Ukraine announced a new initiative to expand some of its best drone units and replicate their strengths across the force. Amid a shortage of infantry, Kyiv is leaning even more on drone units to serve as a force multiplier in support of ground troops.
North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region have pulled back from the front lines following heavy losses, US and Ukrainian officials say, while Pyongyang is reportedly preparing to deploy more forces. North Korean troops have put the Ukrainian defense in Kursk under greater stress, but reinforcements will be necessary to sustain that pressure.
On January 29, Ahmed al Sharaa was declared the new president of Syria in the transitional government that came into power after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8. This declaration led to congratulations from several Arab states in the region, and the Qatari emir arrived in Damascus on January 30, the first head of state to visit the new ruler. These developments are part of a broad diplomatic outreach by Sharaa and his new foreign minister.
Russia and Ukraine traded attacks in the Kursk region this week as Moscow looks to continue clawing back its territory. Meanwhile, Russian forces appear to have taken the eastern city of Kurakhove but failed to encircle the Ukrainian forces there.
Turkey has steadily increased its foothold in the central Sahel by providing arms, security assistance, and more to regional juntas. Similarly, The Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Al Qaeda’s branch for the Sahel and West Africa, is on its own upward trajectory, standing as one of the region’s most dominant violent actors. The jihadist group’s external messaging suggests it perceives Turkey to be an obstacle as it seeks to expand its territorial control and influence.
Russia unveiled plans to form a new branch dealing with unmanned systems, echoing a similar move by Ukraine. This decision reflects both the increasing importance of drones and a desire to systematize related evolutions within the Russian military.
Russian forces are currently focused on encircling the eastern city of Kurakhove. Their rate of advance has accelerated in recent weeks as Ukraine grapples with a manpower shortage.
Russia is close to capturing the city of Vuhledar, a defensive stronghold in eastern Ukraine. Vuhledar’s fall will further stretch Kyiv’s forces and aid Russia’s efforts to push Ukraine out of southern Donetsk Oblast.
Russian forces are on the attack in the Kursk region. While it is unclear exactly how much progress they have made, Russia appears to have retaken at least some territory.
Ukraine’s surprise offensive in the Kursk region is a daring gambit likely intended to divert Russian forces and shift the war’s momentum. But it also comes with major risks for Ukraine, which is short on reserves and struggling to hold its lines in Donetsk Oblast.
New footage confirms Russia has begun using three-ton bombs equipped with “UMPK” wing and guidance kits, adding to the serious threat that Russian glide bombs already pose to Ukraine. Here is what we know about the new weapon and its implications for the war.
Ukraine announced the commander of its nascent Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. Sukharevskyi detailed various plans for the USF and how Ukraine plans to continue leveraging unmanned technology in its conflict with Russia.
Recent photos shared on social media offer insights on a new Russian glide bomb that has seen growing use in Ukraine: the UMPB D-30SN.
As Russia’s Kharkiv offensive has forced Ukraine to divert forces badly needed elsewhere, the Russians are trying to capitalize on the eastern front.
Long-delayed U.S. aid is finally on its way to Ukraine as Russia presses forward near Avdiivka and Chasiv Yar. A look inside those battles.
Ukraine’s parliament finally passed a bill aimed at redressing its manpower shortage. But Kyiv’s lack of urgency has given Russia an opportunity to make gains.
The battle was generally favorable for Ukraine, as it destroyed a lot of Russian combat power. But Ukraine waited too long to withdraw and failed to prepare a solid second line of defense.
A Ukrainian intelligence official confirmed that Russia has increased production of key munitions. But supply remains short of demand.
Extensive fortifications helped Russia thwart Ukraine’s counteroffensive. Ukraine may now take a page from Russia’s book heading into a tough 2024.
The much-anticipated GLSDB will not arrive in Ukraine until early 2024. It will offer Ukraine a cost-effective weapon against targets up to 150 km away.
As Moscow looks to ramp up production of Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, a recent strike left a clue about Russia’s production rate.
Despite speculation that Russia debuted its new Italmas drone in Ukraine, the mystery drone in question is likely more mundane.
While the HAWK may be old, Ukraine will take all the air defenses it can get as winter approaches.
ATACMS has already proven its value for Ukraine in strikes against a pair of Russian helicopter bases. But unless Kyiv receives more missiles, it will soon run out.
Washington may finally give Ukraine ATACMS missiles. Although not a silver bullet, ATACMS will be a boon for Ukraine. Here’s how.
Ukraine seems to have launched the main thrust of its counteroffensive. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the operation succeeds.
Further evidence has emerged indicating Russia has begun making Iranian kamikaze drones or at least prototypes thereof.
Ukraine apparently struck the Crimean Bridge using unmanned surface vehicles. However, it will likely have a limited impact on Russian military logistics.
Kyiv’s new French-supplied missiles will help the Ukrainian military degrade Russian logistics and command and control.
New evidence suggests Moscow is getting closer to producing Iranian-designed suicide drones in Russia.