The Kremlin responded to reports of potential U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile transfers to Ukraine, stating Russia would react “appropriately” if such a move occurred. This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s reported request for the long-range missiles, which have been a part of Ukraine’s strategic objectives for years. The Tomahawks, capable of striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, would allow Ukraine to target command centers and supply hubs, potentially including the Kremlin. With Ukraine currently utilizing shorter-range missiles and long-range drone strikes, the deployment of Tomahawks could drastically shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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On September 28th, the French Navy intercepted the Boracay, a vessel suspected of launching drones into European airspace, diverting it to Western France for investigation. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed French troops boarded the ship, detaining two crew members as part of a state investigation. The vessel, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions, has changed names multiple times and was en route to India carrying oil, with suspicion rising due to drone activity across Europe. The Boracay’s refusal to cooperate and failure to clarify its nationality prompted the investigation, while Ukrainian military specialists have arrived in Denmark for counter-drone exercises in response to the airspace violations.
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Polish authorities are investigating a suspected Russian plot to carry out sabotage attacks using drones and disguised explosives. The probe, stemming from the detention of an agent allegedly working for Russia’s GRU, revealed instructions to bury and retrieve explosive-filled “sweetcorn” tins. Evidence suggests that these operations were planned not only in Poland but also in Lithuania and Germany, with similar tins discovered in Lithuania and drone components transported between the three countries. If convicted, the suspect could face a life sentence, with the investigation expected to conclude by year’s end.
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Amidst escalating domestic fuel shortages, Russia is preparing to import gasoline from Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore. These shortages are primarily caused by Ukrainian drone and missile strikes that have crippled almost 40% of Russia’s refining capacity. To facilitate imports, the government plans to lift import duties, provide subsidies, and potentially boost imports from Belarus. Further, the government is considering lifting a ban on a controversial octane-boosting additive, despite safety concerns, to increase fuel production.
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US to provide Ukraine with intelligence for long-range strikes in Russia, WSJ reports, is a headline that’s making waves, and for good reason. The Wall Street Journal reported that the US is planning to supply Ukraine with intelligence to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia. This is a significant development, as it escalates the conflict and potentially alters the dynamics of the war. It’s understandable why this announcement has ignited such a buzz.
This move seems to have been preceded by a shift in rhetoric from former President Donald Trump. He recently made a surprising statement on social media suggesting Ukraine could retake all its land occupied by Russia.… Continue reading
French military forces have boarded the oil tanker Boracay, suspected of involvement in drone flights that led to the closure of Danish airports. The tanker, which has links to Russia and is part of the “shadow fleet,” was intercepted while carrying crude oil from Russia to India. Two crew members are in custody as French authorities investigate the vessel’s nationality and lack of cooperation, which follows drone sightings and incursions that have prompted European leaders to develop defenses against such threats. The incident has raised concerns of potential Russian involvement, resulting in the Danish prime minister declaring that Europe faces a “hybrid war.”
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Russia-appointed ‘stooge’ mayor killed in apparent drone strike by Ukraine, a situation that, frankly, is complex. It seems we’ve got a situation where a mayor, placed in power by the invading force, is now… no longer with us. This immediately brings up a whole host of questions and, as you might expect, a spectrum of opinions. The phrase “victim of circumstances” comes to mind, and while it’s a sentiment often uttered, it’s a particularly interesting one in this context.
The event has sparked reactions, as it should, ranging from relief to concern. Some feel it’s a just outcome, almost poetic justice.… Continue reading
In September, Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine dramatically decreased, with forces capturing 44% less land compared to August, totaling approximately 259 square kilometers. This gain, which represents only 0.04% of Ukraine’s total area, is the smallest monthly advance since May. Key losses for Ukraine were concentrated near Novopavlivka in Donetsk Oblast, a challenging front line, and heavy fighting persisted around Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. However, Ukrainian forces have been pushing back Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction, reclaiming villages and slowing the enemy’s advance.
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Ukraine has unveiled the RK-360L, a new land-attack version of its Neptune cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. This updated missile, part of the Neptune-D system, boasts a warhead weight of 260 kilograms, significantly exceeding the original Neptune’s specifications. The RK-360L also incorporates features for long-range land operations, including low-altitude flight and precision targeting. It retains the capability to strike both land and sea targets, and has been used in strikes such as the one against the Elektrodetal factory in the Bryansk region.
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Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have significantly impacted Russia’s oil refining capabilities, leading to a severe fuel shortage. As of late September, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary refining capacity was offline, with gasoline output dropping significantly and causing a roughly 20% shortfall in domestic demand. These outages are unprecedented, with drone strikes directly causing about 70% of the shutdowns, hitting over two dozen major refineries. The crisis has prompted the Kremlin to ban gasoline exports and drop import duties, while the public faces rationing and rising prices.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood