Ukraine and Russia. I fully understand this, and for many who try to forget, it needs to be reminded,” the Polish defense minister added.

Joint UAV group to coordinate defense

Meanwhile, Poland and Ukraine are creating a joint operational group for unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), including representatives from both countries’ armed forces. The group will serve as a platform for coordinating and developing joint initiatives in UAV technology.

The Council of Europe is preparing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The draft Convention has been published. The new agency will serve as the second stage of the international mechanism to compensate for damages caused by Russian aggression, following the international Damage Registry. 

The Commission will review claims and assign compensation to war victims, with Russia expected to pay reparations at the third stage. The document was agreed upon in The Hague after eight rounds of negotiations over 18 months.

International Commission and damage registry

The Convention covers the period from 24 February 2022, but Ukraine may propose extending it to 2014–2021, Babel reports. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea, forcibly changing the borders of another country and violating the international order established since World War II. 

Key dates for the convention

• 22 October 2025 — Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to review and approve the text.
• 16 December 2025 — Signing ceremony in The Hague.
• The Convention may enter into force as early as November 2026.

Start of commission work and compensation payments

On 1 January 2028, the transition from the Damage Registry to the Commission will begin, allowing Ukraine to continue seeking reparations from Russia and protecting the rights of its citizens at the international level.

Earlier, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said providing security guarantees for Ukraine remains unclear, as no state “is willing to wage a war against the Kremlin.” 

Sikorski recalled that Ukraine already had guarantees under the Budapest Memorandum, but they failed. The new arrangements, in his view, are also incapable of deterring Moscow. 

“I don’t see anyone willing to fight with Russia”: Sikorski explains why security guarantees for Ukraine may fail like Budapest Memorandum

Ukrainians over 60 now have the opportunity to voluntarily defend their country. The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law allowing citizens over that age to join the military under a contract, which is entirely voluntary and without coercion, reports deputy Iryna Friz from the European Solidarity party.

“It’s important to understand that no compulsory mobilization is planned for this age group. This is purely a voluntary option for those who genuinely want to continue or start service after reaching the maximum age,” Friz explains. 

Citizens over 60 can serve under contract

The new law allows citizens over 60 who wish to serve to sign a contract with the approval of their commander and the General Staff.

Military-medical commission confirms health

A fitness assessment by a military medical commission is a mandatory requirement. Contracts are for one year, with a two-month probationary period and the possibility of extension.

Voluntary choice, not mobilization

Social media recently circulated rumors about mobilizing people over 60. The law clarifies that this is only a voluntary opportunity for those who have the health, strength, and willingness to serve.

Australia delivers a major blow to Russia’s oil profits. The country has slashed the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel and imposed sanctions on 95 more vessels from Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The decision was coordinated with the EU, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan.

The Australian Foreign Ministry has stated that lowering the oil price cap from $60 per barrel to $47.60 will reduce the market value of Russian crude and help deprive Russia’s war economy of revenue from raw materials.

The government also maintains a total ban on Russian oil and petroleum product imports. More than 150 ships have been sanctioned since June 2025.

Australia tightens grip on Russia’s “shadow fleet”

The latest measures target 95 tankers, with intelligence on 60 vessels provided to international partners by Ukraine’s sanctions group.

“Ukraine has also imposed national sanctions on the captains of 15 of these tankers,” Andrii Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, reveals.

Ukraine welcomes Canberra’s support

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has thanked his Australian counterpart Penny Wong for the decision.

“Australia is helping to restrict Russia’s ability to fund its war and undermine global peace. We value our strong partnership with Australia and continue to stand together for shared values,” he said.

A united front to cut the Kremlin’s oil revenues

Australia’s sanctions are part of a wider Western strategy to reduce the Kremlin’s energy income. Partner governments believe that only sustained pressure on Russia’s oil sector can significantly weaken its capacity to fund the war against Ukraine.

As the war grinds on, Ukraine needs hundreds of billions of dollars. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if the war continues into 2026, the country will lack $120 billion annually to finance defense and recovery. 

Half of this sum—$60 billion—comes from Ukraine’s budget, while another $60 billion must be secured from other sources, primarily Western partners.

The cost of war for Ukraine

“During the war, the cost of this conflict for one year amounts to $120 billion,” Zelenskyy stressed during a joint briefing with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Kyiv.

He added that Plan A is to end the war, while Plan B is to secure $120 billion in funding.

Daily expenses and reliance on partners

Earlier, Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov noted that Ukraine spends about $172 million per day fighting Russia.

The country cannot sustain such costs with its own resources alone, making Western financial support critical, Novini.Live reports. 

Russia’s unwillingness to end the war

Despite phone calls from US President Donald Trump to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his invitation to a summit in Alaska, Russia shows no intention of halting its aggression.

This underscores the need for Ukraine to secure stable and predictable funding for the coming year.

Previously, Reuters reported that Poland, under an EU program, will receive €43.7 billion to strengthen its defense capabilities within the Security Action for Europe initiative. At the same time, Ukraine is sometimes attacked by up to 700 drones in a single night.

Children living under constant threat are finally safe. Ukraine’s humanitarian program, Bring Kids Back UA, has evacuated 16 children from Russian-occupied territories.

They are now in Ukraine, receiving psychological support, restoring documents, and taking their first steps toward a peaceful life, according to Andrii Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office.

The program, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023, aims to return all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. To date, 19,546 children have been stolen.

Tragedies endured by the children

Among the rescued is a 15-year-old girl who escaped occupation with her aunt after her parents and older brother were sentenced on fabricated charges. Two sisters, aged 14 and 7, lost their home and belongings in a fire that completely destroyed their house.

Another 15-year-old girl stayed indoors for nearly three years, living in fear of the occupiers taking her children. A 10-year-old boy was targeted by the occupation’s “care service,” which tried to seize him from his parents.

Returning to safety and a new life

“All of them are now safe in Ukraine. Due to the Save Ukraine team and partners for helping rescue these children. We are fulfilling the President’s mission to bring all Ukrainian children home,” said Yermak.

Russian indoctrination in occupied areas

Earlier, the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation reported that in Russian-occupied Donetsk, schools have been holding so-called “patriotism lessons” since autumn.

According to Denis Pushilin, the head of the occupation administration, Russian soldiers teach children about their “combat path,” instilling a war cult, erasing Ukrainian identity, and preparing them for future Kremlin military campaigns.

The Ukrainian partisan movement “ATESH” dealt a major blow to the Russian army’s rear lines. The underground group has carried out sabotage on a railway near Yekaterinburg, roughly 2,087 km from Ukraine, completely paralyzing the movement of trains along Russia’s strategic routes.

This hub supplied ammunition, armored vehicles, fuel, and personnel to the frontlines, factories, and depots in the north and east.

“Now, military depots are idle, dealing a blow to the Russian rear logistics,” says the group. 

Strikes at the heart of Russia’s war machine

“Our agent sabotaged the railway near Yekaterinburg by damaging relay equipment. This disrupted train traffic across all strategic directions,” the movement reports.  

Scope of destruction in the Ukrainian infrastructure

At the same time, Russia’s war against Ukraine has damaged or destroyed nearly 11,000 km of railway tracks and over 43 stations.

As of 2025, the direct infrastructure losses in Ukraine are estimated at around $170 billion, with transportation alone accounting for roughly $38.5 billion. 

Russia has suffered catastrophic losses and can no longer launch major offensives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that after the summer offensive campaign, Russian forces no longer have the resources for large-scale attacks, UNIAN reports. 

Four Russian offensive directions

“Russia selected four main directions according to all documents and intelligence data. We only didn’t know the sequence, but it happened:

• The offensive in the Sumy direction
• the Novopavlivka operation,
• the Pokrovsk operation,
• the Zaporizhzhia direction,” Zelenskyy explains.

Failure in Sumy and heavy losses

Russian forces were defeated in the Sumy direction and had to redeploy to other fronts.

“They suffered heavy losses, primarily personnel. Today, they have abandoned this direction and shifted their resources and troops elsewhere. I believe they incurred even more losses there,” Zelenskyy says.

No more large-scale offensives

Thanks to the successful actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian troops have lost enough personnel to prevent them from conducting major offensives.

“At this point, they do not have sufficient forces for mass operations,” Zelenskyy stresses, noting that details of the losses will be published in the coming days.

Ukrainian Nemesis operators destroyed three high-value Russian air defense systems in a month. The fighters, part of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS), reported on the successful operation via social media, emphasizing that innovative technologies were used to strike the targets. 

Destroyed systems and their value

“We burned three enemy air defense installations worth $80–90 million,” the statement reads. 

In August, the 412th Nemesis Regiment’s soldiers took down two Tor-M2 SAM systems, a Buk-M3 launcher, and the radar of a Buk-M2 system, which is known as “chupa-chups.” 

Tor-M2 and Buk: capabilities

Tor-M2 is a Russian short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect military and strategic targets from aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles.

Its engagement range is 12–15 km, altitude up to 10 km, and targets moving at speeds up to 1,000 m/s. The system carries 16 9M338K missiles and can simultaneously engage four targets out of over 40 detected.

The Buk is also a Russian medium-range SAM system capable of destroying aerodynamic aerial targets, tactical ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.

Innovations and secret SBS technologies

“The enemy changes tactics, tries to stop us, hides but in vain. Our retaliation always reaches its target,” the defenders noted.

They added that the strike footage remains unpublished to protect their innovative solutions, but promised to release it in the future.

A Kenyan athlete ended up in Ukrainian captivity after fighting on behalf of Russia. Ukrainian soldiers from the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade captured Evans on the frontlines, where he had been serving with Russian occupiers in Kharkiv Oblast.

The athlete ended up in a Russian military camp under the guise of a “tourist trip” organized by his agent and funded by Russia, after which he was forced to sign documents in Russian and join the military.

When he realized what was happening, he tried to refuse but was threatened with execution. Nevertheless, Evans escaped and surrendered to Ukrainian forces.

How the athlete became a Russian soldier

“Evans is a track and field athlete from Kenya. His sports agent offered him and three other Kenyans a tourist trip to Saint Petersburg, funded by Russia,” reports the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Kostyantyn Hordiyenko.

At the end of the trip, the person accompanying the group suggested that the foreigners stay in Russia and take up work.

“By signing papers in Russian, without understanding them, he unwittingly became a Russian soldier,” adds the brigade.

Harsh training and threats of execution

“Training lasted a week, during which the Kenyan was taught how to handle an automatic rifle. His commanders and instructors did not speak English, so they would often pull or push him to make him follow orders,” Ukrainian troops said.

Evans tried to refuse service but was told he would be executed if he did not comply.

Escape and captivity

“On the way to his first combat mission, Evans escaped. He spent two days wandering through forests near Vovchansk, searching for Ukrainian soldiers to surrender to,” said the 57th Brigade.

This is how the athlete ended up safe in Ukrainian hands, becoming a direct witness to the realities on the frontline.

Skeptical note from the brigade

However, the brigade remains cautious.

“Keep in mind, this is a person who fought on the side of the enemy, so whether to trust his words and tears is left to your discretion,” the brigade states. 

On 17 September, Kyiv ratified the century-long partnership agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The document was approved by 295 out of 397 Ukrainian deputies.

The agreement creates a new long-term framework

The agreement establishes a new long-term framework for bilateral cooperation in security, defense, economy, science, technology, and culture, opening new opportunities to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Significant boost in military support

The document provides for annual military assistance from the UK to Ukraine of at least £3.6 billion until the 2030/31 financial year, and thereafter as needed.

This includes training Ukrainian troops, supporting pilots, supplying military aviation, developing joint defense production, and participating in joint expeditionary formats such as the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Framework nature and strategic significance

“Despite its grand title and good intentions, this agreement, unfortunately, does not provide security guarantees and is of a framework nature. Nevertheless, it is an important document aimed at strengthening strategic partnership with the UK,” said MP Iryna Herashchenko of the European Solidarity party.

New horizons of cooperation

Beyond the military sphere, the agreement opens prospects for scientific and technological projects, economic partnership, and cultural exchange, cementing Ukraine and the UK as strategic allies for decades to come.

The lifting of US sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia could become a new channel of support for Russian aviation. This would allow not only the repair of its own fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft but also the partial supply of spare parts to Russia, which has been suffering from a component shortage for several years, military expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi explains, according to Ukrainske Radio. 

At the same time, there is still no official information on the lifting of sanctions, despite reports in Belarusian media; no such decisions have been published on the US Treasury website.

US sanctions: risks for aviation safety

If restrictions were fully lifted, Belarus would be able to actively acquire spare parts for its six Boeing aircraft and supply some components to Russian carriers.

“The key issue here is not so much the legal aspect as the importance of access to spare parts,” emphasized Khrapchynskyi.

Russia and Belarus searching for donor aircraft

“At this stage, Russia and Belarus are forced to buy broken aircraft all over the world in order to use them as donors. Even in Russian legislation, they tried to include the possibility of purchasing non-original spare parts for aircraft,” the expert noted.

According to him, it is also important to understand whether the potential lifting of sanctions will affect not only Belavia but also its maintenance company, Belavia Technics, which could obtain a certificate to service aircraft.

European restrictions and possible loopholes for Russia

Despite a potential US decision, European sanctions remain in force. They prohibit Belavia from flying to Europe and from servicing Western Boeing aircraft.

“If the sanctions are lifted, where will Belavia actually be able to fly? If this is only about spare parts, won’t it simply become a gateway for the Russian fleet to acquire components? And how will the world react to this — will it turn a blind eye, or will someone monitor it?” Khrapchynskyi said.

He added that a possible partial lifting of sanctions could include restrictions: spare parts would be issued only for Belavia’s six aircraft to prevent mass deliveries to Russia.

Poland has begun discussing with the allies the possibility of intercepting Russian drones and missiles while they are still over Ukrainian territory. According to Defense Express analysts, this is technically possible, but it raises a number of complex issues, including avoiding friendly fire.

The idea of intercepting Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine first emerged in 2022, in response to calls to “close the skies.”

Politically, the chances of a massive agreement among all NATO or EU members remain low. More realistic are limited missions by individual countries, such as the UK, France, and Germany.

Idea and background

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that the West should consider intercepting Russian drones and missiles in Ukraine’s airspace. He emphasized that Poland cannot make this decision alone; it must be coordinated with allies.

Analysts note that the final decision is primarily political, and the chances of alliance-wide approval are low. However, initiatives by a limited number of countries are much more likely to be implemented.

Technical possibilities

If ground-based air defense systems and placing fighters at Ukrainian airfields are excluded, the most realistic scenario is air patrols from NATO’s eastern flank bases.

This would involve F-16s, F-35s, Rafales, and Eurofighters stationed at Polish or other border airbases, conducting patrol flights within effective range. Existing deployments show few logistical obstacles: in August, German Eurofighters were based at the 23rd Air Base near Warsaw. From there, fighters could reach Volyn Oblast in Ukraine, bordering Poland, in approximately 15 minutes without afterburners.

Key technical parameters include:

• Effective patrol range
• Flight duration
• Long-range radar detection (AWACS)
• Patrol time, up to several hours, depending on aircraft type and flight profile, determining which areas over Ukraine can be covered.

Main challenge: avoiding friendly fire

The key issue is coordination between partners and the Ukrainian side. A practical solution could be the creation of a conditional “no-fly, no-AAA” zone for Ukrainian forces, within which only allied fighters would operate.

This approach reduces the risk of friendly fire but significantly limits patrol areas. Analysts emphasize that real interception zones will be localized, mostly covering Ukraine’s border regions.

The US and EU continue to buy Russian energy and goods despite the war in Ukraine. In the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the US and the EU continue to import oil, gas, metals, and fertilizers from Russia. The total trade volume is estimated in the billions of euros, Reuters reports. 

After sanctions were imposed as the Kremlin attacked Ukraine, EU exports to Russia fell by 61%, and imports from Russia dropped by 89% from Q1 2022 to Q2 2025. At the same time, in Q2 2025, EU exports to Russia increased slightly while imports decreased, resulting in a trade surplus of €0.8 billion.

Oil: Positive dynamic is seen, but it still brings millions to Russia

Four years ago, Russia was the largest oil supplier to the EU. The ban on maritime imports of crude oil reduced its share from 28.74% in 2021 to 2.01% in 2025. In Q2 2025, Russian oil accounted for only 2% of total EU imports.

Gas is reaching Hungary and Bulgaria 

Russia’s share of the EU’s natural gas imports fell to 12% in Q2 2025, down from 48% in 2021. Algeria is now the largest supplier (27%), while Norway increased its share by 10%. Nevertheless, Russian gas still reaches some countries, including Hungary and Bulgaria, via the Turkish Stream.

Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia fell to 14% in Q2 2025, down from 22% in 2021. The largest LNG supplier to the EU in 2025 was the US (54%).

Metals and fertilizers 

Russia’s share in the EU’s iron and steel imports decreased from 18% in 2021 to 6% in Q2 2025.

However, Russia remains the largest supplier of fertilizers to the EU, with its share increasing from 28% to 34% over four years.

US imports from Russia bring Moscow billions for the killing of Ukrainian women and children 

US imports from Russia totaled $2.50 billion in the first half of 2025, down from $14.14 billion four years ago. Overall, since January 2022, the US has imported $24.51 billion worth of Russian goods.

Last year, the US imported $1.27 billion in Russian fertilizers (compared to $1.14 billion in 2021), enriched uranium and plutonium worth $624 million (down from $646 million in 2021), and palladium worth $878 million (down from $1.59 billion in 2021).

Nizhyn suffers the largest Russian attack since the start of the war. Oleksandr Kodola, the mayor of the city in Chernihiv Oblast, which has a population of 73,000, reported that on 14–15 September, the city endured more than 16 hours of continuous air alerts. 

Russia launched dozens of drones against Nizhyn, striking critical infrastructure, both attack and reconnaissance. 

Double strike on an oil depot

According to the mayor, one of the drones crashed in the city center. Later, the enemy targeted a private oil depot, Suspilne reports. 

“There was a strike on a large oil depot. More than 20 units of equipment were deployed to extinguish the fire. One rescuer was poisoned, and during the repeated strike in the evening three more rescuers were injured,” Kodola said.

The attacks destroyed significant property at the facility, while the city experienced disruptions in electricity and water supply.

Infrastructure damaged

Several districts of Nizhyn were left without power, with one street completely cut off from electricity.

Chernihiv Oblast under daily fire

In general, over the past day, the Russian army carried out 42 strikes on Chernihiv Oblast, hitting 20 settlements.

Western promises to defend Ukraine in the event of a new Russian attack lack real strength. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that no one is willing to wage a war against the Kremlin, which makes the guarantees unconvincing, according to Europeiska Pravda. 

Sikorski recalled that Ukraine already had guarantees under the Budapest Memorandum, but they failed. The new arrangements, in his view, are also incapable of deterring Moscow. 

“If we provide security guarantees to Ukraine, it means we may start a war against Russia. Whoever wants to fight – can start now. But I don’t see anyone willing,” said the Polish foreign minister. 

The danger of “empty promises”

The head of Poland’s Foreign Ministry stressed that worse than having no guarantees is offering ones nobody trusts. He urged to acknowledge honestly that the current talks are more about “monitoring peace and strengthening Ukraine” than about true guarantees.

Aid more important than declarations

According to Sikorski, politicians should focus on military support and financing for Ukraine in 2026–2027, rather than declarative documents that demobilize allies.

Kyiv’s position

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined three key blocks of security guarantees effective for his country: 

• Maintaining the current size of the Ukrainian army.
• Support from NATO partners at the leadership level in case of new aggression.
• Sanctions pressure on Russia and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery.

Poland fights a pro-Kremlin disinformation wave, PAP reports. Pro-Russian sentiments are rising in Poland, and the responsibility of politicians is to stop them, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after Russian drone attacks on the country.

A wave created by the Kremlin

“A wave of pro-Russian sentiment and anti-Ukrainian feeling is rising, created by the Kremlin using real fears and emotions,” Tusk wrote on X on Sunday, 14 September.

He emphasized that the task of politicians is to stop this wave before it affects society.

As expected, the attack caused strong fear and insecurity among Polish citizens. The country hosts points through which foreign weapons are delivered to Ukraine, heightening concerns.

These sentiments are actively supported by some Polish right-wing politicians and media, which build campaigns on anti-criminal emotions while ignoring the significant contributions of Ukrainians to Poland’s economy and society.

The Kremlin deliberately spreads disinformation and provokes confrontation between Poland and Ukraine to weaken Western support for Ukraine.

Ukrainians’ contribution to Poland

In 2024, the Ukrainians in Poland contributed about 2.7% of the country’s GDP, over 99 billion zlotys, which is nearly $20 billion . They established more than 77,700 private enterprises between 2022–2024, accounting for about 12% of all new businesses in the country during that period.

Poland is fully aware of the attack

Earlier, Tusk assured that Polish services and the military know who is responsible for the drone attack.

“We will not be sensitive to manipulation and disinformation from Russia. Poland is confident about the sources, launch location, and intent of this action,” the Polish prime minister added.

Call for caution

The head of government urged Poles to rely only on verified information from official sources, including the military, services, and state media, to avoid panic and fake news.

Moscow bares its teeth on the NATO border, Defense Express reports. In the Belarusian city of Grodno, near the Gozhsky training ground, a new Russian BTR-22 armored personnel carrier was spotted. It is involved in the joint Russia-Belarus exercises Zapad-2025. 

Deliberate “leak” of photos

According to the experts, the vehicle’s geolocation on Kirova Street was identified by the Telegram channel Military Journal. They suggest the BTR-22 photo may have been deliberately released by Russia, signaling strength to Poland, alongside related events:

• incursions of Russian Gerbera drones into Polish airspace;
• deployment of two Iskander missile launchers in Kaliningrad Oblast. 

“Budget Boomerang”

The BTR-22 was first unveiled at the Army-2023 forum. Its unofficial nickname is “Budget Boomerang”, as it is a simplified modification of the BTR-82A. Even Russian sources admitted the vehicle lags 20 years behind modern standards, making it essentially a failed attempt to “reimagine” the old BTR-87 design.

Belarusian contrast

Experts note that in 2025, Belarus finally adopted its own Volat V-2 APC after a 15-year delay. The Russian BTR-22’s appearance in Belarus is seen more as a political propaganda signal than a real enhancement of allied combat capabilities.

Ukrainian special operations disrupt Russian supply lines right on their own routes. Partisans from the Atesh movement have successfully carried out a sabotage operation on the railway in the Adyge-Khabl District of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, which is about 520-530 kilometers from Ukraine. 

As a result, a relay cabinet was set on fire between the Sadovy and Erken-Shakhar stations, near the Sadovoe settlement.

Halting ammunition supplies

This railway branch transports ammunition and military equipment from North Caucasus industrial centers to the Rostov Oblast and from there to the front in Ukraine. The sabotage disrupted train traffic, delaying the delivery of MLRS munitions, tube artillery, repaired equipment, and rotating personnel.

Chain reaction on the front

Every strike creates a domino effect: troops in occupied territories receive fewer shells, replenishments and repairs are delayed, and Ukrainian units gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Russia asks Turkiye to return S-400 systems amid battlefield losses and effective Ukrainian drone strikes, Nefes reports. 

Moscow seeks to replenish its air defense stock

According to media reports, Russia approached Turkiye with a proposal to return two S-400 systems, purchased by Ankara in 2017 for $2.5 billion and delivered in 2019.

The reason — a shortage of equipment in Russian stockpiles after battlefield losses, where Ukrainian forces actively destroy Russian air defense systems, including S-400s.

Turkiye is considering the proposal

Turkish outlet Nefes reports that Ankara views the proposal “positively”, but has not officially confirmed readiness to finalize a deal. The S-400 systems are not integrated with NATO, their missiles are already halfway through their service life, and the equipment requires maintenance, creating additional costs for Turkiye.

Impact on international deliveries and allies

Due to the S-400 shortage, Russia is postponing delivery of similar systems to India until 2026–2027. Demand for such systems from third countries is rising, strengthening the Kremlin’s urgency to get the S-400s back from Turkiye as soon as possible.

Russian developers on the brink of collapse: 1 in 5 companies already in the critical zone as the government directs all the support to the war against Ukraine, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has reported. 

Around 20% of developers in Russia are facing bankruptcy due to falling sales and high mortgage rates.

The most vulnerable are mass housing companies, which rely heavily on mortgage demand. Over 19% of developers are officially delaying project completions, and delays exceeding six months push them into the “problematic” category.

Impact of the economy and the war

The sector suffers from low demand, limited government support, and resource diversion to the war in Ukraine. This results in declining sales, rising debt burdens, and construction freezes.

Investments in real estate in the first half of 2025 fell by 44%. Banks reject half of mortgage applications, while effective interest rates reach at least 25% per year, even for reliable borrowers.

Corporate sector and potential solutions

In the corporate segment, the share of troubled loans rose to 10.4% ($111.9 billion), with $8.6 billion added in three months. The real estate sector saw the greatest deterioration. Russian authorities are already considering moratoriums on developer bankruptcies, external restructuring, and the creation of temporary state funds to complete problematic projects.

Ukrainian forces destroy occupiers in their underground lairs. The 34th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion “Wolfhounds” has demonstrated how the Ukrainian Armed Forces throw anti-tank mines into basements and underground tunnels where Russian occupiers are hiding.

Anti-tank mines directly into shelters

The conditions faced by Ukrainian infantry in Vovchansk go beyond human endurance. Enemy positions are just meters away, above ground, no buildings remain intact, and beneath the layers of concrete and asphalt, the occupiers’ fortifications and tunnels lie hidden.

“To flush out the enemy or destroy fortifications, we have to manually throw explosives into their lairs,” say the soldiers.

Underground networks do not save the enemy

Russian forces use basements, sewer pipes, and reinforced tunnels to move personnel. The same tactics were used by the occupiers in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast.

The operation involved underground pipes of the Urengoy–Pomary–Uzhhorod gas pipeline, which Russia used to supply gas to Europe via Ukraine until 1 January 2025. Each pipeline section had a diameter of 1.4 meters. 

Hollywood couldn’t stage this: one Ukrainian T-64 plowing through three Russian T-72s and surviving. From Soviet tanks turned against their former masters to American Abrams and German Leopards, Ukraine’s armored forces have rewritten battlefield rules. These are the stories of skilled operators like “Adam” and “Song” who break encirclements, save thousands of comrades, and turn desperate defenses into victories.

1. “Adam”: the tank operator whose T-64 withstood three Russian T-72s

A Ukrainian T-64 against three Russian T-72s — and victory stayed with the Ukrainians. This was the battle of Yevhen Mezhevikyn, call sign “Adam”, in the fall of 2014 during the defense of Donetsk Airport, Army Inform reports. His tank didn’t just stop the enemy advance — it pushed through fire to reach the terminals, where the Ukrainian “cyborgs” held out for months without water or heat.

At that time, the Ukrainian army was only beginning to recover after the collapse of the 1990s and early 2000s: outdated equipment, minimal supplies, and almost no combat experience.

But due to operators like “Adam”, the army held the airport and endured.

Mezhevikyn not only destroyed enemy vehicles, but they also trained fellow operators on the frontline, repaired damaged tanks, and led the riskiest breakthroughs.

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, “Adam” formed a tactical group. With volunteers and repaired tanks, they immediately went into battle near Kyiv and then fought near Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Bakhmut. For this path, from “cyborg” to commander of a legendary group, Mezhevikyn became the first tank operator awarded the Order of the “Golden Star” Hero of Ukraine. Mezhevikyn now serves on the General Staff.

2. “Captured tank against a column”: one operator against a Russian column

A single Ukrainian tank faced an entire Russian column. In August 2014, during the battle for Ilovaisk, Colonel Yevhen Sydorenko took a captured T-72B into combat and stopped the enemy advance. Cases like this are rare in military history, mostly seen in World War II.

Ukrainian forces were outmatched: surrounded by regular Russian troops, with minimal equipment and ammunition, against full battalion groups. Despite the odds, they fought on and prepared for a breakout.

On 29 August, after repelling an attack, the column moved to break out of encirclement. Sydorenko’s tank led the movement, covering retreating comrades.

For this action, Yevhen Sydorenko was awarded Hero of Ukraine. Their feat became a symbol of self-sacrifice, showing how one tank can change the course of a battle.

3. “Song”: three tanks breaking encirclement, thousands saved

In the early days of the full-scale invasion, 23-year-old platoon commander Yevhen Palchenko, call sign “Song”, defended his brigade’s escape from encirclement near Kherson, risking their life.

Breaking through the Russian ring, their three tanks held positions near the Antonivsky Bridge, allowing comrades to escape. About 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers and their equipment were saved. On 2 March 2022, Lieutenant Yevhen Palchenko was awarded Hero of Ukraine for this heroic action. Their story shows how the courage of a single tank operator can save an entire brigade.

4. “Company under fire”: one tank against two dozen enemy vehicles, and it survived

One tank against two dozen enemy vehicles, and the crew survived. Captain Serhii Ponomarenko’s company was thrown into combat just hours after arriving near Barvinkove on 12 March 2022. Since then, the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces has been continuously defending Kharkiv Oblast.

During an assault on Topolske near Izium, six Ukrainian tanks engaged more than twenty Russian vehicles. Due to skill and training, nine enemy tanks were destroyed. One Ukrainian T-72 took multiple hits, and Ponomarenko risked their tank to save the operators, as per Facty. 

“The T-64 has an excellent fire control system, with a ballistic calculator measuring wind and direction and automatically adjusting. The sight has a zoom for precision. The T-64 works like a sniper rifle of a large caliber. The T-72’s sight is poor,” Ponomarenko explains.

However, the T-72 engine starts more easily in the cold, but the T-64’s acceleration is comparable despite needing preheating. The T-72 may be faster, but the T-64 holds its own in maneuvering.

The operators supported their commander, suppressed enemy positions, and recovered the damaged tank under fire. On 2 April 2022, Serhii Ponomarenko was awarded Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the “Golden Star”.

5. “Phoenix on the battlefield”: T-64 crew rises twice from the dead

A mine exploded, but the operators kept fighting, destroying an enemy mortar team. Sergeant Vitaly Shevchenko, gunner Andrii Mukhin, and mechanic-gunner Maksym Kravchuk survived two near-fatal attacks near Sloviansk — first from a mine, then from an anti-tank guided missile. Twice, like a mythical Phoenix, they rose from the flames to continue the fight, according to Uriadovyi Kurier.

From the first day of the war, this crew has been on the frontline, performing missions in the toughest zones. Their tank became a guardian for infantry, its gun a deadly weapon against enemies. During one attack, additional fuel tanks exploded, yet the operators advanced, breached a concrete barrier, and destroyed enemy mortar positions. The commander personally extinguished flames, protecting the crew. After minor repairs, the tank returned to combat.

6. “Ramming for comrades”: a young tank operator against a T-72

One tank against a T-72 to save comrades. On 12 August 2014, tank operator Artem Abramovich, 24, rammed a Russian T-72 near Stepanivka, covering the retreat of Ukrainian soldiers. The enemy tank was destroyed, but Artem died in battle. Their heroism became a symbol of self-sacrifice. Posthumously, on 13 August 2015, they were awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III class.

7. American hardware in Ukrainian hands

BMP Bradleys, in coordination with Abrams tanks, became a formidable battlefield force.

During operations near Novoivanivka in the Kursk Oblast, operators of the 47th Mechanized Brigade showcased extraordinary skill.

They rotated personnel, provided fire support, and destroyed enemy forces hiding in buildings. Every shot and maneuver was precise, and every decision was life-or-death.

“American hardware is decisive on the battlefield, but without skilled operators, it’s nothing,” the brigade noted.

The operation decimated Russian forces, halted the invasion of Sumy Oblast, and showed that Ukrainian forces could take the fight into enemy territory.

8. “He lost a leg but saved the tank”

The driver of a Leopard from the 33rd Brigade saved lives despite losing a leg in combat. Known as “Hor,” a former bartender, his comrade recounts the moment as a defining act of courage. Mobilized in March 2022, they began on a T-72, fought in counteroffensives, and then retrained on the Leopard.

Near Mala Tokmachka, Russian helicopters fired missiles. Their mechanic lost a leg. Despite this, they drove the tank out of combat, saving the entire crew. Later, near Kurakhove, their crew fired 49 rounds, destroying two tanks, two BMPs, one BTR, and three Russian positions.