On October 31st, Ukraine’s Special Operations Command announced a joint operation with the Russian resistance movement Chornaya Iskra that occurred on September 28th, targeting Russian air defense systems. The strike in Russia’s Rostov region resulted in the destruction of a Buk-M3 air defense launcher and damage to a Nebo-U radar system, critical components of Russia’s southern air defense network. These systems, valued at tens of millions of dollars each, were vital for protecting airspace and their destruction will likely weaken Moscow’s ability to counter Ukrainian attacks. This follows an earlier announcement by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) regarding the destruction of additional Russian air defense assets.
Read More
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has located the addresses of over 300 Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia, a list of which will be shared with international partners. President Zelenskyy announced that this list will be provided to leaders assisting in the return of the children. This development comes as Ukraine continues diplomatic efforts to bring back the children and combats Russian claims of lacking knowledge of their whereabouts. Furthermore, the United States Senate is scheduled to hold hearings concerning Russia’s mass abduction of Ukrainian children.
Read More
In response to the Trump administration’s pressure on Venezuela, the Russian government expressed its support for Venezuelan sovereignty and indicated a willingness to assist. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated they would respond to requests from Venezuela in light of “emerging threats.” Despite this warning, the Trump administration appears to be escalating its military campaign, considering strikes against targets linked to the Maduro regime and drug trafficking. While the administration claims the operation is popular and doesn’t require Congressional approval, some Republican lawmakers are calling for greater oversight.
Read More
The 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon whose development prompted the U.S. to withdraw from the INF Treaty, has been fired at Ukraine on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. This missile, which has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometers, was banned under the 1987 treaty. The use of this missile in Ukraine has been interpreted as confirmation of previous concerns about Russia’s compliance and the need for the U.S. to leave the treaty. The recent strikes on Ukraine have further opened the door for new defense developments in the U.S.
Read More
This week marks the third instance of a Russian aircraft being intercepted by NATO allies while approaching sovereign airspace with its transponder deactivated. The intercepted Russian reconnaissance plane was escorted by Polish MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea after failing to submit a flight plan. While the aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, this incident, along with previous airspace violations, has raised concerns, prompting NATO members to invoke Article Four. NATO emphasizes that Russian aircraft regularly operate near its airspace, although usually with flight plans and communication, and the Polish forces handled the situation according to established procedures.
Read More
Russia’s refined fuel exports have plummeted to levels not seen since the start of the war, a result of refinery shutdowns and increasing Western sanctions. Overall seaborne oil product shipments in October reached their lowest volume since early 2022, despite stable diesel exports. Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities, combined with US sanctions and upcoming deadlines, are further disrupting Moscow’s energy revenue stream, a crucial source of income for the war. President Zelensky has indicated Ukraine’s intention to expand its long-range strike capabilities, hinting at further targeting of Russia’s oil industry.
Read More
Recent investigations by the independent Russian outlet Verstka reveal an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings within the Russian military, referred to as “nullifying,” where soldiers are executed. This practice involves sending personnel on deadly missions without proper gear, as well as executing those who refuse to participate in suicidal assaults, often motivated by financial gain. Commanders are allegedly profiting from the situation through bribes and transferring salaries, with refusal to pay resulting in execution. These findings underscore the brutal tactics employed in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine, where human wave assaults have led to heavy casualties.
Read More
Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian forces have significantly degraded Russia’s air defenses, according to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. A notable achievement includes the destruction of 48% of Russia’s Pantsir surface-to-air artillery and missile systems. These systems are particularly effective against long-range drones, making their neutralization a key priority. While Russia manufactures 30 Pantsir systems annually, the number destroyed by Ukraine exceeds this production rate.
Read More
Canyon Anthony Amarys, a Kansas National Guard member, has been arrested and charged with attempting to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Allegedly, Amarys met with a suspected Russian intelligence agent and agreed to photograph a Fort Riley military installation and obtain a helicopter radio for the Russian military. As part of this agreement, Amarys purchased the radio in March 2025 and traveled to Kansas to send it to Romania. These actions violated U.S. export laws.
Read More
Ukrainian intelligence has announced the destruction of a Russian Oreshnik ballistic missile launch system at the Kapustin Yar range, a joint operation by the HUR, SBU, and SZRU. According to Ukrainian estimates, Russia has fired one Oreshnik missile and destroyed another, with at least one remaining in their arsenal. The Oreshnik, believed to be a modified Soviet-era missile, has a range of approximately 5,500 kilometers and potentially poses a threat to parts of Europe if deployed to Belarus. Simultaneously, Russian officials are emphasizing the development and testing of other advanced weapons, like the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which President Putin has ordered to be prepared for deployment.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker