Ukraine War Live Updates: Drone Wars Intensify
Scores of drones wrecked a Russian missile storage facility.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict as drone attacks continue to shape the battlefield.
18:48 Ukraine's Devastating Drone StrikeShaykovka, a key Russian airbase, has reportedly suffered severe damage from a Ukrainian drone strike. Satellite images indicate that the depot containing Ch-22/32 rockets, as well as a maintenance hangar, were heavily damaged. Additionally, tank stations, storage facilities, and objects resembling aircraft were destroyed. This marks the fourth attack on Shaykovka since October 2022.
18:25 European Leaders Grapple with IrrelevanceWith support for Ukraine at the forefront, European leaders face the challenge of determining their future role. The Ukraine Contact Group (UDCG), meeting on Friday, may signal the end of the Ramstein format if tensions between European countries persist.
17:55 US Troops Withdrawn from Polish AirportThe US Army Europe and Africa Command has announced the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from Rzeszow-Jasionka, a logistics hub for military aid delivery to Ukraine. However, the measure is not related to rumors of a potential withdrawal of 10,000 soldiers from Eastern Europe, with the optimization of US military operations in the region saving American taxpayers millions. Polish President Andrzej Duda clarified that this does not signal a complete withdrawal of US troops from Poland.
17:33 Kremlin's Arctic ManeuversRussian forces initiated military maneuvers in the Arctic, involving around 20 ships and approximately 1,500 soldiers. The exercise aims to train forces for the protection of sea communication and the defense of military infrastructure in the Arctic.
17:17 Meeting in Washington over Ukrainian ResourcesRepresentatives from the Ukrainian government are expected to travel to the USA to discuss a draft agreement on subsoil resources. The talks, initially focused on technical consultations and relying on a law firm for advice, may shape the future of Ukraine's resources and its relationship with the USA.
16:49 Drones Disintegrate Russian Armored VehicleFootage surfaced of a successful Ukrainian combat drone attack on a Russian armored vehicle, highlighting the growing importance of drones in modern conflicts. Despite this being a noteworthy instance, it's unlikely to be considered a game-changer in the broader context.
16:28 Diplomatic Talks ResumeRussian and US delegates will soon hold consultations in Istanbul to discuss normalizing diplomatic relations. The Russian delegation will be led by the new Russian Ambassador to the USA, Alexander Dartschiyew, while the US delegation will be headed by Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Sonata Coulter.
16:07 Zelensky Accuses China of Aiding RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly accused China of deploying soldiers with Chinese citizenship in Russian forces operating in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky plans to contact Beijing over the matter, expressing concerns that China's involvement in the war underscores Putin's unwillingness to end the conflict.
15:45 Suspected Russian Link in Mannheim AttackThe judge in the Mannheim knife attack trial has ordered an investigation into potential connections between the defendant and Russia, following claims from an internet profiler that there were suspicious search queries from Russia in the days leading up to the attack. Security officials have emphasized that such online activity could not be definitively linked to the Mannheim knife attack.
15:25 Russian Hacker Attack on German AssociationAuthorities in Germany are currently dealing with a suspected Russia-backed cyberattack on the German Society for Eastern European Studies (DGO). Both the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution are involved in handling the incident. The attack may be linked to the hacker group APT 29, also known as "Cozy Bear."
14:50 Two Chinese Citizens Captured by Ukrainian ForcesAccording to President Zelensky, Ukrainian troops have captured two Chinese citizens fighting alongside the Russian army in the Donetsk region. Zelensky claims that there are more than two Chinese nationals serving in Russian forces, and he has instructed the Foreign Minister to communicate with China on the matter.
14:30 Destruction of Russia's Most Valuable DroneUkrainian soldiers have been credited with destroying a valuable Russian drone valued at $300,000. The Merlin-VR drone, capable of reaching altitudes of 5,000 meters, staying airborne for 10 hours, and covering distances of up to 600 kilometers, now leaves the Russian forces one drone short.
14:04 Russians Seek to Reclaim Occupied VillageThe Russian military claims to have recaptured the village of Guevo near the Ukrainian border, leaving two border villages still under Ukrainian control.
13:38 US Operations in HesseFormer commander Valeriy Saluschnyj has revealed that Ukrainian military deployments to repel the Russian invasion have been planned with the USA in Wiesbaden, Hesse. These operations, originally facilitated with British support, were intended to coordinate military aid and assess the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
13:06 Economic Impact on Russiantv-reporter Rainer Munzanalyzes the current economic turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs, examining their impact on global stock markets, recession fears, and the falling oil price. It's suggested that Russia needs a minimum of $70 per barrel to balance its budget, and the Kremlin may now be counting on American support.
12:31 Ukrainian Brigade Struggles at Lyman FrontThe Ukrainian 66th Mechanized Brigade is reporting the deteriorating situation at the Lyman Front over the past month. The Russians have put immense pressure on Ukrainian forces with a large number of infantry. The Ukrainians continue to face shortages of soldiers, with an estimated 10 Russian fighters for every Ukrainian soldier.
11:58 Thousands of US Soldiers May Leave Eastern EuropeReports indicate that the US Department of Defense is considering withdrawing around 10,000 soldiers from Eastern Europe, potentially impacting NATO countries Romania and Poland. The move could be in response to the Biden-era reinforcements.
11:33 Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Incursion into BelgorodAccording to Zelensky, Ukrainian troops have entered the Russian region of Belgorod, amidst recent requests for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council due to possible Russian war crimes, and US President Trump expressing his "displeasure" with Russia's "bombarding like crazy."
10:50 Medvedev Warns of Nuclear ProliferationFormer Russian President Dmitri Medvedev alleges that the West's Ukraine policy is driving nuclear proliferation and is urging the West not to underestimate the danger of this proxy war, suggesting that new countries may acquire nuclear arsenals in the coming decades as a consequence.
10:12 Russian Attacks Focused on One FrontOver the past 24 hours, Russia has launched a total of 159 attacks on Ukrainian defender positions, including 120 guided aerial bombs, 31 of which are suspected to have failed due to electronic countermeasures. The Pokrovsk Front witnessed around a third of the attacks.
09:24 Over 40 Russian Artillery Systems DestroyedUkrainian forces report the destruction of 43 Russian artillery systems over the past 24 hours, as well as the loss of 1290 soldiers. Additionally, Ukraine claims to have destroyed 5 tanks, 14 armored fighting vehicles, and 2 air defense systems.
08:41 Fear of New War Crimes: Russian Offensive with 30,000 Soldiers FearedHeightened concerns of new war crimes by the Russian army have arisen, as they are reportedly gathering around 30,000 soldiers in the Donetsk region, raising fears of an imminent major offensive.
08:25 Russian Attacks with Iskander Missiles and DronesUkraine's air force reports shooting down nine Russian drones overnight, with Russia deploying a total of 46 drones and one Iskander-M missile. However, 31 drones likely failed to reach their targets due to electronic countermeasures.
07:58 Ukrainian Brigade: Situation at Lyman Front DeterioratingThe 66th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine reports that the situation at the Lyman Front has worsened significantly over the past month due to immense pressure from Russian forces. The Russians have been deploying large and small infantry groups, taking advantage of weather conditions to break into Ukrainian positions and inflict damage. The brigade is also struggling with a shortage of soldiers.
07:32 Ukraine to Increase Drone ProductionPresident Selenskyy has announced plans to increase Ukraine's drone production to maximum levels, expanding production capacities for ground-based robotic systems as well.
07:07 Bundeswehr Pushes for Kamikaze DronesGeneral Inspector Carsten Breuer is advocating for rapid deployment of new drone systems with their own warheads in the German army this year. Such drones are referred to as kamikaze drones due to their autonomous flight and explosive payload.
Politics
Two Providers in Focus: Bundeswehr Wants to Acquire Kamikaze Drones
Two Countries Affected: USA Considers Withdrawal of Thousands of Soldiers from Europe
Fear of New War Crimes: Kriewald: Russian Offensive with 30,000 Soldiers Feared
Soldiers Attack Belgorod; Ukraine Confirms Incursion into Russian Region
Article Sources: ntv.de, chl/ino/lme/mpa/dpa/rts/AFP
Tags:- Ukraine Conflict- Ukraine- Military- Military Deployments- Russia- NATO- Cyberwar- Attack on Ukraine- Volodymyr Zelenskyy- Vladimir Putin- Wars and Conflicts- War Crimes
- Increased drone attacks have become a significant feature in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with numerous instances such as the heavy damage reported at the Shaykovka airbase in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Apart from tampering with European security through drone actions, another challenge facing leaders, particularly the Ukraine Contact Group (UDCG), is determining their course of action amidst persisting tensions between European countries.
- Amidst the constant engagement in drone wars, there are signs of a potential shift in military presence, with the US Army Europe and Africa Command announcing the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from a logistics hub in Poland, resulting in cost savings for American taxpayers.
