A drone strike on Russia’s Shaikovka airbase on March 31, 2025, significantly damaged infrastructure crucial for Kh-22 and Kh-32 missile operations. Satellite imagery reveals the destruction of missile storage facilities and a technical building used for missile preparation and fueling. Despite Russian claims of intercepting all drones, the attack rendered stationary fueling stations unusable and caused substantial damage to a depot near aircraft parking. The strike targeted the 52nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, known for using these missiles against Ukraine.
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President Sheinbaum firmly rejected potential U.S. drone strikes targeting Mexican cartels, emphasizing Mexico’s non-subordinate stance and its commitment to collaboration, not interference. While agreeing to increased intelligence gathering flights, Sheinbaum underscored that unilateral military action would severely damage U.S.-Mexico relations and hinder cooperation on crucial issues like immigration and drug smuggling. Experts warn such strikes could provoke strong domestic backlash in Mexico, potentially leading to severed diplomatic ties. This opposition comes despite recent increased cooperation and Mexico’s own stepped-up efforts against cartels.
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On March 27, the Ukrainian Air Force targeted the Pogar border checkpoint in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, resulting in the destruction of military infrastructure and the deaths of 15 to 40 Russian soldiers. This strike, a reprisal for ongoing Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, neutralized a key launch point for drones targeting Sumy and Kursk oblasts. The destroyed infrastructure included communication, electronic warfare, and surveillance systems. The action underscores the ongoing conflict and escalating tensions despite a recent partial truce agreement.
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On March 20th, a Ukrainian drone strike on the Engels airbase destroyed 96 Kh-101 cruise missiles, representing two months of production and costing Russia an estimated $960 million. This attack, the third on Engels in ten weeks, targeted missiles intended for use against Ukrainian cities. While the damage inflicted is substantial, the long-term military effectiveness of these deep strikes remains questionable, with analysis suggesting many previous attacks on munitions depots had limited impact. Ukraine’s current reliance on its own deep-strike arsenal, while impressive, may not be sufficient for sustained attacks on key Russian infrastructure.
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A Russian drone strike severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at Chernobyl, impacting 50% of the northern roof and other critical areas. Greenpeace’s assessment reveals significant structural damage, including to the crane system, compromising the NSC’s functionality. Water and snow ingress pose further corrosion risks. Repairs may require the NSC’s costly relocation and reconstruction, mirroring the initial project’s massive expense.
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Ukraine’s recent attack on a Russian strategic bomber airfield, as reported by Russian officials, has sent shockwaves through the conflict. The targeted airfield, Engels, houses a significant number of strategic bombers used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. This bold move represents a significant escalation in the conflict, pushing the boundaries of the war’s geographic reach.
This attack, carried out with drones, according to reports, occurred approximately 700 kilometers from the front lines, showcasing Ukraine’s increasing ability to strike deep within Russian territory. The impact reportedly resulted in a major blast and fire, suggesting a successful strike on a key military asset.… Continue reading
A Russian drone strike targeted Chernobyl’s protective shield, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. While radiation levels remain stable, the attack damaged the $1.6 billion structure designed to contain radioactive materials from the 1986 disaster. Experts, though expressing concern over the reckless act, currently believe the radiation risk is minimal due to an underlying concrete sarcophagus. The incident raises international security concerns and undermines ongoing efforts to decommission the damaged reactor.
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A Russian drone strike targeted the Chernobyl nuclear power plant’s protective shelter, causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished. Despite significant damage, radiation levels remain within normal limits, according to Ukrainian authorities and the IAEA. Russia denies responsibility, attributing the attack to a Ukrainian provocation. This incident follows recent high-level discussions between US and Russian leaders and heightens concerns about nuclear safety in the ongoing conflict.
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Overnight on February 11th, Ukrainian forces launched a joint operation involving drones and special forces, successfully striking the Saratov oil refinery, a key facility supplying fuel to Russian forces in Ukraine. The attack resulted in a significant fire at the Rosneft facility, the extent of which is still being assessed. This strike, along with recent attacks on other Russian energy infrastructure, is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to weaken Russia’s military and economic capabilities. The Saratov refinery, with an annual refining capacity of 7 million tons of oil, is a critical component of Russia’s fuel infrastructure.
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Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery, a significant player in the country’s energy sector, has reportedly ceased operations following drone strikes. This incident highlights the escalating impact of the ongoing conflict on Russia’s energy infrastructure. The refinery’s closure represents a considerable blow, even if it only accounts for a small percentage of Russia’s overall refining capacity. This is because the cumulative effect of numerous such attacks on refineries and fuel storage facilities across the country is significantly impacting Russia’s ability to maintain its energy production and distribution.
The strategic targeting of oil infrastructure underscores a shift in the conflict’s dynamics. While the human cost of the war remains devastating, the targeting of oil refineries suggests a deliberate attempt to cripple the Russian war machine by hitting it where it hurts most – its economic engine.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood