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 14th to Saturday 20th June 2026.
By the way, today is Day 1,578 of Putin’s 3-Day Special Military Operation.
HEADLINES THAT NEVER WERE
(BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN)
As ever, welcome to The Under Reported War.
UKRAINE BEGINS JOURNEY TO EU MEMBERSHIP
This might be the most significant Ukraine news of the week that you did not hear. One of Putin’s stated reasons for the three-day Special Military Operation was the ‘threat’ of Ukraine gaining EU membership. His invasion has ensured that will now happen.
EU Opens Accession Talks With Ukraine
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“As Russia’s iInvasion continues… Ukraine reached a pivotal moment on June 15 [when] the European Union officially opened accession negotiations, a significant step toward Western integration. This decision, also extended to Moldova, acknowledges Ukraine’s decade-long commitment to reforms, particularly in anti-corruption and democratic institutions, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Discussions in Luxembourg focused on core EU values and benchmarks Ukraine must meet. President Zelenskyy hailed the move as vital political and moral support, emphasizing Ukraine’s defense of European ideals. EU officials recognize the country’s progress, with further reforms required across judicial and financial sectors for full membership, promising symbolic, economic, and security benefits for Ukraine.”
‘TROPHYLAB’ OPENS
There will be long queue of interested countries for this next development in the technological arms race.
Ukraine Opens ‘TrophyLab’ to Share Captured Russian Weapons Data
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“Ukraine has launched a new state platform project, “Trophylab” turns captured Russian hardware into shared data for allies, centralizing technical data and analysis on more than 115 trophy samples across dozens of equipment categories, with users being able to request physical hardware for testing.
The project intends to serve as a shared repository for studies of Russian weaponry, such as missiles, drones, vehicles, and other systems, giving approved users direct access to technical documentation and analytical reports.”
RUSSIA LOSES ANOTHER STRATEGIC BOMBER
A Tu-22 not crashing is a rare sight these days. Even in this war, where Russia needs to make use of any aircraft it can use to launch cruise missiles at Ukraine’s cities, the Backfires fly only occasionally. Crippled by spares shortages (they are no longer manufactured), the ever-increasing threat of fatigue in airframes, and no replacement engines (also no longer manufactured) their only use is to launch sporadically some of Russia’s rarer cruise missiles.
Since 2022, Russia May Have Lost More Than 70% of Its Combat-Ready Tu-22M3 Bombers
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“It is worth noting that this marks the third Tu-22M3 crash in Irkutsk region since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The region hosts the Belaya Air Base, one of the main operating locations for this bomber type. One Tu-22M3 crashed there in 2024, another in 2025, and now a third in 2026…
Regardless of the exact figure, Russia has undoubtedly lost a substantial portion of its Tu-22M3 force. As noted above, these losses are effectively irreplaceable. The only remaining option appears to be limited modernization efforts using Soviet-era airframes stored for decades.”
NEW IMPROVED LYUTI DRONE SEEN AT PARIS SHOWCASE
The Lyuti FP-1/FP-2 is the drone that struck Russia’s strategic fuel reserve this week. It is the drone that attacked St.Petersburg’s refinery, naval arsenal and dockyard two weeks ago. It is one of the drones seen attacking the Moscow Refinery this week. Cheap and effective, it has been upgraded with new wings that allow larger internal fuel tanks, and its redesigned fuselage is reminiscent of the low-observable Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missile., making it harder for radars to detect.
New Lyuti variant showcased at Eurosatory 2026
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“The new wings use a foam core reinforced with carbon fiber and now incorporate fuel storage, increasing both flight endurance and operational range.”
MORE EMBARRASSING DETAILS ABOUT PUTIN ’SUPERWEAPON’ REVEALED
Wildly inaccurate, feebly effective, but much boasted about by Vladimir Putin, the wreckage from the Oreshnik ballistic missile that landed 80km off-target last month (See Oreshnik Bonus Issue) has revealed an unfixable flaw in its design and construction. We already knew since January, that its electronics contains at least one 1960s vacuum tube: a technology abandoned for use in ballistic missies by the end of that decade. Now it has been discovered that the Oreshnik’s navigational gyroscope is so old that the instruments used to calibrate it no longer work. Great reporting by The Insider.
Russia’s Oreshnik missile uses Soviet-era gyroscopes that cause it to miss targets by dozens of kilometers
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“The key problem is linked to the GU-503 (ГУ-503) gyroscope unit, a Soviet-era aviation instrument adapted for the Oreshnik. The unit tracks the missile’s position in flight, but a deviation of even half a degree can lead a missile flying at hypersonic speed to miss its target by dozens of kilometers. According to a letter dated March 18, 2025, the company JSC MZP (АО «МЗП») told its customer that mass production of the GU-503 had stopped, that the technological equipment used to calibrate and test it was developed in the early 1970s, that much of the equipment had failed, and that there was no substitute to replace it with.
That means that even if components are available, factories cannot test the gyroscope’s accuracy before final assembly.”
It is a recycled piece of ballistic missile junk hyped by Russian info wars into making you think it is a superweapon.
NEWS FROM INSIDE THE DRONE WALL
RUSSIA USES TINY FPV DRONES TO COLLAPSE BRIDGE
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Expect to see Ukraine repeat this almost immediately.
Dozens Of Russian FPVs Chip Away Support Columns To Bring Down Road Bridge
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“A recent video shows 43 FPV drones collapsing a Ukrainian road bridge by repeatedly striking its five support columns. This marks a significant military first, demonstrating that small, inexpensive drones can destroy robust infrastructure from a distance, a task previously requiring costly missiles or airstrikes… Such an operation usually takes a well-directed airstrike or a huge, expensive missile like ATACMS.
The drones, equipped with RPG warheads, cumulatively chipped away concrete from the reinforced columns, compromising their structural integrity until the bridge failed. This method is efficient and cost-effective, using minimal munitions compared to traditional bombing campaigns. This development suggests FPVs could increasingly target larger structures, revolutionizing bridge destruction tactics and posing new challenges for defense.”
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WAGE RISES & SERGEANTS
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The unblocking by Hungary of a huge €90 billion Eu fund for Ukraine, has allowed the introduction of big wage rises, bonus for frontline infantry, better contracts and terms of service and much more.
Ukraine has been badly handicapped in this war because plans to rebuild its army on a NATO model had only just begun before 2022. Until recently, it remained largely a Soviet-style fighting force where initiative is anathema and high command micro-managed every detail. In the last two years, it started to reform. Professional non-commissioned officers including drill sergeants are part of the solution to overcoming this clash between a citizen-based army and an overbearing officer class.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Get Wage Rises, Better Contracts, and Drill Sergeants
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“According to the minister, the new monthly rate is the highest salary rate for infantry in the world…. For other combat roles, including drone operators, artillerymen, and medics, 24-month fixed contracts will be offered, also with a 6-month grace period upon completion.
Zelensky also announced reforms to the current system of transfer between units, which has long been a pain point for soldiers stuck in poorly-run brigades, and often leads to soldiers going AWOL for the purpose of transferring to a more desirable unit.
One of the innovations in the sergeant corps will be the introduction of drill sergeant positions in basic combined-arms training battalions… In addition, the role of instructors will be expanded at training centers.”
RUSSIA’S ‘INVINCIBLE’ WAR MACHINE
SCRAPYARD NEWS
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Since tanks are now an irrelevance on the frontline, this story is moot. Russia still loses at least one tank a day on average, which is more than the rate at which it can build new or renovate. Entire tank regiments and even divisions have been stripped of their crews who were then marched as infantry into the frontline meat grinder (See ISSUE 35). We now no longer see the spectacular turret tosses of the first three years of the war.
Russia has drained 72% of its Cold War tank reserve. Only 851 are left to restore
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“Russia has only 851 tanks in storage that remain viable for restoration, open-source analyst Jompy concluded on 9 June after a satellite-based analysis of nine Russian storage bases. The total of 2,088 remaining tanks is down sharply from 2,478 in October 2025—and from a pre-war stockpile of 7,342 in February 2022.
Russia is approaching the limits of its ability to refurbish Cold War-era armor to replace battlefield losses, even as Russian field armies have shifted to infantry-led assaults to shield their remaining tanks from Ukrainian drones.”
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“FALSE REPORTS, LOOTING, DRINKING, EMBEZZLEMENT, THEFT OF SUPPLIES, AND FRAUD AT ALL LEVELS”
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Russian Army inspection finds evidence of “flagrant corruption”
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“Russian Army inspection of forces in eastern Ukraine is reported to have found evidence of “flagrant corruption”, false reports, looting, drinking, embezzlement, theft of supplies, and fraud at all levels.”
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“PUNISHMENTS LIKE ANCIENT ROME”
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Russian soldier reports that he and four of his comrades were whipped, chained around the necks, tortured, and imprisoned in a sewer
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“His story highlights how systematic criminality has come to dominate the Russian army, with soldiers at all levels extorting money – often violently – from their subordinates. This money is often used to bribe superiors for promotions, awards and other favours.”
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MORE MAP COLOURING IN
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More on officers making false claims of seized territory for cash bonuses. It’s become so prevalent and confusing that some units maintain two maps, only one of which is accurate. The other is ‘coloured in.’
Russian commanders routinely make false claims to have captured territory, in order to win awards and personal bonuses (vidoe)
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“However, the army is reportedly stepping up efforts to uncover instances of “painting over” the map of the front line in Ukraine.
Many command posts have two maps – one with the actual line of contact and one with the painted over version.”
If you check out the video you can see the huge difference between the claimed controlled territory and the true map.
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ARTILLERY IMPACT DILUTED
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Everything, everywhere in the Russian armed forces is getting stretched thin.
Russia Replaces High-Power Explosives in Artillery Shells With Weaker TA-20
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“Russia is switching en masse to the less powerful TA-20 explosive in the production of artillery and tank shells.”
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ADMIRAL’S EGO AIDS SECURITY BREACH
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Last December, an underwater drone badly damaged a Russian Kilo-class submarine at its mooring in Novorossiysk harbour. At the time, there was amazement that Ukraine used a live feed of the ships in the harbour to monitor the underwater attack. it now seems the camera was installed overlooking the harbour on the orders of the fleet commander, Admiral Sergei Pichuk. The FSB took down the camera but apparently the admiral hasnow installed another one.
Attack on Russian Kilo aided by Admiral’s security breach
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“The “Ukrainian attack in December 2025 which almost certainly caused serious damage to a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk was reportedly facilitated by an extraordinary security breach by the Black Sea Fleet’s commander, Admiral Sergei Pichuk.
RUSSIA’S HIDDEN MOBILISATION
Whether or not a full mobilisation is ordered may soon depend upon Putin’s confidence in the ability of the FSB and Rosgvardia (the internal security force controlled by Putin loyalists) to suppress any dissent.
Apologies for the repetition, but you most likely will not hear any of this on the mainstream news. Putin is in a dilemma of his own making. Some salient points are:
Putin is notoriously bad at taking decisions. He far prefers to boot down the line any difficult choice he faces.
Polls tell him that a mobilisation will be unpopular in the extreme. Putin does care about this. He simply does not want to participate in a Ghadaffi-meets-scaffolding-pole scenario.
Pressure is building because Russia’s army is going nowhere fast and bleeding dry in the process.
Monthly recruitment numbers are down 20%, with KIA and wounded far exceeding them.
Alternative crypto-mobilisation sources are drying up.
After the Stavka (Russian high command) hollowed out its training establishments in late 2022, it is debatable that the Russian army retains the ability to absorb and train a million plus conscripts. Even if they receive only cursory training, they will all need equipping, feeding, and transporting.
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PRESSURE IS BUILDING
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Russia’s recruitment system nears breaking point, forcing debate over forced mobilization
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“As contract enlistments slow and battlefield losses mount, experts say the Kremlin may face pressure to consider a politically risky draft expansion.”
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STAFF AT MOBILIZATION CENTERS RECEIVE TRAINING
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Officials in Russia Begin Preparing for Mass Mobilization
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“Russian authorities in the Volgograd region have begun preparing officials from various regions for mass mobilization.
Seventeen people participated in the training—employees of mobilization units within the region’s executive authorities and local government bodies.”
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MEANWHILE… CRYPTO-MOBILISATION CONTINUES
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Men Reportedly Rounded Up on Streets in Russia’s Penza Region for War Deployment
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“Police officers, Rosgvardia personnel, and military recruitment officials are carrying out large-scale raids in [the city of] Penza and the nearby cities of Kamenka and Kuznetsk [both in Penza oblast].
The first reports emerged from a video posted by a Penza resident on June 17. In the footage, women gathered near a bus carrying detained men outside a military enlistment office, attempting to prevent them from being taken away. They can be heard shouting that their relatives had been beaten and forced to sign military contracts.
About two weeks ago, another Penza resident reported that her 61-year-old husband, who has no teeth, suffers from hearing problems, and has a disabled arm, was summoned to the military enlistment office on Skladskaya Street. According to her, he was suffocated with a plastic bag and forced to sign a contract.”
NEWS OF THE MIDDLE STRIKE
There have been a truly overwhelming number of Middle Strike drone attacks conducted by Ukraine this week, with the number of truck and tankers damaged or destroyed rising to over 2,800. Fuel tankers remain a priority.
Ukraine has continued to go after any bridge into Crimea, now including railway bridges.
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WAR CRIME NEWS
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Disguising solder and their equipment as civilian is a war crime. Why? Because then any civilian or transport will be attacked. The latter is not a war crime because it can only occur as a consequence of the former.
Russia Disguises Fuel Trucks as Milk Tankers to Reach Crimea
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“ With the Kerch Strait Bridge closed to fuel tankers and alternative maritime ferries heavily damaged, the Russian military has resorted to disguising fuel trucks as civilian vehicles – such as milk and food transport trucks – to traverse the land corridor through occupied Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.”
Russian occupiers are now disguising military fuel trucks as civilian timber haulers (Video)
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“Our “local correspondents” are helpfully posting it all online, giving Ukraine’s defense forces a heads up.”
He was arrested quickly and then, bruised and battered, posted a penitent video regretting his unpatriotic act.
Russian intel found our special “local correspondent” (Video)
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“Now he’ll be filming reports directly from the “SMO”.”
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STARLINK JAMMING
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It is very difficult to jam the Starlink navigation system. There is a multitude of Starlink micro-satellites orbiting Earth. The terminals switch from one to another constantly, often changing frequency. Russia can now jam Starlink but it requires six trailers and can only cover a twenty square kilometre patch of ground. Unfortunately for Russia, Ukraine’s drones are increasingly fully autonomous on terminal approach to a target. Jamming Starlink doesn’t stop them, as one jammer unit found out this week.
Entertainingly, the jamming station was identified by an Ukrainian reconnaissance drone which does not need to use Starlink.
Russia is increasing use of EW systems to jam Starlink equipped drones [video]
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“The trailer-mounted “Volna Kupol Garant” complexes are produced in occupied Simferopol and can create interference across up to 20 km².”
Drone strike on Starlink jammer
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“A Russian electronic warfare system was struck by Ukraine’s 422nd Regiment. The system was said to jam Starlink communications used by long-range kamikaze drones and was protecting the Berdyansk-Melitopol route.”
Russians Try to Jam Starlink Using a $1.5 Million System
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“The system is quite large and is typically mounted on six trailers, each housing satellite dishes inside radio-transparent domes. Furthermore, a high-power energy source is required, which demands appropriate equipment.
Another drawback of the Volna Kupol Garant system is that it can jam only one Starlink satellite. It also has a limited range, blocking communication with the satellite over an area of about 20 square kilometers. In other words, the coverage area has a radius of only about 2.5 km.
It is worth noting that the constellation currently includes more than 10,000 active satellites, with several dozen potentially within range of a terminal at any given time, as new satellites continuously replace them every few minutes in orbit. Each satellite provides coverage over an area with an approximate radius of 1,000 km.”
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UPGRADE TO RUSSIA’S MIDDLE STRIKE DRONE
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Russia deployed its own Middle Strike drone, the Molniya in 2024. It has done a lot of damage, but has never been deployed in same the numbers as Ukraine’s range of Middle strike munitions. The Molniya-2 has now appeared.
Russia Develops New Version of the Molniya Strike UAV
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“[The upgraded] UAV features a new fairing and is equipped with four electric motors; it can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h and has a flight range of up to 50 km. This allows it to carry a payload of up to 13 kg.
The widespread adoption of Molniya clearly illustrates the main trend of 2025 – 2026: the shift from expensive, high-tech systems to cheap, mass-produced, and rapidly upgradeable platforms.”
UKRAINE’S LONG-RANGE WAR
Two highly significant events this week: Ukraine launched a multi-drone attack on the Kremlin’s strategic fuel reserve; and the Moscow Refinery was put out of action after two days of attacks.
RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC OIL RESERVE TARGETED
Rosrezerv maintains Russia’s fuel reserve of last resort at Rybinsk, Yaroslavl oblast. Thanks to a drone attack last weekend, it has now shrunk by 5% with three of its sixty-one storage tanks destroyed. It’s a dead certainty Ukraine will attack again.
Russian Strategic Oil Reserve Ablaze
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[“Drones] hit the [Temp Combine] state reserve oil depot in Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region, over 700 km from Ukraine, on Zelensky’s orders. The depot holds Russia’s strategic fuel reserves and supplies its northeastern regions.
A massive fire broke out, with at least three blazes across a 61-tank farm.”
Ukrainian drones torch Russia’s strategic wartime fuel reserves in Rybinsk and explosives-linked chemical plant in Tula Oblast
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“Kombinat Temp in Rybinsk belongs to Rosrezerv, the state agency hoarding untouchable fuel reserves for crises.”
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LISTEN FOR THE ‘BOOM’
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Rarely seen footage of a Lyuti drone closing in on Rosrezerv. The ‘boom’ comes at 00:48 seconds.
Footage of AN-196 “Lyutyi” on final approach to Rosrezerv (Video)
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“Amazing footage of an AN-196 “Lyutyi” on final approach to the Rosrezerv fuel depot in Rybinsk.”
Oil rain” was reported in Russia’s Rybinsk after drone attack
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“The strike triggered explosions and a major fire at the Rosrezerv facility, with fallout from the burning oil site now observed in the city. “
Doubtless Ukraine’s drones wil make rturn visits, further depelting these reserves of last resort.
MOSCOW REFINERY KNOCKED OUT
Okay, so this was very big news this week, but, other than Reuters, a lot of dramatic and important details went unreported in the mainstream news.
Moscow Oil Refinery Attacked
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“The facility is used for the initial treatment and refining of crude oil. Its primary function is to separate crude oil into key distillate fractions that serve as the basis for producing various fuels..
[On Monday, the] AVT-6 crude distillation and electric desalting unit [was] on fire at the Moscow Oil Refinery. The 6 is the capacity, 6 million tonnes a year—53% of the plant’s capacity. This plant processes 11.6 million tons of oil annually and directly supplies around 40% of Moscow’s gasoline and 50% of its diesel needs.
Sources said Thursday’s attack damaged the Euro+ combined oil refining unit, commissioned in 2020 as part of the plant’s modernisation programme. The unit includes a crude distillation section with nominal capacity of around 140,000 barrels per day - 47% of the refinery’s capacity”
If you do the sums, you get 100%. The entire output of one of Russia’s largest refineries could be out of commission.
Just a reminder that vacuum condensation towers like the AVT-6 are fiendishly complex pieces of engineering. You cannot simply truck i another from a warehouse and assemble it overnight.
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MOSCOW’S AIR DEFENCES DEFEATED
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Undoubtedly Moscow has the best and densest air defence in the world (see map below), but it can be defeated. It’s a numbers game. Here’s how you might do it:
Launch a large number of decoy drones at Moscow
Follow that with an many and as wide a range of kamikaze drones that you can deploy
The decoys arrive first and Moscow’s air defences efficiently shoot them down.
But the decoys keep coming and soon the air defence’s stock of missiles is depleted
The kamikaze drones arrive at every height and speed imaginable making it almost impossible for the remaining point defence teams to target all of them
Havoc is wreaked!
Ukrainian Drones Passed Through Four Layers of Russian Air Defenses to Strike Oil Refinery 15 km From Kremlin in Moscow
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“The Moscow refinery is located outside the Moscow Ring Road, and the drones had to penetrate three layers of air defense, consisting primarily of Pantsir air defense systems deployed on modern platforms.”
This map is published a lot. What you never see is the key that explains the colour coding. Here it is:
🟡Pantsir towers
🟢ramps or garbage dumps/landfill with Pantsir systems
🔴S-300 / 400 - long range equivalents to Patriot (sort of)
🔵Radio Technical (~regiments) (advanced anti-ballistic missile radars & others)
🟠probably garbage dumps with Pantsir (not confirmed yet!)
🟤Approx.site of Moscow Refinery
Some of the Pantsirs are sited on garbage dumps and landfill. Very ironic.
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FORGET TANK TURRET TOSSING, THIS IS BIG TANK TOSSING
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I was disappointed to learn that this is a safety feature of oil storage tanks. The lid blows off and the explosion is directed upwards safely rather than laterally. Oh well.
But, wait! If you watch the videos below, you can see an air defence missile streaking in to blow up the fuel tank. No drones required.
In Moscow, a Russian Anti-Aircraft Missile Destroyed an Oil Storage Tank
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“A Russian missile, likely from the “Pantsir” anti-aircraft missile and gun system, struck a tank containing petroleum products in Moscow… The video [link1] also clearly shows the characteristic trail of an anti-aircraft missile.”
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“FALLING DEBRIS”
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I’ll spare you the truly insane inanities and threats posted by Russian influencers and milbloggers in the aftermath of the Moscow attacks. This sums it all up very neatly:
Russian state TV claims a massive fire in Moscow caused by falling drone debris
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“[It said] a coal storage site caught fire. The broadcast showed huge smoke plumes rising over the area following Ukraine’s large-scale strike wave.
There is no lack of other significant news too.
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A RUSSIAN MISSILE SHORTAGE?
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For four years, Russia has been using S-300 air interceptors as cheap ballistic missiles and lobbing them at cities like Kharkiv. Hundreds have been used in this way. That may now turn out to be a very costly mistake.
Ukraine’s deep strikes leaving Russia short on air defense missiles, possibly at an “unsustainable rate”
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“Moscow is experiencing a shortage of S-300 missile interceptors, three Ukrainian officials familiar with the country’s intelligence estimates have told CBS News. The S-300, a surface-to-air missile system designed by the Soviet Union during the 1960s and 70s, has traditionally served as a vital component of Russia’s air defenses against cruise and ballistic missiles.”
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THE EVIL EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
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Inevitably, Russia has been looking for answers to mass drone attacks. So has Ukraine and it is already fielding automated gun emplacements (See ISSUE 37). Russia’s version was announced this week. It should be relatively cheap compared to a Pantsir and it could be a big problem. But so far, in this war, every time Russia field a new weapon, Ukraine finds an answer to it. And sanctions on electronic and other tech may limit the Zubr effectiveness and numbers.
Russia will need an awful lot of them. But, after last week’s attack on Moscow, we might see the first hundred Zubrs in emplacements ringing Putins lakeside palace at Valdai. Putin always considers his own safety first.
Russia Unveils New Zubr Air Defense System to Protect Its Oil Refineries From Ukrainian Drones
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“The anti-aircraft system is based on four trailers equipped with fire control modules, each of which is armed with four 7.62-mm PKT machine guns and its own electro-optical targeting system. They are integrated into a single automated system with a command post and its own radar.”
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AN INCOMPLETE LIST OF OTHER OIL INDUSTRY ATTACKS THIS WEEK
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Drones struck the Palkino oil pumping station in Russia’s Yaroslavl region.
Fire breaks out at Russia’s Kavkaz oil port after reported drone attack in Krasnodar Krai.
A major fuel depot in Poltavskaya, Krasnodar Krai is set ablaze.
Tatneft, one of Russia’s largest gas station chains restricted the sale of gasoline and diesel at its gas stations across the Russian Federation.
Satellite images show serious damage to the Balakhonikha oil pumping station, Nizhny Novgorod region.
St.Petersburg’s Ust-Labinsk oil depot suffered catastrophic damage after last week’s attack, with most of its tank farm destroyed.
Drone strikes reported on an oil depot and fuel base in Gukovo, Rostov region, overnight on June 18.
Reports of a drone strike on the oil refinery in Tyumen some 2,000 km from Ukraine.
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CARS QUEUE FOR GAS, RUSSIA IMPORTS FUEL
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Unssurprisngly, the consequence of all this is that Russians now have to queue for fuel.
Russia’s fuel crisis continues spreading across regions
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“A resident of Novorossiysk says they’ve learned to live without water, electricity and internet and adapt to everything, but wonders how anyone is supposed to live without gas now..
By evening [June 14], fuel restrictions at gas stations were confirmed in Yaroslavl, Volgograd, Nizhnekamsk, Ulyanovsk, Kemerovo and Karelia, adding to earlier limits in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Rostov.
The occupied part of Donetsk is experiencing a severe gasoline shortage. The fuel shortage has affected not only the civilian sector but also Russian troops involved in combat operations.”
Let’s not forget that Russia is one of largest oil producers in the world. It should be cashing in on the high oil prices right now. Instead it is having to import gasoline. Oh dear.
Russia to import gasoline by sea as shortage looms
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“In a rare move for one of the world’s largest exporters of oil and refined products, Russia is expected to receive a cargo of gasoline via one of its western ports in June, the sources said…
It will be shipped from Asia, one source said, without providing details on volumes or suppliers.
According to industry sources, [Russia] exported nearly 5 million metric tons of gasoline last year, or about 117,000 barrels per day.”
RUSSIA’S LONG-RANGE WAR
ZELENSKY HAS HAD ENOUGH OF PUTIN’S POODLE
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Belarus allowed Russian troops to invade Ukraine from its territory in 2022. It first permitted, but eventually stopped Russia from launching missiles from there too. Zelensky claims Belarus has now permitted Russia to install communication beacons long its border to aid Shahed navigation when they attack nearby Kyiv. Belarus is treading a fine line between provoking Ukraine and pleasing its Russian master. Last week, Russia even staged a false flag attack on a bus to whip up lukewarm Belarussian support.
‘A week will be enough’ — Zelensky issues ultimatum to Lukashenko over drone-guidance equipment
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“President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 19 accused Belarus of facilitating Russian drone attacks on Ukraine and warned that Minsk has one week to remove communications equipment allegedly helping guide strikes from Belarusian territory, or Ukraine would take action itself.”
Three years ago, Ukrainian drones attacked Russian aircraft operating from Belarus. It will be no surprise if it takes out those comms towers.
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NORTH KOREA UPGRADES ISKANDER BALLISTIC MISSILE
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The technology transfer between Russia and North Korea is two-way. Russia’s Iskander has been upgraded with a defensive package from North Korea to prevent interception.
Russia Integrates North Korean Missile Techs Into Iskander-M Ballistic Missile
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“Russia has modified the Iskander-M ballistic missile to penetrate missile defense systems and adapt production to sanctions, in particular by incorporating components and technical solutions from the North Korean KN-23 [ballistic missile].
In particular, the missile has been equipped with an updated 9B899 module, which fires decoys, dipole reflectors, and heat traps during the terminal phase of flight.
Given the absence, as of early June 2026, of any instances of ballistic missiles of this type being used at ranges exceeding 500 km, it can be assumed that this version is still in the development/testing stage.”
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STEALTHIER CRUISE MISSILES
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Russia has plenty of KH-101 cruise missile with an active production line producing more. They feature in almost every attack on a Ukrainian city. The latest version now has a stealthy coating that makes them harder to detect by radar.
New Stealth Coating: Russia Modernizes Kh-101 Missiles
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“Russia has significantly modernized the Kh-101 cruise missiles, specifically updating the radar-absorbing coating on the fuselage to reduce their detection range by radar…
Also, an analysis of debris from 2024–2025 showed a shift from general-purpose civilian chips to specialized components, which are typically procured through Asian countries.”
SHADOW FLEET NEWS
YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD THIS
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Britain intercepts shadow fleet tanker
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“The sanctioned tanker Smyrtos was boarded and detained in the English Channel during a six-hour operation conducted in coordination with France.”
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BUT YOU PROBABLY DID NOT HEAR THIS
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Russian Shadow Fleet Ships Change Routes After SMYRTOS Tanker Detention in the English Channel
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“The Insider reports [that] following the UK’s detention of the Russian shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, several other tankers transiting the strait have abruptly changed their routes.
In particular, the tanker LION I (IMO: 9384069), the tanker, C VIKING (IMO: 9261657) and [the] SONA (IMO: 9428358 [all made radical course changes].”
SABOTAGE AND ASSASSINATION NEWS
INSTIGATOR OF ARSON ATTACKS ON BRITISH PRIME MINISTER NAMED
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The BBC has identified a Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshin, as the handler who arranged three arson attacks last year on Kier Starmer’s home, former home, and car.
Russia was behind arson attacks targeting PM, BBC reveals
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“Even after he set fire to Sir Keir Starmer’s house, Roman Lavrynovych - convicted on Monday of conspiring to commit arson - seemed to know as much about the prime minister as a bullet knows about its target.
His anonymous handler, known by the initials EL, gave a clue in a message: “Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you money, you need to leave the city.”“
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PUTIN CARICATURIST SHOT DEAD
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Russian dissident artist Semyon Skrepezki murdered in Poland
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“Skrepezki was known for his scathing caricatures of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His suspected killer has been apprehended.”
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FORMER BELARUS DIPLOMAT KIDNAPPED BY RUSSIA, FATE UNKNOWN
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An investigative collaboration between DW, the Belarusian Investigative Center(BIC) and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project revealed a complex plot to ‘disappear’ a former diplomat from Belarus,Anatol Kotau.
How a Belarusian exile vanished in waters held by Russia
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“Former diplomat and sports official Anatol Kotau was last seen boarding a private yacht in Turkey in 2025. DW and its partners investigated his journey to and disappearance in Russia-controlled “gray zone” waters in the Black Sea.
Kotau was taken off the yacht by the Russian Coast Guard, a division of the FSB domestic intelligence agency, likely working in cooperation with Belarus. The monthslong investigation found that Kotau may have been lured to his fate by people he knew.”
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GRAVITY POISONING STRIKES ANOTHER HIGH-RANKING RUSSIAN
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If it’s not Polonium in your tea, or Novichok in your underwear, it’s poisoning by gravity. If somebody in Russia built windowless apartments they would make a killing… oh, sorry. That was in bad taste. Er, in fact, windowless apartments are merely prisons.
Russian Colonel Oleg Sokolenko died after falling from a window
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“Russian Colonel Oleg Sokolenko, the military commissar of Rostov’s Pervomaysky and Proletarsky districts, has died after falling from a window of his own apartment.
Sokolenko was found unconscious beneath his apartment building with injuries consistent with a fall. He later died from his injuries.”
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GRU OPERATIVE SENTENCED IN BELGIUM
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Yet more excellent investigative work from The Insider.
GRU operative Viktor Labin sentenced to five years in Belgian prison
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“Prosecutors said Labin played a key role in sending more than 400 tons of cargo to Russia, including sensors that are used to detect explosions and chemicals such as yttrium oxide, which is used in high-tech manufacturing.
The Insider investigated Viktor Labin’s activities in early 2024 and found that he was a GRU officer who had settled in Brussels, home to the headquarters of the European Commission and NATO.
Labin supplies Russian arms manufacturers with European-made coordinate-measuring machines, a high-tech machine tool critical in the production of the Kremlin’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile.”
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MORE RUSSIAN SABOTAGE, MORE ARRESTS
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French Drone Maker Delair’s Factory Attacked With Molotov Cocktails
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“Sabotage has been reported at a French Delair factory that supplies drones to Ukraine…
Investigators were able to identify and track down a suspected perpetrator, who was subsequently arrested. Three days after the attack, a Belarusian citizen was detained near the factory while filming a classified prototype drone.”
GRIMLY HILARIOUS MOMENT OF THE WEEK
‘TOILET’ HAS CAREER FLUSHED DOWN THE DRAIN
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‘Toilet’ Vaganov caught in major corruption scandal
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“The commander of Russia’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Lt Col Yuri ‘Toilet’ Vaganov, has reportedly been caught in an apparently major corruption scandal by a federal sting operation.”
Vaganov, a former plumbing salesman, cornered the market for military drones Prigozhin-style. And in true Prigozhin-style, he is now accused of rigging drone test results to ensure friends got contracts to build them.
He prefers the call-sign ‘Thunder’.
FOREIGN AID & INVESTMENT IN UKRAINE
THIS WEEK’S JOINT PRODUCTION DEALS
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It’s so very dumb that America is missing out on all of this. But great for the Europe.
Ukraine’s The Fourth Law and Lithuania’s RSI Europe have agreed to develop joint drone production in Lithuania as part of the Build with Ukraine initiative.
Ukrainian Deep-Strike and Medium-Strike Drone Production to Launch in the Netherlands.
Ukraine and Sweden agree to mass-produce in Sweden the MAUL medical evacuation UGV robot.
Storm Shadow manufacturer and Ukraine’s LUCH Design Bureau to jointly develop the next-gen Neptune 2 cruise missile.
Ukrainian Armor and Czech firm AviaNera Technologies sign partnership for turbojet and turboprop missile and drone engines.
Fire Point signs memorandum with Germany’s Hensoldt to cooperate on the Freya anti-ballistic missile defence system. Hensoldt will produce and supply radars, while Fire Point will build the architecture, FP-7.x interceptors, launchers and control systems.
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DUTCH BUY MUNITIONS AND TRANSFER MINEHUNTER
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Netherlands pledges Ukraine €5000 million ($580 million) for drones and other weapons
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“It will buy €250 million worth of drones from Dutch defence companies. The other €250 million will be spent through the initiative to supply Ukraine with weapons made in the United States(PURL).”
Netherlands transfers sixth mine countermeasures vessel to Ukraine
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“Ukrainian Navy commander Oleksii Neizhpapa raised the fleet flag at the handover ceremony attended by five allied naval commanders on 15 June.
Henichesk joins four previously transferred vessels: Cherkasy and Chernihiv, both Sandown-class ships from the United Kingdom, and Melitopol and Mariupol, both Alkmaar-class ships from Belgium and the Netherlands. All five vessels will be temporarily based in the United Kingdom until the end of the war.”
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MORE CONSEQUENCES OF UKRAINE’S POOR DIPLOMACY
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This is a self-inflicted open wound. Why alienate a neighbouring country and regional power who actually wants to be your ally? It is so very dumb. Its divisive propaganda value plays right into Russia’s hands.
Zelensky stripped of highest Polish honour over WW2 name of army unit
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“Polish President Karol Nawrocki branded Ukraine’s decision late last month to name the unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) “outrageous”, “incomprehensible” and “deeply disappointing”.
Nawrocki stressed the diplomatic row would not impact Poland’s support for Ukraine against Russia.”
Yeah, right. In possibly not unconnected news:
Poland Suspends MiG-29 Transfers to Ukraine, Says It Has Yet to Receive Ukrainian Drone Technology
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“In Poland, the decision to transfer the aircraft is being justified by the end of their operational service life and the lack of prospects for further modernization.
The move is expected to form part of a broader NATO policy aimed at strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank and supporting Ukraine.”
There isn’t a military in the world that doesn’t have members who are neo-fascists, and Ukraine has yet to deal with this effectively. Azov still has serving members who openly flaunt fascist insignia. There is a drone unit unironically called ‘Luftwaffe’, and they’re not referring to the modern German air force. And now there’s the UPA, whose activities were at different times anti-Soviet or anti-Nazi, but who definitely committed atrocities against Polish civilians.
The Poles are not angels either, but they’ve not got an army unit named after those who massacred Ukrainians. If anything, all this does is encourage the vocal Polish far right, who have used the UPA’s activities to widen support for decades.
It is all so very dumb.
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YET MORE DUTCH SUPPORT
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Netherlands Will Fund and Build New Ruta [Jet-powered Drone] for Ukraine
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“The developers created it for high-precision strikes against high-value stationary military targets. The system employs terrain-following flight at low altitude, navigation resistant to GNSS signal loss, and pre-programmed terminal guidance.
Ruta drone-missiles are manufactured for Ukraine at a Destinus facility in the Netherlands.”
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GERMANY BUYS MISSILE INTERCEPTORS AND DELIVERS NOMADS AIR DEFENCE
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Germany to Allocate $400 Million for Anti-Aircraft Missiles for Ukraine
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“The funds will be used primarily to purchase U.S.-made PAC-3 interceptor missiles, which are used by Patriot air defense systems to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.”
NOMADS Air Defense Systems Protect Ukraine’s Airspace. German Funding Delivers Eight Units
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“In the summer of 2024, Germany was reported to be funding the purchase of NOMADS air defense systems for Ukraine, and two years later it was confirmed that the systems had been delivered.
Ukraine has received the eight Norwegian NOMADS short-range air defense systems… A key feature of the system is that each vehicle is equipped with its own radar, allowing it to operate autonomously. It is also reported that the system can be fitted with electronic warfare equipment and a remotely controlled turret.”
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ICELAND, LUXEMBOURG, LATVIA, LITHUANIA AND AUSTRALIA JOIN IN
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Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Iceland, and Australia to Contribute to the PURL Program
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“The funding will be used to strengthen air defense capabilities and procure essential ammunition.
Australia will provide another $100 million in military assistance to Ukraine through two $50 million PURL contributions over the next 12 months. The funding will help secure critical equipment, including air defense capabilities and munitions”
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SWEDEN BUYS AIR DEFENCE FOR UKRAINE TOO
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Sweden will contribute $108 million to buy US missiles for Ukraine
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“The NATO-administered PURL mechanism gives Kyiv rapid access to priority U.S. weapons packages, including advanced air defense systems and ammunition”
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SPANISH LASER BUIDANCE FOR UKRAINIAN ROCKETS
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More and more, I see Ukraine using its €90 billion fund from the EU to buy modern weapons and components. This is in complete contrast to the first three years of the war where Ukraine had no choice but to accept any and all surplus weapons friendly nations were willing to donate. It means that whilst Russia reaches ever further back into Soviet era stockpiles that are seventy years old, Ukraine now buys or builds the latest weapons that are tailored to its needs.
Spain’s EM&E Supplying Ukraine with Laser Guidance Heads for Grad Rockets
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“The Spanish company EM&E has developed and launched mass production of a new version of the Alkon 122 Laser – A2L modernization kit, featuring semi-active laser guidance for 122-mm rockets fired from the BM-21 Grad MLRS.
This modification was created at Ukraine’s request to improve strike accuracy in the face of electronic warfare.”
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THREE NEW BRITISH STRIKE DRONES
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UK unveiled three prototype long-range strike drones for Ukraine
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“Developed by British firms and built without US components, the weapons are intended to avoid external restrictions on export and use, with deployment possible by the end of 2026.”
Note that these drones contain no American components. No one wants a repeat of American restrictions on Storm Shadows and HIMARS.
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FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS GENERATE UK CASH FOR UKRAINIAN WEAPONS
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The UK announced a £752 (€836) million package for Ukraine
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“The UK announced a £752 million package for Ukraine, including 150,000 Ukrainian-made drones and more than 350 air defense missiles and radars. Funded through the ERA mechanism backed by frozen Russian assets, deliveries are planned by the end of 2026. “
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COMPETITION LAUNCHED FOR INNOVATIVE AIRFIELD-BUSTING IDEAS
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Ukraine and NATO Launch Competition to Find Weapons to Block Russian Airfields
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“Every Russian air mission targeting Ukraine begins at an airfield. Therefore, together with NATO, we are launching a search for solutions to permanently block enemy airfields,” the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine stated.
The competition’s prize fund totals up to €250 thousand euros. The submission period runs through July 20, 2026, and the finalists will be announced on August 11.”
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NORWAY BUYS ARTILLERY SHELLS AND PCKS UP F-16 MAINTENANCE TAB
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Norway to Buy Long-Range Munitions for Ukraine and Finance F-16 Maintenance
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“Norway will allocate $190 million to buy extended-range ammunition to meet the current needs of Ukrainian forces on the front line, likely including 155 mm artillery shells.
In addition, Norway will fund the maintenance of Ukraine’s F-16 fighter fleet and launch a joint drone production project with Ukrainian companies (Drone Deal). The two sides also discussed the possibility of creating a joint European missile defense project.”
EUROPE & CANADA REARM
PLAYING CATCH-UP WITH UKRAINIAN EXPERIENCE
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It is vital that NATOs armies learn how to cope with the urgent reality of drone warfare. Some militaries are adjusting faster than others.
Counter-Drone Protection Based on Ukrainian Experience: Germany Equips Armored Vehicles With Mesh Screens
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“The 45th Armored Brigade of the German Armed Forces, permanently deployed in Lithuania, has fitted its Fuchs armored personnel carriers and Leopard 2 tanks with improvised counter-drone protection.
The protection was reportedly developed and installed by vehicle crews during the Freedom Shield 2026 exercises, held about 15 km from the border with Belarus.”
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FRENCH INTERCEPTOR DRONE GOES INTO PRODUCTION
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France to Purchase Latvian BLAZE Interceptor Drones and Launch Local Production
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“The main goal of this procurement is to significantly enhance the French Army’s capabilities to counter enemy drones and protect troops.”
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GRIPEN POPULARITY MIGHT MEAN EXPANSION OF BRAZIL PRODUCTION
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Saab Faces Orders for Up to 242 Gripens From Ukraine, Canada, Brazil
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“Defense company Saab may face rapid quantitative order growth for their JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter, and Brazilian Embraer, Saab’s main industrial partner, expressed desire to provide support to Swedish concern so it can handle fulfilling existing and future contracts.”
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FRANCE SAYS NO TO AMERICAN DIGITAL OVERLORDS
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French Security Service Rejects Palantir Over U.S. Dependency Risk
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“France’s internal security service has rejected services from the U.S. company Palantir in favor of a domestic firm, aiming to strengthen digital autonomy.
The General Directorate for Internal Security of France (DGSI) has chosen the French company ChapsVision.”
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The ‘EGGBOX’ MINELAYER DRONE
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Currently, no nation in the world can overcome the defensive trio of Drones, mines, and artillery. Being able to drop mines in front of advancing enemy forces has proved decisive tine-and-again in bringing Russian assaults ot a halt in Ukraine.
Germany Unveils Eggbox Drone Mine-Laying System
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“[“The system] use same AT2+ mines that helped destroy 120 Russian tanks in three weeks in Kherson Oblast in 2022
That’s all for now. See you next week.
Numbers are all over the board on the TU 22M-3. Anywhere from 10 to 41 operational aircraft left. But irreplaceable.
Love what the EU has started, and also to specifically include Moldova, which has been ignored (pretty much) as the left-handed stepchild of this war.
Re: Zelenskyy and Nawrocki and that award: These two LEADERS know that anything that can be stored in a drawer cannot overcome anything that saves two countries. Egos be damned.. Zelenskyy gives the award back with apologies. Nawrocki accepts graciously and they work together for common purposes. PLEASE!
BTW, there was SO much in this report, maybe you can takeoff for the next week so we can further digest more of it?! Thx!