On September 14th, Ukrainian special forces reportedly destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Ukraine’s HUR. The Buk-M3, valued between $40-$50 million, is a key air defense asset used to target various airborne, ground, and water-based targets. This strike near Oleksandrivka marks another successful hit against a Buk system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, in the ongoing conflict. The Buk-M3 is the latest version of the system, capable of tracking and engaging numerous targets simultaneously and gained notoriety in 2014 with the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
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On September 13, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine, prompting the scrambling of two F-16 fighter jets. The drone, detected by radar systems, penetrated about six miles into Romanian territory, remaining in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes before turning back toward Ukraine. Though close to being shot down, the Romanian military did not engage, as the drone did not pose an immediate danger. This incident followed a similar incursion into Polish airspace where at least three drones were shot down, highlighting repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian attack drones.
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On September 13–14, Ukrainian special units conducted coordinated sabotage operations against Russian railway infrastructure in the Oryol and Leningrad regions, targeting vital supply routes. Attacks on the Orel–Kursk railway line resulted in the deaths of two Russian servicemen, while an attack on the St. Petersburg–Pskov line caused the derailment and destruction of 15 fuel tankers. The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and Special Operations Forces (SSO) were reportedly involved in these joint operations, which significantly hampered Russia’s ability to supply troops on the Kharkiv and Sumy fronts. These actions followed an earlier Ukrainian drone strike on the Kirishi Oil Refinery near St. Petersburg.
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Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed Russia’s objections to foreign troops in Ukraine, advocating for immediate deployment, regardless of Moscow’s stance. Speaking at the Yalta European Strategy conference, Johnson criticized European allies for their hesitant approach to security guarantees, which are contingent on a ceasefire that Russia shows no interest in. His proposal involves a “Coalition of the Willing” providing training and logistics, sending a clear message that Ukraine, not Russia, determines which forces are present. Johnson believes this assertive action will shift the strategic landscape in the Kremlin, signaling the West’s commitment to Ukraine.
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Romania has reported a Russian drone in its airspace, marking the second NATO country to experience such an incursion. The drone was detected by F-16 fighter jets monitoring the border with Ukraine, specifically near the village of Chilia Veche, after the defense ministry noted Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. While the drone did not pose an immediate threat, the EU and Ukrainian President Zelensky have condemned the event as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty and an expansion of the war. Poland, in response to the ongoing concerns, has initiated preventative aviation operations and increased its air defense readiness, while the Czech Republic sent a special operations helicopter unit to Poland.
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The Ukrainian Navy successfully targeted a key communications hub utilized by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea on September 11th. This facility, the 184th Research and Experimental Base, served as a crucial node for managing Russian naval operations and was situated near an airfield used by Russian forces. The strike damaged the communications hub, which previously specialized in hydrodynamic testing. This attack followed a prior strike on September 10th by Ukrainian drones that hit the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Center for Deep Space Communications in Vitino, also in occupied Crimea.
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On September 14, Ukrainian forces launched an attack on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, a major facility with a significant processing capacity. Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted drones, with debris from one causing a fire at the refinery site. The fire was reportedly extinguished with no casualties, though video footage suggests a large explosion. This attack follows a pattern of intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s oil industry, including a recent attack on a major oil-loading port, aiming to disrupt operations and exacerbate fuel shortages.
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On September 13, Ukrainian forces regained control of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast village of Filia, which had been briefly occupied by Russian troops. The 425th Skelya Regiment conducted the operation, which involved capturing prisoners and securing the area. Russia had claimed to have seized Filia on August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day. The region of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been a target of Russian offensives as part of the ongoing conflict, which is a focus of the creation of a “buffer zone” on Ukrainian territory.
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In response to recent Russian drone incursions, NATO allies are bolstering Poland’s defense capabilities. France, Germany, and Denmark will provide fighter jets and other military assets, with the UK also expected to contribute to the “Eastern Sentry” mission. This enhanced effort aims to counter Russian drone and missile threats, which have increased in frequency across the Eastern flank. While NATO assesses the recent incidents, which included a significant drone incursion into Poland, the alliance is committed to responding to airspace violations. Concurrently, international efforts to support Ukraine continue, with the UK announcing new sanctions against Russia during a visit by the foreign secretary to Kyiv.
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On Saturday, a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace, prompting the deployment of F-16 fighter jets to track the aircraft. This incursion, coinciding with renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, has heightened fears of conflict spillover and drawn condemnation from NATO allies. Romanian officials and President Zelensky condemned the incident, viewing it as a deliberate act by Russia. In response to these violations, NATO is implementing a new initiative called “Eastern Sentry” to bolster defense of its eastern flank.
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John Q. Hosedrinker