Ukraine can advise Poland on drone defence, a significant offer made by President Zelenskyy during his visit to Warsaw. Considering the ongoing war, Ukraine possesses an unparalleled understanding of modern warfare, particularly when it comes to countering drone threats. This expertise is a direct result of facing relentless attacks, forcing them to adapt and develop effective defensive strategies in real-time. It’s not just about theory; it’s about practical, hard-won lessons learned on the battlefield, making their advice incredibly valuable.
This offer highlights a crucial shift in the landscape of European security. For decades, many nations have relied on theoretical military strategies, but Ukraine’s experience provides a grim reality check.… Continue reading
During a recent televised event, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there would be no further military operations after Ukraine if Russia is treated with respect and its interests are considered. Putin dismissed claims of planning attacks on European countries as “nonsense” while also adding that there would be no further invasions if the West did not repeat its perceived deception regarding NATO expansion. He reiterated his demands for peace in Ukraine, including Ukrainian forces withdrawing from occupied regions and abandoning NATO aspirations. Putin’s remarks coincided with a missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region and came amid discussions about peace proposals, including those from former US President Donald Trump.
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Ukrainian drones hitting another Russian oil platform in the Caspian Sea, a whopping 900km away, is the headline, and frankly, it’s pretty astonishing. This marks the fourth strike this month, a clear indication that Ukraine is not just content with defending its own territory; it’s actively seeking to disrupt Russia’s war machine, wherever it may be. The sheer audacity of these attacks, conducted with what we understand to be sea drones, is impressive, particularly considering that Ukraine doesn’t even share a border with the Caspian Sea. This really highlights the ingenuity and the extended operational reach they’ve managed to achieve.
Sea drones are a fascinating development in modern warfare, aren’t they?… Continue reading
During a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the strength of their combined front against Russia. Tusk hailed Zelenskyy as a hero, reinforcing the idea that Ukraine’s fight is a shared struggle. Both leaders agreed that unity between the two nations is the greatest threat to Russia’s ambitions. Zelenskyy also noted that without a free Ukraine, Russia would target Poland next.
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A Russian-made Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone was discovered in a rural area of Kocaeli’s Izmit district on December 19, 2025, prompting an investigation by authorities. The Orlan-10, a multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russia, is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This incident is the second drone-related event in Turkey this week, following the earlier downing of an unidentified drone near Cankiri. The Orlan-10 drone, which has a wingspan of 3.1 meters and a flight range of 600 km, has been involved in similar incidents, with wreckage previously found in Turkish territory.
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Overnight drone attacks targeted at least seven Russian regions, leading to significant infrastructure damage. In Oryol Oblast, a thermal power plant was reportedly hit, causing disruptions to heating, electricity, and hot water supplies. A fire also erupted at the TogliattiAzot chemical plant, a major ammonia producer in the Samara region. Furthermore, Rostov Oblast reported damage to civilian infrastructure and power outages due to a severed high-voltage transmission line.
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Ukraine’s defense ministry has announced that it has been supplying its troops with approximately 950 interceptor drones daily since early December, a significant production milestone. These interceptors are designed to counter enemy Shahed-type UAVs and are often fast-moving quadcopters. Developed in response to Russia’s increased use of attack drones, these interceptors are designed to destroy aerial systems through direct impact or explosives. With a production goal of 1,000 interceptors a day, the Ukrainian government is working with multiple manufacturers and has placed further orders for next year.
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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully targeted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker with drones in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a first for such an operation. The strike, conducted in neutral waters over 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine, caused significant damage to the tanker QENDIL, rendering it inoperable. The SBU source emphasized that the attack was a legitimate target, as the tanker was used to circumvent sanctions and fund Russia’s war. This incident follows a recent drone attack on a Russian oil tanker in Rostov-on-Don, resulting in casualties and damage.
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EU leaders have agreed to a hefty €90 billion loan for Ukraine, covering the years 2026 and 2027. This financial commitment is a significant step, signaling the EU’s continued support for Ukraine as it navigates the ongoing conflict with Russia. The agreement, announced after extensive negotiations, represents a collective effort to provide both military and economic assistance during a critical period.
The structure of this financial support is quite interesting: it’s an interest-free loan. This means Ukraine won’t be burdened with interest payments, making the overall arrangement more manageable. Details on how the funding will be sourced weren’t immediately specified, but the fact that it is an interest-free loan is definitely a favorable condition, considering the circumstances.… Continue reading
The European Union has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion ($105 billion) interest-free loan through 2027 to support its economy and military, though the use of frozen Russian assets to fund the loan remains a point of exploration for the bloc’s executive arm. While a consensus on using frozen Russian state funds was not reached, the agreement ensures Ukraine will not have to repay the loan until after the war ends and allows the EU to potentially use Russian assets for funding in the future. This move comes in response to funding gaps caused by the United States’ decreased funding, and it is viewed as a crucial step to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and send a strong message to Russia. However, some member states voiced concerns, and there is an understanding that the transatlantic trust has diminished, increasing the need for Europe to secure its own security.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker