Российская Федерация

Ukraine Shoots Down 15 Iranian Drone Attacks Near Nikolaevsk

In the early hours of December 28, Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted and shot down 15 out of 16 strike drones launched by Russian forces from the city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The downed drones were identified as the Iranian-made Shahed type, along with other types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Ukrainian Air Force and Defense Forces reported that their radar and mobile shooting groups managed to neutralize the incoming threat over the Nikolaevsk region. In addition, one drone decoy was lost during the operation.

Ukraine Reports Significant Losses Among Russian Forces; Strikes Russian Army Base in Zaporizhzhia

Ukraine’s military has tallied a substantial blow to Russian forces, with over 150 occupiers reported killed. The losses were confirmed by a senior military official, who stated that the number of enemy troop attempting to fight against Ukraine has now decreased by the same figure.

In addition to the personnel losses, Ukrainian defenders have neutralized several combat vehicles and damaged three Russian tanks, according to the latest information.

In a separate but related development, Ukrainian forces launched a powerful assault on a Russian military base in the Zaporizhzhia region on December 27. The strike targeted a gathering of high-ranking Russian officers during a field meeting, with Ukrainian forces utilizing precision-guided rockets from the HIMARS system. After the strike, Ukrainian strike drones engaged and eliminated three Russian captains from the 135th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 4th Guards Military Base.

For more urgent and crucial updates on Russia‘s war against Ukraine, follow our RBC-Ukraine Telegram channel.

Russian Rocket ‘Oreshnik’ Sparks Concern: Dependence on Western Tech for Production

In aocker, the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering (MIT) and the Concern "Sozvezdie" are actively recruiting specialists with experience in Japanese Fanuc and German Siemens and Heidenhain equipment for their work on the "Oreshnik" missile project. This information comes amidst growing concern over Russia’s dependence on Western technology in its missile production, despite Kremlin attempts to create domestic alternatives.

In 2024, MIT and Sozvezdie published job advertisements explicitly mentioning the use of foreign CNC systems. Meanwhile, at the "Titan-Baricady" enterprise, another participant in the "Oreshnik" project, devices bearing the Fanuc logo were spotted. Notably, Russian company "Stan," claiming to develop domestic production, acknowledges using imported equipment.

While the Kremlin strives to create Russian equivalents, Russia’s reliance on Western technology in metalworking persists. Since the invasion of Ukraine, export controls have made supplies significantly more challenging, but Financial Times reports indicate that Heidenhain components were still entering Russia in 2024, with estimated volumes reaching $3 million.

To evade restrictions, some equipment may be routed through third countries like China, the primary supplier of metalworking machinery to Russia. This pattern of circumvention raises concerns about the potential misuse of technology and highlights the complex trade-offs between national security and economic interests.

The "Oreshnik" missile, first launched by Russia in November 2023, has been a subject of international scrutiny. Russian president Vladimir Putin has since used it as a threat against Ukraine. However, both Ukrainian and Western experts caution that the missile may not pose the severe threat Russia aims to imply.

The rapid pace of technological change, coupled with geopolitical tensions, presents an evolving challenge for international regulators and companies navigating the intricate landscape of export controls and sanctions. As the "Oreshnik" case illustrates, the reach of Western technology remains extensive, even in the face of political tensions, raising crucial questions about the ethical implications and global impacts of such dependencies.

Ukrainian Forces Strike Major Blow to Russian Occupying Command

In a significant setback to Russian occupying forces, the Ukrainian military has successfuly conducted an operation that resulted in the elimination of three high-ranking Russian officers. The joint effort, involving the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), and the "Tavrria" operational group, has dealt a significant blow to the enemy’s command structure in the occupied territories.

Operation Details

Ukrainian military intelligence gathered intelligence on a scheduled meeting involving senior officers of the 4th Guards Army Base of the Russian occupying forces in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. Upon verification and confirmation, the intelligence community crafted a detailed operational plan, which was Execute In coordination with the "Tavrria" Operational Unit, the UAF’s Special Operations Forces, and the SBU Tactical Group.

The operation was launched during a field meeting of Russian occupation forces, with a targeted strike conducted by U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). Following the strike, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the Security Services and Defense Forces launched a precision attack on a Russian evacuation team.

Russian Casualties

The successful operation resulted in the elimination of the following Russian officers:

• Capt. Dmitriy Olegovich Nagorny, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 135th Motorized Rifle Regiment, Russian Armed Forces
• Capt. Grigory Alexandrovich Krokhmalev, Chief of Staff for Intelligence, 135th Motorized Rifle Regiment, Russian Armed Forces
• Capt. Yuriy Viktorovich Fomin, Commander of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery, 4th Guards Army Base, Russian Armed Forces

Moreover, five enemy vehicles were destroyed.

This targeted operation demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to weakening Russian command structure and undermining their occupation efforts. The Ukrainian forces’ growing proficiency in intelligence, coordination, and precision strikes is proving to be a formidable challenge for the occupying forces. As the war continues, such successful operations bolster Ukrainian unity and resolute determination to liberate its territories.

Ukraine and Russia at War News | Top Headlines on the conflict …”>Ukraine Fends Off Russian Forces in Kherson Region; Moscow Spreads Disinformation

In the Kherson region of Ukraine, Russian forces are attempting to mount amphibious operations on nearby islands. However, Ukrainian forces have been reportedly repulsing these attacks, inflicting losses on the Russian side, according to a Ukrainian military spokesperson.

"We’re seeing Russian attempts to land on specific island locations via inflatable boats," said the spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "Our forces are effectively countering these moves, causing Russia significant losses in this process."

Interestingly, the spokesperson also shed light on Russian disinformation efforts, saying, "Moscow’s propagandists are spreading panic about an impending assault on the city of Kherson, but this isn’t accurate. There’s no intention of that at the moment."

He further explained, "The main threat facing Kherson continues to be Russia’s drone, artillery, and air attacks, as has been the case previously."

The spokesperson’s remarks come as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces, with both sides claiming tactical victories. The conflict, now nearing its fifth month, has seen Russia struggle to gain significant ground in recent weeks, leading some analysts to suggest a shift in military strategy.

As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the international community maintains its support for Ukraine, condemning Russian actions and imposing sanctions on Moscow. The conflict’s outcome remains uncertain, with both sides digging in for what could be a prolonged struggle.

Strike on Russian Marines’ Command Post:Officers Reported Killed

In a significant blow to Russian forces, a precision strike was carried out against the command post of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade (810th OBrMP) in the town of Lgov, eastern Ukraine, on the night of December 25. The targeted building, which housed the brigade’s headquarters, was partially destroyed in the attack.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the strike may have resulted in the deaths of 18 Russian soldiers, mostly officers from the brigade’s staff. Among the fatalities was reportedly the deputy commander of the 810th OBrMP, according to updates from the Ukrainian Strategic Command (StratCom).

The Strike:

• Target: The command post of the 810th OBrMP, a Russian marine brigade.
• Location: An abandoned civilian building in the town of Lgov, which Russian forces had converted into their military headquarters.
• Attack Time: Night of December 25.

As with any military operation, the focus should be on ensuring the safety of civilians near the targeted area, with all precautionary measures reportedly taken during this strike.

The Russian side has acknowledged casualties, with the acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, claiming that four people had been killed. Local Telegram channels have also reported heavy consequences from the attack.

The loss of senior officers, many from the headquarters staff, can significantly impact the brigade’s battlefield capabilities and command structure. For Ukrainian forces, this strike represents a strategic gain in their ongoing effort to disrupt and degrade Russian military coordination in the region.

As the conflict continues, such targeted operations by Ukrainian forces are expected to play a significant role, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and minimize Russia‘s overall combat effectiveness.

Sources: Ukrainian Military & Intelligence Updates, Local & International Media Coverage

Breaking News: Russia Reports Downing of Three Drones in Volgograd Overnight

MOSCOW, Dec. 26 — The Russian Ministry of Defense announced today that its air defense systems intercepted three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Volgograd region during the night of Dec. 26.

No fires were reported, and primary production points were spared, according to Governor Andrei Bocharov of Volgograd Oblast. The governor confirmed that debris from the downed UAVs landed on the territory of an industrial enterprise in the Kkotovskiy District. However, he did not specify the name of the involved enterprise.

While the type and origin of the UAVs remain unverified, regional media outlets note the presence of a significant industrial complex in the area — the K’emplacement-based "Lukoyl-Volgogradneftpererabotka." This facility specializes in the production of liquefied natural gas and gasoline.

Ukrainian Air Forces Strike Russian Rocket Fuel Plant

In a recent operation, the Air Force of Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) executed a precision strike on a strategic target in the heart of Russia. The facility, located in the city of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov Oblast, was a critical component of the Russian military-industrial complex.

The AFU Strategic Command confirmed that the targeted plant was used for the production of solid fuel for ballistic missiles. This fuel powers the very rockets that Russian forces have been using to unleash deadly attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including hospitals, residential buildings, and power stations.

"This strike is part of our comprehensive effort to degrade the Russian Armed Forces’ capability to launch terrorist attacks against the civilian population of Ukraine," the AFU statement read.

Images released by the AFU show the aftermath of the precision strike, with the targeted factory left badly damaged.

Earlier in December 18, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Defense Strategies, Andrey Kovalenko, reported an attack on the "Kamensky Combine," one of Russia’s largest chemical enterprises. Located around 14 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, but some 160-170 kilometers from the current frontline, the combine is a major producer of solid fuel for rockets.

The Kamensky Combine manufactures fuel for various missiles, including guided missile systems like the "Hurricane," "Tempest," and "Tornado-S," as well as the "Iskander" ballistic missile system.

The AFU’s strike highlights the widening scope of their operations against strategic targets deep within Russian territory, autocomplete In a show of force, Ukraine is striking back against Moscow’s ability to wage war, hitting production sites that fuel its military aggression.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, Russia’s military industry will face increasing pressure from Ukrainian forces, who are determined to dismantle their adversary’s ability to wage war.

Drone Strikes Allegedly Damage High-Tech Facility and Cause Fire at Oil Plant in Russia

Residents in the area report that drones have caused damage to a prominent manufacturing plant in Russia. The targeted facility is AO "Mikhurin Plant ‘Progress’", a producer of high-technology equipment for aviation and rocket management systems, as well as a wide range of civilian-grade electronics and pipeline infrastructure equipment.

Simultaneously, suspected drone strikes ignited a fire at a boiler house belonging to the oil transportation company, LLC "Transneftproduct" in the village of Novonikol’skoe, Tambov region. The incident occurred when four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crashed onto the territory of the company’s production station in the early morning hours.

While the full extent of the damage and cause of the drone attacks remain under investigation, local authorities havegrades mobilized emergency response teams to manage any potential hazards or disruptions in operations.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Command Post in Overnight Raid, Deal Blow to Moscow’s Military Operations

In a significant miliary development, Ukrainian forces have carried out a precision strike against a Russian command post, dealing a blow to Moscow’s capabilities to coordinate its military operations against Ukraine. The Strategic Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) announced the successful hit on the 810th Motorized Rifle Brigade’s (810 ОБрМП) command and control point, which was housed in an abandoned civilian building in the town of Lgov.

The strike, part of the UAF’s comprehensive campaign to disable Russian military operations, resulted in notable losses to the enemy’s officer corps, according to Andrey Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

Meanwhile, Scanpix Ukraine reports that the Telegram channel of Meduza, citing the acting governor of Kursk Oblast, Aleksandr Khinshtein, claims that four people were killed in the attack. This has not been confirmed by official Ukrainian sources. Local Telegram channels also confirmed the strike, with the News24NE7 channel stating that the aftermath was "heavy," although specifics remain unclear.

The overnight raid highlights a growing trend of Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil using drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles have been targeting military and infrastructure objectives, including fuel depots, ammunition storage facilities, and airports. Notably, on December 24, 2022, drone strikes targeted Millerovo Air Base in Rostov Oblast, with reports suggesting that Russian Su-25 fighter aircraft were among the potential targets.

As the conflict continues to evolve, so do the methods and tactics employed by both sides, with the UAF demonstrating an increased capability to strike deep into Russian territory.