Author’s articles
The sustained attacks on Kyiv using ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as long-range drones, are evidence of the expansion of Russian military production and the complex logistics involved in striking Ukraine. In some cases, Ukrainian and US intelligence agencies receive information about the preparation of such attacks several days before they begin.
Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have continued to shell Ukrainian regions using drones, artillery, aerial bombs and missiles. In Kyiv, the number of casualties has risen to 87 following a massive attack.
Ukraine continues to improve its air defence system amid intense Russian attacks. To protect its airspace, it is using artificial intelligence, a network of sensors and low-cost interceptor drones, which are already being produced by the thousands every day.
Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture around 400 square kilometres of territory after thousands of Starlink terminals used by Russian troops were deactivated. This is according to a report by the US Department of Defence’s Defence Intelligence Agency.
Following a series of drone strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, major oil refineries in the central part of the country were forced to halt operations either completely or partially. The restrictions affected facilities responsible for a significant proportion of petrol and diesel production in Russia.
The US Army has announced that it is seeking a new, cost-effective interceptor for the Patriot system. In Washington, there is a drive to reduce the cost of intercepting drones and ballistic missiles and to speed up missile production, against a backdrop of increasing pressure on weapons stocks.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have signed an agreement to resume operations on the Baku–Supsa oil pipeline. The agreement provides for the conclusion of an operating contract covering the Georgian section of the pipeline.
Towards the end of last year, China secretly trained around 200 Russian military personnel, some of whom subsequently returned to take part in the war against Ukraine. This is according to Reuters, which cites three European intelligence services and documents seen by the agency.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that Europe is not making sufficient use of diplomatic channels in the conflict with Russia over the war in Ukraine. She also commented on the role of mediators in negotiations with the Kremlin.
US officials have stated that Cuba has received more than 300 military drones and is discussing the possibility of using them against US targets, including the Guantanamo Bay base.
Ukrainian airlines and market experts are warning of risks to the aircraft maintenance infrastructure due to harassment by the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine
On the night of 18 May, Russian forces attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region with missiles, drones, artillery and aerial bombs. Twenty-six people were injured, including two children in Dnipro.
