The Under Reported War Issue 36
Ukraine Receives Fearsome New Fighter & Missile / White Stork Evades Killer Drone / Seven Days in May - A Russian Calamity / Greenpeace Debunks Russian Info War Lie / Fake Storming of Ukrainian Towns
Welcome to a weekly roundup of news from the war in Ukraine you probably did not hear about
All reports are linked to their sources so you can read the original if you’d like to. If you have any questions, detect errors and omissions, or need more detail, just let me know.
Here are some of the things you probably did not hear about for the week covering Sunday 24th May to Saturday 30th May 2026.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The toughest part of the 3 day “special military operation” is the first 5 years”
Vatnik Soup on BlueSky (link)
By the way, today is Day 1,558 of Putin’s 3-Day Special Military Operation.
HEADLINES THAT NEVER WERE
(BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN)
Headlines that never were but should have been are why ‘The Under Reported War’ exists. There is no excuse for news outlets who claim they provide balanced reporting to ignore highly visual, interesting, and significant stories from Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s invasion. Trouble is, publishing headlines like those below runs counter to the conventional wisdom that dominates what stories appear on news agendas. It is made worse when, every week, more experienced foreign correspondents get fired as owners maximise profit and editorial cowardice over professional reporting. Especially insidious is the smug lack of courage at editorial levels to resist the narratives promoted by Russian information warfare.
Specialist publications and website do cover this war fairly. As do OSINT researchers online. They are my primary sources. There are few mainstream news outlets outside Ukraine that do the same. For example, Forbes, AP, Reuters, AFP, DW, and The Daily Telegraph do a great job. Very few others do. Considering its reach and resources, the BBC is disappointing (but not terrible).
Sigh…as ever, welcome to The Under Reported War.
WHITE STORK EVADES RUSSIAN KILLER DRONE
A Russian drone pilot attempted to butcher a white stork, Ukraine”s national bird, and failed. White storks are an iconic bird, not just for Ukraine, but around the world as folkloric deliverers of newborn babies, most famously in Looney Tunes cartoons. Inevitably, a Russian drone pilot could not resist what he thought would be an easy kill.
How A Ukrainian Stork Outflew A Russian Drone
link
“A video on social media shows a Russian interceptor closing in on a white stork – until the bird executes a sharp roll maneuver, leaving the drone chasing empty space…
…The ease with which the stork evades the drone shows how well evolved birds are compared to drones.”
——————————————
It has happened before. Russian drone pilots are particularly cruel. Below is an excerpt from ISSUE 20 when a wild Kestrel took down a Russian FPV drone, but another drone killed an endangered species of pelican:
[July 13th 2025] This story neatly illustrates the cultural difference between Ukraine and Russia. The former celebrates a kestrel injured attacking a Russian drone, the latter celebrates the killing an endangered species of pelican by posting the event online.
Ukrainians Rescue ‘Heroic’ Falcon, Russian Drone Kills Rare Pelican
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2025/07/11/ukrainians-rescue-heroic-falcon-russian-drone-kills-rare-pelican/
“A kestrel broke a wing fighting a Russian drone. A Ukrainian drone crew saw the encounter and rescued the kestrel, who was evacuated [to] the Kolibri Veterinary Clinic.
[In contrast], video from a Russian FPV interceptor includes… an incident where an interceptor closes in on two large birds. It is just possible that these were mistaken for drones from long range, but when the interceptor pilot gets close, rather than breaking off the attack he zeroes in and hits one of the birds. The birds [were] Dalmatian Pelicans , an iconic wetlands bird which is a globally threatened species.”
All credit goes to David Hambling at Forbes for reporting these incidents.
UKRAINE’S NEW FEARSOME AIRCRAFT AND MISSILE
In a huge boost for Ukraine and a major setback for Russia, Sweden is giving Ukraine sixteen surplus Gripen fighters plus selling them twenty-two of the latest Gripen E model using loans provided by the European Union. They will be armed with the Meteor air-to-air missile. President Zelensky also expects to sign a deal to buy up to two hundred more Gripen Es. The final number of aircraft in this deal is unclear but two hundred seems very high.
As readers may recall, I did a breakdown of why this, as then impending, announcement is so significant (See ISSUE 33 - SAGA OF THE SAAB GRIPEN). For those that did not read it, here’s a simple summary:
Right now, Ukraine’s air force (the PS ZSU) cannot take on Russia’s air force (the VSRF). The reason is simple: Russia has a long-range, deadly missile that can shoot down any of Ukraine’s fighters before their own weapons can get in range. The PS ZSU has lost many aircraft to this missile.
As a consequence, The VSRF is able to use its fighter-bombers with impunity. In the last two years, they lobbed thousands of glide bombs at Ukrainian frontline positions. Glide bombs are a highly effective replacement for Ukraine’s wholesale destruction of Russia’s modern artillery.
Now that equation is reversed. Equipped with the Meteor long-range missile, Gripens can outshoot Russian fighters, clearing the way for other fighters to drive off the glide-bombers.
Sweden now leads the way in transforming the PS ZSU into a truly modern NATO-standard air force. It already donated two advanced early-warning and control aircraft. All the ageing F-16s Ukraine operates were gifted by European allies. France has also contributed a handful of Mirage 2000 fighter-bombers. America has not donated a single aircraft to support Ukraine’s fight for survival.
Sweden prepares to donate Gripen C/D jets to Ukraine and open E-model sale talks
link1
link2
“Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson details the plan at an Uppsala airbase on 28 May, with Kyiv funding later purchases via an EU loan…
….Sweden is reportedly preparing to donate a number of JAS 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, according to Aftonbladet cited by Dagens industri. The move would mark a major boost to Ukraine’s airpower and long-term security guarantees.”
Sweden Prepares to Transfer Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine
link
“Ukraine is seeking to purchase between 100 and 150 of the latest JAS 39 Gripen E/F aircraft.
Swedish defense company Saab has already started preparing delivery schedules and reviewing Ukraine’s technical requirements. The company can currently produce 20–30 aircraft per year and plans to further expand production.”
Sweden to Send First Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine: What Is Known About Numbers and Aircraft Types
link
“Ukraine is expected to soon receive Swedish Gripen fighter jets, but the exact aircraft types will only become clear once they are delivered and join the Ukrainian Air Force”
Sweden Hands Ukraine 16 Gripen Jets Armed With 200-km Missiles, Opens Deal for 22 More
link
“Sweden announced it will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge and plans to sell 22 additional Gripen E aircraft. The agreement was unveiled during a joint briefing by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelensky at Uppsala Air Base. Kyiv says the jets, equipped with long-range missiles, will help push Russian aircraft farther from Ukrainian territory and strengthen air defense capabilities.”
The Gripen comes with the UK-designed Meteor air-to-air missile. Powered by a ramjet motor, the Meteor was designed to out-range and out-perform the missile that currently dominates contested airspace over Ukraine: the Russian R-77.
Ukraine’s First [38] Gripen Fighters Are On The Way
link
“Firing Meteor missiles, the Gripens could push back Russian glide bombers.”
If available in sufficient numbers, the Gripen and the Meteor can change the war in the air and eliminate Russian aerial dominance over the battlefield, easing the frontline pressure on Ukraine and increasing it on Russia.
How most of the western media missed this is beyond belief. It is a huge story.
RUSSIA’S ‘INVINCIBLE’ WAR MACHINE
I’m skipping the DRONE WALL segment this week because pretty much all the stories from there are about the rapid decline of the Russian army that feature in this section.
——————————————
EMPTY FIRST AID KITS
——————————————
“Pine needles for coughs, salt and soap for fungus, garlic and vodka for pain”
link
“First aid kits are empty, medical assistance can be postponed, and sometimes, instead of normal medications, people are prescribed folk remedies.”
——————————————
MORE FAKE STORMINGS OF UKRAINIAN TOWNS
——————————————
Russians stormed empty houses for the cameras 26 km from the town they claimed to take—and Russia’s top general announced its “liberation”
link1
link2
“Ukraine’s own military command does not even list fighting for [Borovka], which stays under its control behind the frontline.
OSINT analysts immediately determined that the staged videos were shot in other settlements. The Russians were storming houses in the already-occupied village of Kolomyichykha in Luhansk Oblast [26 km away], OSINT analyst Zoam reported, adding comparison maps.”
Russian commanders often send men on suicidal ‘flag-sticking’ missions so they can claim personal rewards
link
“Commanders routine lies about military successes have often been commented on by Russian warbloggers. They have strong incentives to fake successes, such as the prospect of cash awards, medals, and promotions…
For the sake of a 5-second fake video with the Russian flag, Russia lost three assault groups in Novoyegorivka. Out of 15 [assaulters], only one survived and was captured.”
——————————————
DRONE DROUGHT FOR RUSSIA
——————————————
Russian soldiers face a “catastrophic” shortage of drones and personnel at the front, according to two Russian warbloggers
link
“The Russian offensive is coming to a standstill with Ukrainian forces said to be outnumbering the Russians two or three to one in places.”
——————————————
SERIAL KILLER NEWS
——————————————
Notorious Russian serial killer and multiple rapist known as the ‘Sosnovsky Maniac’ is reported to have died in a drone strike
link
“He was released [from prison] after signing a military contract to fight in Ukraine… The news emerged after an apparently mistaken report that he had escaped from hospital. The army had decorated him for valour”.
——————————————
THE MEAT GRINDER GRINDS ON
——————————————
“Average Life Expectancy of Troops on Assault is 20-35 Minutes”
link
“he Russian army is suffering unprecedented losses that will make a fresh mobilisation essential, according to a Russian warblogger. He warns that the average life expectancy of troops on an assault operation is now down to just 20-35 minutes.”
——————————————
DEATH MARCH OF THE CRUTCH BATTALIONS
——————————————
Six crippled Russian soldiers, some on crutches, are sent to their deaths
link
“”We are going on a combat mission with two assault rifles and three body armours for six of us. We are all cripples. It’s just fucking crazy.”
The video was filmed by 50-year-old Sergei Aleksandrovich Pisarchik, a soldier in the Russian Army’s 69th Motorised Rifle Division. He sent it to his relatives on 21 May 2026 and stopped communicating afterward”
——————————————
“TOO OLD AND BROKEN DOWN”
——————————————
Russia’s Giant Storage Depots Run Out of Armour Worth Refurbishing
link
“Barely any movement in Russian storage bases in 2026… I guess we’re officially at the point refurbishing stored armor no longer makes sense. They’re all too old and broken down, Russia already has enough armor reserves for what little action they see and new production is already more than enough to compensate losses.”
——————————————
RUSSIA TEARS UP GENEVA CONVENTION YET AGAIN
——————————————
Leaked Russian order violates the Geneva Conventions
link
“A leaked order from the Russian army instructs military drivers to disguise their vehicles as civilian ones, repainting them in non-military colours and applying the logos of civilian organisations to their sides…
…Under Article 37 “Prohibition of perfidy”, the Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts, bans “1 (c) the use of distinctive signs, emblems or the uniform of civilians.” This would likely apply to the use of civilian logos on vehicles.“
MOBILISATION NEWS
Feeble decision-maker Vladimir Putin is creeping towards announcing a full mobilisation. Fearing domestic resistance, he would rather not, but the Kremlin’s losses may force him to. Meanwhile, crypto-mobilisation continues.
——————————————
MOBILISATION LOOMS
——————————————
Russia Steps Up Mobilization Orders Under the Guise of “Data Verification”
link
“In early 2026, Russians increasingly started receiving mobilization orders during [obligatory] visits to military enlistment offices, where they were summoned under the pretext of updating personal data…”
[An} analysis of online search trends [shows]… Since late March, Google has recorded a sharp rise in searches for the term “mobilization order,” with search activity peaking in early April… Some of the most popular searches included: “received a mobilization order,” “how long is a mobilization order valid,” and “red mobilization order.”
——————————————
RUSSIA DEMOGRAPHIC TIMEBOMB
——————————————
Statistical agency Rosstat recently highlighted Russia’s dire demographic situation
link
“Russia’s dire demographic situation, which has become far worse due to its war losses. Komsomolskaya Pravda war correspondent Grigory Kubatyan suggests nuking Ukraine as a solution. “
NEWS OF THE MIDDLE STRIKE
Ukraine’s drones continue to wreak havoc on logistics inside Russia’s former safe zone behind the frontline. There has been so much activity that I cannot list it all. Instead I want to highlight that this is why Russia’s summer offensive ran out of steam almost immediately. Drone dominance means conditions on the battlefield have to significantly change somehow for any offensive to be successful.
Btw, the same would be true if the roles were reversed, which is why Ukraine (hopefully) does not indulge in foolish large-scale offensives right now. It may never need to. Attrition is biting hard into Russia’s ability to fight the war, particularly on the Southern Front.
——————————————
SEVEN DAYS IN MAY - A RUSSIAN CALAMITY
——————————————
I’ve collated the daily tallies of video-confirmed Russian fuel truck, cargo truck, and van losses from the last week and compared them to the same week exactly one year ago. The totals are eye-opening. This is why Russian soldiers on the Southern front are running out of FPV drones and fuel, and beginning to starve.
Russian Trucks are Burning
link
“Ukraine wrapped the occupied south in three layers of drones. Strikes doubled February to March—and the Russians retreated.”
Strike missions against dozens of targets along the Mariupol–Taganrog and Mariupol–Volnovakha highways (Video)
link
“Drone operators of the 1st Corps of Ukraine’s National Guard “Azov” conducting strike missions against dozens of targets along the Mariupol–Taganrog and Mariupol–Volnovakha highways, key logistical routes used by Russian forces in occupied territories.”
——————————————
RUSSIAN MILBLOGGER MAKES EXCELLENT TARGETING SUGGESTION
——————————————
Russia’s border policies may result in a “shooting gallery” for Ukrainian drones
link
“Queues [of trucks] at the still-enforced border between Russia and Ukraine are now an obvious target for attacks.”
——————————————
STORM SHADOW BLITZ
——————————————
It appears Ukraine received a new shipment of Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles:
May 25th - Command Post, Luhansk
British-French Storm Shadow missiles took out a Russian command-and-control post on 25 May
link
“Unconfirmed reports cited by Kyiv Post placed the possible target near Dovzhansk, a coal-mining town close to Luhansk city. Ukrainian drone forces have previously described the area as a Russian supply and command hub, according to the outlet.”
May 27th - Baltimor Airbase
Strike on Russia’s Baltimor Air Base in Voronezh Targets Su-34 Bombers Used to Launch KAB Glide Bombs
link
“The strike on the Russian air base known as Baltimor in Voronezh targeted one of the main operating locations of Su-34 frontline bombers, aircraft heavily used by Russia to launch guided glide bombs known as KABs.”
May 27th - Missile targeting HQ, Taganrog Airbase
Ukraine Uses Storm Shadow Missiles to Strike Airbases in Voronezh and Taganrog
link
“The targets of the strikes were software and hardware intelligence automation systems of the Russian Air Force in the areas of Voronezh, Taganrog, and temporarily occupied Crimea..
It was also reported yesterday morning that Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck an aircraft repair plant in Taganrog, in Russia’s Rostov region…”
May 27th - Naval Aviation HQ Sevastopol, Crimea
Ukrainian Strike Burns Black Sea Fleet Headquarters in Sevastopol
link
“It was reported that the building had burned down after being hit by missiles.”
DESTRUCTION (AND CORRUPTION) OF RUSSIAN AIR DEFENCE
TWO TORS TOASTED
——————————————
Drones struck two Russian Tor-M2 air defense systems
link1
link2
“One of the systems was struck while being transported along the M-14 highway near occupied Berdiansk during the night of May 29. A second Tor-M2 was caught near occupied Melitopol….
The Tor-M2 is one of Russia’s primary short-range air defense systems designed to protect troops and critical infrastructure from aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. The system can carry up to 16 missiles and is considered an important component of layered Russian air defense.”
——————————————
YELLOW CAMOUFLAGE IS NOT A GOOD LOOK
——————————————
It doesn’t matter how many long-range missile launchers a S-300 or S-400 system has. If its 5N63S fire-control truck is knocked out, they are all useless.
The Russias skedaddled out of Syria recently. It seems there was no time to repaint the equipment they took with them. The desert yellow camouflage of this high priority target stands out particularly well against the greenery of Ukraine.
RAM-2 loitering munition struck 5N63S command post (Video)
link1
link2
“A key fire-control element of the S-300/S-400 air defense system, the 5N63S is responsible for target acquisition, tracking, and missile guidance… The footage also draws attention to the system’s unusual camouflage scheme, which appears to be a desert pattern.”
——————————————
RUSSIA’S AIR DEFENCE HEADACHE
——————————————
A Russian radar didn’t see Ukrainian drones coming. It became the 28th Russian air-defense asset wrecked this May
link
“In addition to the ST-68 air-surveillance radar, Ukraine struck another Pantsir anti-air system, a fuel train, and multiple military trucks in the land corridor to occupied Crimea.”
Russia’s vast geographic size is a problem for the Kremlin. It cannot defend every strategic target that Ukraine’s missiles and drones can now reach. The only sensible place to build a dense, layered, integrated air defence network that drones have to cross is in a continuous strip behind the 1300 kilometre long frontline. The drawback is that all those very expensive assets now sit inside Ukraine’s Middle Zone.
——————————————
MOST INSANE STORY OF THE WEEK
——————————————
Only a desperate, struggling, and, above all, corrupt state would resort to a measure like this. A Russian milblogger claims to have been told that cities, regions, and strategic businesses have to pay for their own air defences. This may well be why so many sites of strategic importance remain undefended despite being attacked already.
Reports Russia has effectively privatised its air defence systems
link
“Russia has reportedly effectively privatised its air defence systems, shifting their cost onto regions and private businesses. This is likely resulting in wealthy Moscow getting a disproportionate amount of air defences while poorer regions languish.”
Milbloggers are uniformly ardent Russian nationalists. That one of them posted this out of concern adds some credence to an otherwise bonkers report.
UKRAINE’S DEEP-STRIKE WAR
REFINERY ROUNDUP
——————————————
The list is not comprehensive but rather a representative sample of the large number of refinery attacks this week. As ever LPDS pumping stations and AVT distillation towers remain high priority targets.
Strike Disables 90–100% of Ryazan Refinery Capacity
link1
link2
“The new higher-resolution images revealed damage not visible in earlier imagery. In particular, they showed multiple hits on the AVT-4 and AVT-3 primary crude distillation units. Three oil product storage tanks between the two units were also destroyed.”
——————————————
Ukraine strikes major Russian oil pumping station supplying Moscow Oblast
link
“The Vtorovo LPDS oil pumping and dispatching station is a strategic infrastructure hub that supplies fuel to Moscow Oblast. Operated by Transneft, Russia’s state-owned oil pipeline monopoly, the Vtorovo station pumps raw materials from refineries in central Russia to export terminals and domestic consumers.”
——————————————
Russian refining output fell 9.2% in April as Ukrainian drone strikes hit fuel plants
link
“Moscow stopped publishing fuel output. Rosstat’s own index registered the drop regardless.”
——————————————
Overnight strikes on Volgograd oil refinery halts production
link
“AVT-1, AVT-3, AVT-5, AVT-6 and secondary units were hit.”
——————————————
MISSILE ALERT IN ARCTIC CIRCLE
——————————————
No news yet, but an alert this far from Ukraine is significant. The Yamal Peninsula has liquid natural gas fields of strategic importance.
Russia Declares First Ever Missile Alert in Yamal, 2,400 km from Ukraine
link
BOOM OF THE WEEK
This week, the ‘boom’ had to be from a Middle Strike attack on a Russian truck.
Drone Attack on Russian Army Truck (Video)
link
“A Ukrainian drone strike targeted a Russian military truck along the Mariupol–Berdiansk highway, a key segment of Russia’s land corridor to Crimea.
The first drone failed, but a second drone successfully struck the vehicle moments later.”
RUSSIAN INFORMATION WAFARE
GREENPEACE WHACKS A RUSSIAN LIE
——————————————
Variants of the following piece of whack-a-mole Russian info warfare have been repeated again and again by reporters, pundits and politicians this year:
Europe is unprepared for a devastating attack Russia’s military could launch at any moment.
It is completely evidence-free, but it plays on fears of America withdrawing from NATO. Some politicians and military leaders repeat the lie because they innocently believe it will alarm their populaces and thus increases support for NATO. That kind of thinking must amuse the Kremlin immensely.
Greenpeace Germany has chipped in with study of the comparative strengths of Russia and European NATO plus Canada. I am surprised by how accurate it is. Greenpeace was born out of the pacifist movement so I wouldn’t expect them to author a work like this. Anyhow, I can’t find flaws in their research. Great work.
Europe remains ready for Defence: Military comparison of NATO and Russia [Translation from the German]
link
“A new Greenpeace study shows that NATO countries are superior to Russia in essential military categories, even without the USA. However, they get bogged down in [costly] arms projects between multiple states.” [Translation from the German]
NATO European states and Canada have invested 626 billion dollars in defense, more than three times that of Russia.
link
“The report titled ‘Europe Alone at Home?’ highlights the defense spending of NATO member European states and Canada, which reached 626 billion dollars last year in contrast to the 190 billion dollars allocated by Russia.
The study emphasizes Europe’s significant advantage in military aviation, with 2,215 fighter aircraft operated by NATO members and Canada, compared to 1,064 of Russia.
Additionally, regarding [major] warships, Europe has 143 ships, compared to Russia’s 34, and 15,896 artillery systems, in comparison to Russia’s 5,976.
The authors of the report emphasize that Europe has considerable resources for defense, even in the event of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO. However, it is noted that Europe’s security policy is affected by a disjointed and costly approach to defense projects.”
FOREIGN AID & INVESTMENT IN UKRAINE
Over the last year, there has been a dramatic shift away from donating obsolete second-hand armaments and towards building new weapons and munitions for Ukraine. Denmark started this initiative in 2024.
I now see three constant themes every week. First, the co-design and manufacture of armaments within friendly nations, with Ukraine immediately getting the benefit of mass produced state-of-the-art weaponry. Second, that this co-production allows the host nations to transition swiftly into the era of drone warfare. Third, previous reliance upon American weapons is reduced.
——————————————
JOINT PRODUCTION ROUNDUP
——————————————
This week:
— Ukraine & Germany Collaborate to make three advanced electronic warfare systems
— Dutch-German-Ukrainian development of long-range cruise missile accelerated
— Canadian-Ukrainian reconnaissance drone assembly line starts production
——————————————
Ukraine-German Tracked Electronic Warfare System Announced
link
“Ukrainian Infozahyst has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz. The agreement provides for joint promotion and adaptation of three advanced systems.
In its press release, the German company does not disclose exact system names, but states that the partnership covers a high-power jamming system, an anti-drone solution, and a multifunctional mobile electronic warfare systems.”
——————————————
Ukraine already uses the RUTA Block1 cruise missile. The improved Block2 missile is being tested (ISSUE 34), and now the development of the longer range Block3 version is to be accelerated.
2,000-km strike missile, designed in Netherlands, tested in Ukraine, built in Germany
link1
link2
“Rheinmetall and Destinus accelerate RUTA Block 3… Europe has largely lacked indigenous deep-strike missiles. This one is built to be mass-produced, not stockpiled in symbolic numbers..
With flight tests planned in Ukraine in 2027, the missile will carry a 250 kg warhead, Destinus T220 turbojet and GPS-free navigation.
——————————————
Ukraine and Canada Launch Joint Production of Reconnaissance Drones
link
“All reconnaissance platforms rolling off the new joint assembly lines are designated for immediate delivery to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition. Ukrainian defense officials noted that for the Canadian defense sector, the venture creates an unprecedented opportunity to expand manufacturing footprints in critical technology ecosystems.”
——————————————
JAPAN THE QUIET DONOR STEPS UP AGAIN
——————————————
Japan buys over $14 million in military equipment for Ukraine under NATO weapons program
link
“Although Japan’s post-World War II constitution restricts the provision of lethal military aid to foreign countries, Tokyo remains one of Ukraine’s top supporters, with around $15 billion worth of total aid (mostly financial and humanitarian) sent and another $3.5 billion committed, according to a December 2025 report by OSW.“
Japan will send four Self-Defense Forces officers to NATO’s NSATU command
link
“The officers will help coordinate military aid deliveries and training programs for Ukraine’s Armed Forces, but will not take part in combat, which Japan’s constitution strictly forbids.”
——————————————
AND SOUTH KOREA STEPS BACK
——————————————
I have not heard a credible explanation why South Korea will not sell weapons to Ukraine. It is a major arms manufacturer with extensive sales across the rest of Europe. It even sold air defence systems to the UAE and Qatar in the midst of a war against a Russian ally last month. Ukraine asked for the same but was denied.
Ukraine Denied KM-SAM II Systems
link
“Ukraine has repeatedly sought to acquire South Korea’s KM-SAM II air defense systems, also known as Cheongung-II, which feature anti-ballistic capabilities. However, these requests have reportedly been denied due to the ongoing war. At the same time, South Korea now appears ready to export the same systems to two additional Middle Eastern countries where active or recently active conflicts continue.
It is also worth noting that KM-SAM II has partial technological roots in Russia, as its early development involved cooperation with the Russian Almaz-Antey concern and the 9M96 missile family used in the S-400 and S-350 systems. This legacy is sometimes cited as a possible factor in export hesitation, potentially aimed at avoiding additional tensions with Moscow.”
That last argument is bonkers. All of South Korea’s European customers are arming themselves to defend against the threat of Russia.
Considering Russia’s missile technology transfer to North Korea and the battlefield experience North Korea’s soldiers have gained fighting Ukraine, you would think South Korea would be doing everything possible to counter that threat. Apparently not.
——————————————
STEADFAST FINLAND ANNOUNCES THIRTY-THIRD AID PACKAGE
——————————————
Finland provides new aid package
link
“Finland will provide Ukraine with a new defense aid package worth about €128 million, according to the Finnish Defense Ministry.”
Finland, like all the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, is the kind of friend a nation needs when it is under attack.
EUROPE & CANADA REARMS
‘FRENCH HIMARS’ CONDUCTS FIRST TEST FIRE
——————————————
Europe’s HIMARS Competitor Takes a Step Forward
link
“France has conducted the first live firings from its own X-Fire launcher for a precision multiple launch rocket system, bringing a prospective European alternative to the American M142 HIMARS to the testing stage, one that could help Ukraine and Europe reduce their dependence on the United States.”
——————————————
LEARNING FROM UKRAINE
——————————————
After Ukrainian drone pilots trounced a NATO force in an exercise earlier this year (ISSUE 35), the was a more positive outcome at a more recent exercise/experiment in how to build a layered defence against drones.
NATO Conducts Eastern Phoenix 26 Exercise Incorporating Ukrainian Counter-Drone Combat Experience
link
“More than 500 military personnel, civilian specialists, and representatives of defense companies from 21 countries took part in the event, which focused on developing a layered approach to countering drones using both kinetic and electronic warfare capabilities.”
——————————————
BOMB SHELTERS FOR THE BALTIC
——————————————
Baltics turn to Ukraine for bomb shelter expertise amid drone fears
link
“A recent increase in incursions into Baltic airspace has bolstered interest in what Kyiv has learned in more than four years of war with Moscow.”
——————————————
CANADA BUYS SWEDISH EARLY WARNING FLEET
——————————————
Canada to order military plane fleet from Sweden in shift from US suppliers
link
“Mark Carney announces purchase of Saab’s GlobalEye early warning aircraft to patrol Arctic territory...
Canada has announced plans to buy a fleet of early warning planes from Sweden’s Saab rather than a competing option from Boeing, as the country seeks to reduce reliance on US defense firms.”
——————————————
That’s all for now. See you next week. Any comments or corrections appreciated.
What a phenomenal report! It proves that Russia is losing, and that Ukraine is winning. Don’t see or hear about any of this in our MSM, and as many reports as we can get on Substack (like the Ken Harbaugh show and a few others). If it could be easier for you, I’d suggest having more but shorter Issues. Thanks for all you are doing for this heroic country.