(KYIV) – Ukrainian drone units have released new footage showing a series of successful attacks on Russian air defence systems inside occupied territory. The latest operations carried out by the Primari drone unit show Russian equipment destroyed by remotely controlled drones, including a Tor system, a Buk system and what appears to be an S400 radar. Ukrainian forces say these videos are now being published several times a week as strikes become more frequent.
The footage shows Russian systems, designed to defend against attacks from the air, being hit by small drones that Russia still struggles to counter. Ukraine has increasingly used remotely guided drones that can manoeuvre with precision, making them difficult for large Russian systems to intercept.
Ukraine expects stronger support in air defence as Western partners prepare new deliveries. The country is set to receive advanced SMT systems and has signed an initial agreement for up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. Details and delivery dates have not been confirmed. Officials say the process could take years.
Ukraine has called for the European Union to confiscate Russia’s frozen assets and use the funds to support military production in Europe and Ukraine. This, Kyiv argues, would reduce the burden on taxpayers while helping Ukraine defend itself. Despite recent corruption scandals inside Ukraine, anti corruption agencies continue to investigate and bring cases forward.
French officials have spoken publicly about the possible timeline for the end of fighting, suggesting the conflict could continue until 2027. European leaders also raised the idea of Ukrainian troops helping protect the eastern borders of the European Union once hostilities end. Ukrainian commentators have rejected the proposal unless Ukraine becomes a full member of both the EU and NATO, arguing that Ukrainian forces cannot be used as a hired military force for countries still trading with Russia.
There are growing concerns about the origin of Russian weapons components. Investigations show that Russian gliding bomb parts and machinery were produced in factories in Japan, China and Taiwan. Some parts for Russian missiles and drones have also been traced back to Europe and the United States, despite sanctions. Analysts say these leaks continue to undermine efforts to limit Russia’s war production.
In the United States, president Donald Trump said he supported new legislation in Congress aimed at imposing strict sanctions on countries that continue to trade with Russia. Although Trump often adopts inconsistent positions, he said he approved the proposal, which has support from more than 80 senators. The announcement has already influenced the market, with the price of Russian Ural oil falling sharply.
The Russian Ural benchmark has dropped to around 36 US dollars per barrel, its lowest level in several years. Analysts say this fall is driven by Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian oil infrastructure and growing concerns among oil traders. Some companies fear that ships carrying Russian oil could be targeted while loading in Russian ports. Recent sanctions have also pushed European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia to reduce dependence on Russian supplies.
Ukraine has reached an agreement with Greece to import gas delivered through Greek LNG terminals, with supplies coming from the United States. This is expected to support Ukraine through the winter months.
Russia has responded with further attacks on civilian and commercial shipping. A recent strike targeted a liquid gas tanker carrying 4,000 tonnes of gas. The vessel is reported to belong to Turkish operators. The attack took place only a few hundred metres from Romanian territory, forcing local authorities to evacuate a nearby village. Russia also attacked the Azerbaijani embassy in Kyiv, prompting Azerbaijan to summon the Russian ambassador.
Authorities in Poland are investigating an explosive attack on a railway line used to transport supplies to Ukraine. The Polish prime minister visited the site and called the explosion an act of sabotage. On the same day, however, Poland reopened three border checkpoints with Belarus, causing confusion among local commentators who questioned the timing.
Ukraine continues to face domestic political pressure following corruption allegations involving senior officials. Rustem Umerov, a former defence minister and later secretary of the national security and defence council, was reported by some sources to have refused to return to Ukraine. He was seen in Turkey after the scandal emerged. Ukrainian media later reported mixed statements regarding his plans. Anti corruption authorities say their investigation has continued for more than a year.
Satellite images show activity at Russian air bases, including transport aircraft and vehicles that may be preparing for long range missile launches. Ukrainian analysts warn that Russia could soon attempt another major strike using strategic bombers.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Europe must prepare for the possibility of a wider conflict. Germany has moved its assessment of potential Russian aggression from 2029 to 2028, and some experts fear that last summer may have been Europe’s final peaceful one for several years. Pistorius said NATO must rearm rapidly and strengthen its forces.
Germany is preparing to assess how many citizens could be available for conscription if required. Recent public surveys show that only 16 percent of Germans say they would be willing to defend their country in the event of an attack. Analysts warn that if Russia were to launch a broader conflict, it would likely involve several states, including China, North Korea and Iran.
Ukrainian officials say that the war may continue for many years unless Russia is defeated decisively. Kyiv expects new attacks from Russian strategic aviation but says Ukraine will keep expanding drone production and long range missile development to reduce Moscow’s ability to continue the war.
