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The Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is once again in the news, after a senior U.S. military commander on July 17  issued a stark warning to the Kremlin that NATO forces could take control of it "in a timeframe that is unheard of." The remarks from U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander General Chris Donahue are some of the strongest yet from a Western military official — a direct threat to the Kremlin about the consequences of further Russian aggression beyond Ukraine.

They come amid ever-heightening tensions between NATO and Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion, and after a series of warnings from Western officials about Moscow's future intentions to attack NATO members. "I'm fairly certain that if the Russians were to attack the Baltic states, one of the first places to be bombed by NATO — if it isn't Moscow or St. Petersburg — would be Kaliningrad," Dr. Stephen Hall, lecturer in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath, told the Kyiv Independent.

If war broke out...if it isn't Moscow? or St. Petersburg (maybe) — would be Kaliningrad, (likely)" Dr. Stephen Hall, lecturer in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath, told the Kyiv Independent.
https://kyivindependent.com/why-a-us-gen...t-07-2025/

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Kaliningrad, city, seaport, and administrative centre of Kaliningrad oblast (region), Russia. Detached from the rest of the country, the city is an exclave of the Russian Federation. Kaliningrad lies on the Pregolya River just upstream from Frisches Lagoon. Formerly capital of the dukes of Prussia & later capital of East Prussia, city was ceded to the Soviet Union in 1945 under the Potsdam agreement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kaliningrad: City, Kaliningrad oblast, Russia. Also known as: Königsberg, Królewiec

News • Russia closes Polish consulate in Kaliningrad in tit-for-tat diplomatic row • July 11, 2025, (ABC News (U.S.))

Kaliningrad, city, seaport &  admin centre of Kaliningrad oblast (region), Russia. Detached from rest of the country, city is an exclave of Russian Federation. 

Kaliningrad lies on the Pregolya River just upstream from Frisches Lagoon. Formerly capital of the dukes of Prussia & later capital of East Prussia, the city was ceded to Soviet Union in 1945 under the Potsdam agreement.

Kaliningrad, Russia:
The old town of Königsberg (“King’s Mountain”) grew up around fortress built in 1255 by Teutonic Knights on advice of Přemysl Otakar II, king of Bohemia, after whom place was named. Its first site was near fishing town of Steindamm, after its destruction by Prussians in 1263, it was rebuilt near where city now stands. Königsberg received civic privileges in 1286 and entered the Hanseatic League in 1340. From 1457 it was the residence of the grand master of the Teutonic Knights, and from 1525 until 1618 the residence of the dukes of Prussia. The trade of Königsberg was much hindered by constant shifting & silting up of the channels leading to its harbour, the First Northern War (1655–60) did immense damage the city, but be4 end of 17th century it had almost recovered. In 1701, in the chapel of the castle, Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg crowned himself the first king of Prussia—as Frederick I. In 1724 Frederick William I of Prussia united nearby Löbenicht and Kneiphof with Königsberg to form a single city. Again...

Königsberg suffered severely during the Napoleonic Wars was the scene of the deliberations led to successful uprising of Prussia against Napoleon again. During the 19th century opening of a railway system in East Prussia & Russia gave a new impetus to city’s commerce, making it principal outlet for Russian staples as grain, seeds, flax, and hemp. Under Prussia & then Germany the town was, after Kiel, main naval base on the Baltic Sea & a key to defense of eastern frontier. Its modern fortifications begun in 1843 & completed in 1905...

...Warning to Kremlin that NATO forces could take control of it "in a timeframe that is unheard of." The remarks from U.S. Army Europe & Africa commander General Chris Donahue are some of the strongest yet from a Western military official...

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Kaliningrad, city, seaport, and administrative centre of Kaliningrad oblast (region), Russia. Detached from the rest of the country, the city is an exclave of the Russian Federation. Kaliningrad lies on the Pregolya River just upstream from Frisches Lagoon. Formerly capital of the dukes of Prussia & later capital of East Prussia, city was ceded to the Soviet Union in 1945 under the Potsdam agreement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kaliningrad: City, Kaliningrad oblast, Russia. Also known as: Königsberg, Królewiec

News • Russia closes Polish consulate in Kaliningrad in tit-for-tat diplomatic row • July 11, 2025, (ABC News (U.S.))

Kaliningrad, city, seaport &  admin centre of Kaliningrad oblast (region), Russia. Detached from rest of the country, city is an exclave of Russian Federation. 

Kaliningrad lies on the Pregolya River just upstream from Frisches Lagoon. Formerly capital of the dukes of Prussia & later capital of East Prussia, the city was ceded to Soviet Union in 1945 under the Potsdam agreement.

Kaliningrad, Russia:
The old town of Königsberg (“King’s Mountain”) grew up around fortress built in 1255 by Teutonic Knights on advice of Přemysl Otakar II, king of Bohemia, after whom place was named. Its first site was near fishing town of Steindamm, after its destruction by Prussians in 1263, it was rebuilt near where city now stands. Königsberg received civic privileges in 1286 and entered the Hanseatic League in 1340. From 1457 it was the residence of the grand master of the Teutonic Knights, and from 1525 until 1618 the residence of the dukes of Prussia. The trade of Königsberg was much hindered by constant shifting & silting up of the channels leading to its harbour, the First Northern War (1655–60) did immense damage the city, but be4 end of 17th century it had almost recovered. In 1701, in the chapel of the castle, Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg crowned himself the first king of Prussia—as Frederick I. In 1724 Frederick William I of Prussia united nearby Löbenicht and Kneiphof with Königsberg to form a single city. Again...

Königsberg suffered severely during the Napoleonic Wars was the scene of the deliberations led to successful uprising of Prussia against Napoleon again. During the 19th century opening of a railway system in East Prussia & Russia gave a new impetus to city’s commerce, making it principal outlet for Russian staples as grain, seeds, flax, and hemp. Under Prussia & then Germany the town was, after Kiel, main naval base on the Baltic Sea & a key to defense of eastern frontier. Its modern fortifications begun in 1843 & completed in 1905...

...Warning to Kremlin that NATO forces could take control of it "in a timeframe that is unheard of." The remarks from U.S. Army Europe & Africa commander General Chris Donahue are some of the strongest yet from a Western military official...

This small Kaliningrad, Russia: in under Moscow control, and if there is a real war. This will be what U.S.A. maybe interested...  see map ✓closer next to Poland below...

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If war broke out...if it isn't Moscow? or St. Petersburg (maybe) — would be Kaliningrad, (likely)" Dr. Stephen Hall, lecturer in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath, told the Kyiv Independent.
https://kyivindependent.com/why-a-us-gen...t-07-2025/

Germany-funded long-range weapons to arrive in Ukraine by late July, general says.
https://kyivindependent.com/germany-fund...eral-says/

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Germany-funded long-range weapons to arrive in Ukraine by late July, general says.
https://kyivindependent.com/germany-fund...eral-says/

https://share.google/thcleRZilh34lt97M

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Dive into dramatic tale of Pokrovsk, where Ukraine's resilience turns tables on a formidable foe. How a small city stood tall against a massive offensive, using brains over brawn and modern tactics to outsmart an old-school war machine. This isn't just history; it's a battlefield masterclass! Watch now to see how intelligence reigns supreme in modern warfare.
https://youtu.be/nvopLHmlsnA?si=r0WHZFiRKEZTkfyJ

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Dive into dramatic tale of Pokrovsk, where Ukraine's resilience turns tables on a formidable foe. How a small city stood tall against a massive offensive, using brains over brawn and modern tactics to outsmart an old-school war machine. This isn't just history; it's a battlefield masterclass! Watch now to see how intelligence reigns supreme in modern warfare.
https://youtu.be/nvopLHmlsnA?si=r0WHZFiRKEZTkfyJ

https://youtu.be/nvopLHmlsnA?si=KbCL_CwJOkomQz0d

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US Interested in Buying Ukrainian Drones: Zelensky

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US Interested in Buying Ukrainian Drones: Zelensky

Ukraine has become a leading countries globally in mass production & development of military drones. UAVs are not limited to reconnaissance or strike roles — they are modular systems w/various capabilities, ranging from small copters to jet-powered attack drones & uncrewed maritime vehicles. Support from state active involvement from private companies, Ukraine is scaling up UAV production at a pace described as unprecedented globally. Today, more than 200 Ukrainian firms are involved in drone manufacturing, with many designs shaped by direct combat experience.

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A statement comes after video emerged online, showing Satria expressing his wish to regain his Indonesian citizenship, in a recording, he claimed (he is not aware) (suka or mad - this man?), he go signed a contract w/Russian Ministry of Defense. Resulted in loss of Indonesian citizenship. “I did not know signing a contract w/Russian Ministry of Defense would make me (refering to him) losing his Indonesian citizenship,” refering (this) to Satria said in video.

He appealed directly to Foreign Minister Sugiono , Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka & even President Prabowo Subianto to allow him to return??, saying  loss of his citizenship was not worth what he gained from joining Russia.

WHAT?. "President Prabowo can end his contract?,?.” Satria said, adding, “I never wanted to-lose my citizenship, it means everything to him.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat said the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow has been monitoring Satria’s situation & remains in communication with him.
“Matter of his citizenship status falls under authority of Ministry of Law,” Roy said. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas confirmed a former marine has lost his Indonesian citizenship after joining the Russian military without presidential approval. Indonesian Navy Satria Arta Kumbara from Indonesia.

Indonesian Navy Rejects Ex-Marine’s Plea to Return After Joining Russian Forces. Ex-Marine’s Plea to Return After Joining Russian. He's strips citizenship.
Ex-Indonesian Marine Faces Loss of Citizenship After Joining Russian Army in war against Ukraine. Indonesian Navy Rejects Ex-Marine’s Plea to Return After Joining Russian Forces. Indonesian Navy Rejects Ex-Marine’s Plea to Return After Joining Russian Forces

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Germany-funded long-range weapons to arrive in Ukraine by late July, general says.
https://kyivindependent.com/germany-fund...eral-says/

Month ago, a journalist from Oboronka who was present at tests. 3 months ago, Brave1 was testing fibre-optic drones w/range upto 20 km. Ukrainian developers are tested. Now...This week, Brave1 tech cluster tested a dozen Ukrainian fibre-optic drones, capable to, considerable number are capable of striking targets at distances of upto 40 km & now distance could be doubled.

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Month ago, a journalist from Oboronka who was present at tests. 3 months ago, Brave1 was testing fibre-optic drones w/range upto 20 km. Ukrainian developers are tested. Now...This week, Brave1 tech cluster tested a dozen Ukrainian fibre-optic drones, capable to, considerable number are capable of striking targets at distances of upto 40 km & now distance could be doubled.

Ukraine tests fibre-optic drones with up to 40-km range – photos | Ukrainska Pravda https://share.google/2aA1FbBtuR9Dedrt7

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* Why Trump now know... Why?. Here!. Another reason for lossing not only Russia but also a fear of lossing a few friends  he have left!!!.

KYIV: U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia just wanted to "keep killing people". Meanwhile,

Update: Minister of Transportation, featured in video, was fired. 1 hour later is dead. Yet forensic reports confirm he was already dead — shot dead & left undiscovered for more than a day b4 Kremlin announced his dismissal. 

This are not mere protocol. It was deliberate signal of terror.

Such Russia regime is "rotting" from within.  *Kremlin broadcasting that no one is untouchable as it devours its very own gang...

Germany suppling Ukraine w/long-range missiles 'very soon,' Merz says

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Germany supplying Ukraine w/long-range missiles 'very soon,' Merz says

Germany will provide Ukraine with new long-range missiles "very shortly, very soon," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 17, without mentioning name of weapons being supplied. "Ukraine will be much better positioned & use these systems and get the support of us with regard to those systems in the weeks and months to come," Merz said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously said Berlin will not supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, but will provide Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems purchased from the U.S. Kyiv has long sought the long-range missile as Russia continues to wage its war.

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Germany will provide Ukraine with new long-range missiles "very shortly, very soon," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 17, without mentioning name of weapons being supplied. "Ukraine will be much better positioned & use these systems and get the support of us with regard to those systems in the weeks and months to come," Merz said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously said Berlin will not supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, but will provide Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems purchased from the U.S. Kyiv has long sought the long-range missile as Russia continues to wage its war.

Weeks prior, Berlin had previously said it would consider sending its long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.


The Taurus missile is capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles) — a range greater than other long-range weapons Ukraine has received from allies.

On July 9, Merz promised further assistance to Kyiv, noting that diplomatic means for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war "have been exhausted."

"When a criminal regime openly questions another country’s right to exist with military force and sets out to destroy the political order of freedom on the entire European continent, the federal government I lead will do everything in...

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Weeks prior, Berlin had previously would consider sending its long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Taurus missile is capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles) — a range greater than other long-range weapons Ukraine has received from allies.

On July 9, Merz promised further assistance to Kyiv, noting that diplomatic means for resolving the Russia-Ukraine war "have been exhausted."

"When a criminal regime openly questions another country’s right to exist with military force and sets out to destroy the political order of freedom on the entire European continent, the federal government I lead will do everything in...

This is another agreement. Under a German-financed agreement, Ukraine will receive hundreds of domestically produced long-rangeT weapon systems by the end of July, German Major General Christian Freuding said on July 11. The Trump U.S. admin also has promised to supply Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems in a new deal brokered by Euro NATO under Germany too. On July 17, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Washington was working to speed up weapons deliveries to Ukraine in coordination with the defense alliance. 

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If war broke out...if it isn't Moscow? or St. Petersburg (maybe) — would be Kaliningrad, (likely)" Dr. Stephen Hall, lecturer in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath, told the Kyiv Independent.
https://kyivindependent.com/why-a-us-gen...t-07-2025/

While campaigning for re-election, US Donald Trump had promised to end war in Ukraine within 24 hrs of taking office. More then 7-mths into his 2nd term, nore ehen a ceasefire appear. So remote as ever, w/Russia launching a fierce bombardment of Ukraine in/out everydays. This coming day. Putin 3rd try to held separate talk with Ukraine, & here another brokered direct talks between them in Istanbul 3rd time since Russia’s full-fledged invasion in Feb-2022. Putin has offered none stop, no pauses in fighting, he can't accepted US proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.


Ukraine has accepted Trump proposal. But Russia war on Ukraine can't stop for truce, as Putin continue to remobilise troops and rearm itself as everyday, they still fighting everyday, day N night. Tongue..

Buckle up: Ukraine..aviation enthusiasts!. Dive into thrilling tale of MiG-29, a Soviet-era jet turned modern marvel by Ukrainian ingenuity, how an iPad with some clever software turned this Cold War relic into a precision attack machine capable of outmaneuvering state-of-the-art defenses. It's wild ride for tech, tactics & a triumph, U won't want to miss!, more exhilarating stories let u know your favorite part in the comments!...

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While campaigning for re-election, US Donald Trump had promised to end war in Ukraine within 24 hrs of taking office. More then 7-mths into his 2nd term, nore ehen a ceasefire appear. So remote as ever, w/Russia launching a fierce bombardment of Ukraine in/out everydays. This coming day. Putin 3rd try to held separate talk with Ukraine, & here another brokered direct talks between them in Istanbul 3rd time since Russia’s full-fledged invasion in Feb-2022. Putin has offered none stop, no pauses in fighting, he can't accepted US proposal unconditional 30-day ceasefire. But Ukraine has accepted Trump proposal. But Russia war on Ukraine can't stop for truce, as Putin continue to remobilise troops and rearm itself as everyday, they still fighting everyday, day N night. 

Buckle up: Ukraine..aviation enthusiasts!. Dive into thrilling tale of MiG-29, a Soviet-era jet turned modern marvel by Ukrainian ingenuity, how an iPad with some clever software turned this Cold War relic into a precision attack machine capable of outmaneuvering state-of-the-art defenses. It's wild ride for tech, tactics & a triumph for Ukraine, You won't want to miss!, more exhilarating stories let u know your favorite part in the comments!...

https://youtu.be/qptT0tn9feQ?si=8hyp2uzsJX-paqv5

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Month ago, a journalist from Oboronka who was present at tests. 3 months ago, Brave1 was testing fibre-optic drones w/range upto 20 km. Ukrainian developers are tested. Now...This week, Brave1 tech cluster tested a dozen Ukrainian fibre-optic drones, capable to, considerable number are capable of striking targets at distances of upto 40 km & now distance could be doubled.

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has unveiled the inner workings of a new Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are make from Foreign Components in Weapons section of the War&Sanctions portal, exposing its role as a stealthy scout & decoy to pinpoint Ukrainian air defence positions to stretch them to breaking point report this craft can tote a warhead weighing up to 15 kg.


News: from Intelligence of Ukraine, reported by defence industry project by Mezha.Media, a technology IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's.
Details: DIU asserts this device sports was a delta-wing fuselage akin to the Shahed-136 (Geran-2), though markedly smaller. 

Notes here: Every component is of Chinese origin...So China Xi is helping Putin to will more Ukraine folks.

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Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has unveiled the inner workings of a new Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are make from Foreign Components in Weapons section of the War&Sanctions portal, exposing its role as a stealthy scout & decoy to pinpoint Ukrainian air defence positions to stretch them to breaking point report this craft can tote a warhead weighing up to 15 kg.


News: from Intelligence of Ukraine, reported by defence industry project by Mezha.Media, a technology IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's.
Details: DIU asserts this device sports was a delta-wing fuselage akin to the Shahed-136 (Geran-2), though markedly smaller. 

Notes here: Every component is of Chinese origin...So China Xi is helping Putin to will more Ukraine folks.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/401...scale.html

Forces from Ukraine Captured Chinese National Serving in Russian Army.They are trained for a week before send to fight against Ukraine. 

Why is those Ukraine folks is helping the Chinese from China?. When they are helping Russian to kill Ukraine folks?.

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https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/401...scale.html
Forces from Ukraine Captured Chinese National Serving in Russian Army.They are trained for a week before send to fight against Ukraine. 

Why is those Ukraine folks is helping the Chinese from China?. When they are helping Russian to kill Ukraine folks?.

Hope The Chinese / China solders also can help Ukraine folks and solders go hit back at Putin army too...  what a joke. if ok too, they can???.
https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/n...78138.html

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Hope The Chinese / China solders also can help Ukraine folks and solders go hit back at Putin army too...  what a joke. if ok too, they can???.
https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/n...78138.html

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Hope The Chinese / China solders also can help Ukraine folks and solders go hit back at Putin army too...  what a joke. if ok too, they can???.
https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/n...78138.html

See what those?. Chinese engines are covertly shipped to Russia's IEMZ Kupol via front companies, labelled as "industrial refrigeration units" to evade sanctions....  This allows Kupol to increase Garpiya-A1 drone production, despite sanctions, w/over 1,500 drones already delivered by certain date.

The EU urges China to stop trade sustaining Russia's military, amid concerns that Chinese firms' support threatens European security as well as killing more Ukraine folks too.

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Hope The Chinese / China solders also can help Ukraine folks and solders go hit back at Putin army too...  what a joke. if ok too, they can???.
https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/n...78138.html

LONDON - Chinese-made engines are covertly shipped via front companies to a state-owned drone manufacturer in Russia, labelled as “industrial refrigeration units” to avoid detection in wake of Western sanctions, according to 3 European security officials documents reviewed by Reuters....


China shipments have allowed Russian weapon maker IEMZ Kupol to increase its production of the Garpiya-A1 attack drone, despite US and EU sanctions imposed in October designed to disrupt its supply chain, according to the sources documents included contracts, invoices customs paperwork.

An internal Kupol document, reviewed by Reuters, showed it signed a contract w/Russian Defence Ministry to produce more than 6,000 Garpiya in 2025, up from 2,000 in 2024. The document stated that more than 1,500 drones had already been delivered...all for Putin fo kill more Ukraine folks...

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LONDON - Chinese-made engines are covertly shipped via front companies to a state-owned drone manufacturer in Russia, labelled as “industrial refrigeration units” to avoid detection in wake of Western sanctions, according to 3 European security officials documents reviewed by Reuters.... ...China shipments have allowed Russian weapon maker IEMZ Kupol to increase its production of the Garpiya-A1 attack drone, despite US and EU sanctions imposed in October designed to disrupt its supply chain, according to the sources documents included contracts, invoices customs paperwork.

An internal Kupol document, reviewed by Reuters, showed signed a contract w/Russian Defence Ministry produce more than 6,000 Garpiya in 2025, up from 2,000 in 2024. Document stated that more than 1,500 drones had already been delivered to Putin for killing more Ukraine folks...

The long-range drone is being deployed to attack civilian & not military targets. 
Deep within Ukrainian territory, w/around 500 being used by Russia a month, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency said in a statement to Reuters.


The European security officials asked that neither they nor their organisation be identified due to the sensitivity of the information. They also requested some specific details in the documents be withheld, such as their dates and the cost of contracts. In September, Reuters reported that Kupol was producing the Garpiya using Chinese technology, including L550E engines made by Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine.

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Ukraine suffered its first loss of a French fighter jet after equipment failure forced its pilot to eject. French Mirage 2000 fighter jets fly in cloud-filled skies, six of the fourth-generation jets in February to bolster Ukraine's air force. No casualties were reported, and the pilot ejected safely, Ukraine's air force said on Tuesday one of Mirage 2000 fighters crashed due to malfunction, marking its first loss of the French-donated jet.

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Passenger plane crashes in Russia’s far east with 49 people onboard feared dead
Officials say they do not expect to find survivors after wreckage of Angara Airlines flight found on mountainside.
The flight, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, vanished from radar on Thursday and lost contact with air traffic controllers while approaching its destination of Tynda, a remote town in the Amur region bordering China.

An aerial inspection of the Soviet-era An-24 plane crash site found no survivors, the local emergency services told the state news agency, Tass. “According to preliminary information, all onboard were killed. So far, the rescue helicopter has been unable to land at the crash site,” an unnamed emergency official said.

Parts of the burning wreckage were discovered about 9 miles from Tynda airport on a mountainside, authorities said. Russian media published footage showing thick smoke rising above a dense forest at what was thought to be the crash site.

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Why did Zelensky attack independent anti-corruption agencies while his country is fighting a war for existence?. See below.

For many who came to know Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only after Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the president's recent move on anti-graft agencies was jarring. In the early days of the invasion, Zelensky gained hero status after refusing to evacuate as Russian forces closed in on Kyiv. His daily addresses and global appeals rallied Western support and helped secure the military and financial aid that have kept Ukraine afloat. 

To much of the world, Zelensky became the face of Ukrainian resistance.

But now, he appeared to be undermining the very institutions meant to safeguard Ukraine’s democracy, even as the country fights for its survival. The decision to rapidly push through legislation weakening the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — both key reform institutions established after the EuroMaidan Revolution — has left many questioning Zelensky’s motives, even if the move has since been partially reversed following fierce backlash in Ukraine and abroad.

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Why did Zelensky attack independent anti-corruption agencies while his country is fighting a war for existence?. See below.

For many who came to know Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only after Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the president's recent move on anti-graft agencies was jarring. In the early days of the invasion, Zelensky gained hero status after refusing to evacuate as Russian forces closed in on Kyiv. His daily addresses and global appeals rallied Western support and helped secure the military and financial aid that have kept Ukraine afloat. 

To much of the world, Zelensky became the face of Ukrainian resistance.

But now, he appeared to be undermining the very institutions meant to safeguard Ukraine’s democracy, even as the country fights for its survival. The decision to rapidly push through legislation weakening the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — both key reform institutions established after the EuroMaidan Revolution — has left many questioning Zelensky’s motives, even if the move has since been partially reversed following fierce backlash in Ukraine and abroad.

More than 3 years into the war, Zelensky &  his team have gained significant control over state while maintaining strong domestic & international support. Though centralizing power in wartime is common, their recent moves are seen by some as overreach by a group increasingly convinced it alone should call the shots in the country.

"Since they now associate themselves so closely with the country, they no longer differentiate between their interests and the national interest," a top official who works closely with the administration told the Kyiv Independent. "There’s this: 'Ukraine c'est moi, c'est nous' ('Ukraine is me, is us'),” the official added, in a reference to Louis XIV’s absolutist creed, "L’État, c’est moi" — "I am the state."

Speaking to journalists on July 24, Zelensky admitted there "should have been a dialogue" on the NABU and SAPO changes, he!. Defended the move as necessary amid war, calling Russia the “main enemy.” He had initially claimed the changes to the agencies aimed to root out Russian influence — an explanation that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. 

Zelensky's big blunder, explained
Ukraine. July 25, 2025. 5 min read

Why did Zelensky attack independent anti-corruption agencies while his country is fighting a war for existence?
to fights for its survival.

Speaking to journalists on July 24, Zelensky admitted there defended the move as necessary amid war, calling Russia the “main enemy.” He had initially claimed the changes to the agencies aimed to root out Russian influence. But
instead, some in Ukraine point to the timing of the move, noting NABU and SAPO had begun closing in on various figures close to president and his inner circle. That inner circle is a tight group of advisors officials Zelensky has entrusted to run the govt alongside him, in his own words, his "managers" — chief among them Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office. "The main reason given is an attempt to control NABU and fears it might pursue politically damaging investigations," political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told the Kyiv Independent.

Recent probes involving Zelensky's close associates included former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov.
Reportedly, his friend and former business partner Timur Mindich. According to Ukrainska Pravda, NABU also raided the former deputy head of the president's office, Rostyslav Shurma’s Munich apartment on July 15.

For a group accustomed to making decisions unilaterally during wartime, an attack on its inner circle may have been perceived as a threat to its entire system of control and governance. Political analyst Mykola Davydiuk also believes Zelensky aimed to shield himself and allies from investigations, while testing how far society would tolerate power grabs to strengthen his authority. "But stronger for what? To fight Russia, you need democracy and anti-corruption, not autocracy," he said.

Fighting corruption was central to Zelensky’s 2019 presidential campaign. Shortly after taking office, he met with NABU and SAPO leaders, setting a three-month deadline for progress in key cases. In September 2019, he urged Ukrainians to report bribery by sharing NABU’s hotline during a public address.
But similar to his predecessor Petro Poroshenko, in time, Zelensky administration also began to draw criticism for its approach to anti-corruption agencies, including delays in key appointments the transfer of a corruption case involving Zelensky's controversial deputy chief of staff, Oleh Tatarov. Another reason observers give for the sudden blow to the agencies is simply that they could get away with it, believing their moves would go largely unnoticed in both Washington and Brussels. On one side of the Atlantic, a Trump administration less focused on Ukrainian governance may have emboldened Kyiv. "The vibe from Washington is not 1 institutionalization and great attention to anti-corruption efforts — on contrary," official working with Zelensky’s administration said.

But even if Zelensky's team received a warning from U.S. that move on the anti-corruption agencies could trigger criticism, "they assumed they could take advantage of the current situation in the U.S., where the White House is distracted and not really focused on Ukraine," Fesenko said. Meanwhile, European leaders hesitated to criticize Ukraine publicly, wary of appearing unsupportive during wartime. In recent months, the Group of Seven countries have noticeably shied away from making public statements about Ukraine's reform process. "The Zelensky bubble instead of appreciating that reticence, thought, right okay, we've got a permission structure from Washington, we've got a different kind of permission structure from Brussels and other capitals, so why not do what we want to do?" the official told the Kyiv Independent. And after weeks of controversial moves — blocking the appointment of a reformer to head the economic crimes bureau, targeting anti-corruption activist Vitaliy Shabunin, and a reshuffle consolidating control — Zelensky and his team may have expected little resistance in pursuing their goals.

Public protests erupted in Kyiv within hours of the announcement. Civil society groups, journalists, and Ukraine's partners issued sharp rebukes. In response, the president's office began walking back its initial plans. A revised bill — purporting to address concerns of Russian infiltration while preserving institutional independence — was rushed into circulation. "The original draft (law) was clearly a mistake,” Fesenko said. "Its flaws and negative consequences were predictable — it’s surprising President’s Office didn’t anticipate this." But those who spoke to the Kyiv Independent stopped short of calling Zelensky personally corrupt, instead framing the events of recent weeks as a political miscalculation. If some members of parliament who voted for the bill had their own reasons — one perhaps being that NABU had open criminal cases against dozens of them — observers point rather to a president surrounded by loyalists who have become convinced that they alone can — and should — navigate wartime governance, including deciding who can be investigated. Even if Zelensky and his team have begun to see themselves as inseparable from the state, "you cannot measure the state by one person," Davydiuk says. "People are dying in defense of democratic values — the young people who took to the streets in protest — they’re not corrupt — they want to build a clean, democratic state that belongs in the EU," according to Davydiuk. "That is the face of Ukraine — not Zelensky." Report from...

The Kyiv Independent’s

[Tee tiong huat]

Ukraine's fleet of F-16 fighter jets have been given a badly-needed boost with creation of new mobile maintenance and ops modules which will help them evade Russian ballistic missile  strikes. 
Developed by the Come Back Alive charity foundation and Ukraine's Defense Ministry, the two types of mobile modules contain everything needed to both maintain and equip the aircraft and to conduct operations. F-16 fighter jets are crucial for Ukraine, they significantly strengthen its air defense help counter ongoing Russian drone & missile attack, which target @Ukrainian cities and military objects such as the airfields where F-16s are stationed. "There is only a short time lag between finding the F-16s and then launching ballistic missiles," Peter Layton, former Royal Australian Air Force officer Associate Fellow at RUSI, told Kyiv Independent.