Ukraine drone strike keeps Russia’s only Rostov refinery burning for third day, and it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer impact of such a seemingly small piece of technology. Drones, really, are changing the game. They’re proving to be a potent weapon in modern warfare, capable of inflicting significant damage on critical infrastructure, like this refinery. The fact that a single drone, or a swarm of them, can cripple a major facility for days underscores a fundamental shift in how conflicts are fought. It’s a stark reminder that the battlefield has evolved.
Ukraine drone strike keeps Russia’s only Rostov refinery burning for third day, and it really makes you think about the nature of this conflict.… Continue reading
The CIA officer, a veteran of American intelligence with over two decades of service, held a pivotal role in 2016 as the top intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia. In this capacity, she supervised the creation of a report detailing Russia’s interference in the presidential election, specifically its support for Donald Trump. Later, she rejoined the agency as a senior manager, resuming her oversight of CIA operations and analysis concerning Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Read More
Satellite imagery suggests Russia is constructing a listening station in the Kaliningrad region, a semi-exclave bordering NATO members. This facility, which appears to be a circularly disposed antenna array (CDAA), is designed for radio intelligence and communication, potentially enabling Russia to intercept NATO communications. The site, located near an air base used by the Russian navy, could be used for signal direction finding, electronic surveillance, and submarine communications. Its strategic location in Kaliningrad allows Russia to monitor electronic communications across Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, and support passive intelligence gathering.
Read More
As of August 22, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russia has sustained significant losses since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, totaling 1,075,160 troops. This includes 840 casualties suffered in the last day. Furthermore, the report details extensive Russian equipment losses, including thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and various aircraft and naval assets.
Read More
Ukraine has targeted the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, disrupting supplies to these EU member states. The attack on the Unecha pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, confirmed by Ukrainian officials, prompted Hungary and Slovakia to request assistance from the European Commission. This strike marks the third attack on the pipeline in recent times, eliciting condemnation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who opposes EU sanctions on Russian energy. Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU nations still reliant on Russian oil, and the interruption has further heightened tensions amidst the ongoing conflict.
Read More
In a recent attack, Russia launched cruise missiles at an American electronics factory in western Ukraine, resulting in extensive damage and numerous injuries. This strike was part of a larger overnight barrage involving hundreds of drones and missiles. The factory, owned by the U.S.-based company Flex, produced civilian goods and had been operating at the site since 2012. Despite recent diplomatic efforts, including meetings between President Trump and both Zelenskyy and Putin, the attack underscores the ongoing conflict and the lack of major concessions from either side.
Read More
During an Oval Office briefing, President Trump stated he informed Russian President Putin of his unhappiness regarding the recent Russian missile strike on a U.S.-owned electronics factory in western Ukraine. The factory, belonging to Flex Ltd., was targeted on August 21st, prompting accusations of a deliberate attack during ongoing peace talks. Trump expressed optimism about the U.S.-brokered peace negotiations, claiming the U.S. would know in two weeks how they would unfold and suggested a different approach might be considered if an agreement is not reached.
Read More
The United States has significantly restricted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, excluding even the Five Eyes alliance, a close intelligence network. This decision, which follows a previous cut-off in March, raises concerns among European allies who have stepped up their own intelligence support. Experts suggest that the US’s reluctance to share information may be influenced by political factors. A European intelligence official expressed disappointment, viewing the move as a negative trend amid ongoing speculation about the influence of pro-Russian figures in the US government.
Read More
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has cautioned against pressuring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, labeling such proposals a “trap” orchestrated by Putin. Kallas emphasized that Russia has made no concessions and that Putin may not be interested in a peace deal, especially after receiving a “welcoming” during talks. President Zelensky has also expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, citing their avoidance of a meeting and continued aggression. The piece highlighted the EU’s continued sanctions and the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
Read More
Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia, and it’s a significant event, wouldn’t you say? It’s a moment where the geopolitical chessboard shifts, and the consequences ripple outwards. We see that Ukraine’s actions have directly impacted the flow of Russian oil, and the two countries most directly affected are Hungary and Slovakia.
It seems like the implications here go beyond a simple disruption of supply chains. There’s a clear sentiment expressed – a mix of relief, vindication, and even a touch of schadenfreude, aimed particularly at the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. Some commentators view this interruption as a form of “kinetic sanctions,” as if Ukraine is stepping in where European nations haven’t, or couldn’t, act decisively enough.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker