Author: Dmytro Basmat

Support Independent Journalism in Ukraine Join us in the fight to support independent journalism in Ukraine. Your contribution helps us bring you the latest news and updates. Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once Drone attacks targeted the town of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, damaging buildings, vehicles, and an industrial facility, with one person injured, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. These attacks have become common near Ukraine’s borders. Recently, there have been reports of drone attacks in Belgorod Oblast, with 11 homes and social infrastructure being damaged. The Ukrainian…

Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 24 out of 27 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight on July 6. The drones were launched from occupied Crimea and Russia’s Kursk Oblast, resulting in explosions in Sumy Oblast and damage to energy infrastructure. This led to power outages in several communities in Sumy Oblast. Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine have been escalating, with recent drone attacks targeting energy facilities. As a result, Ukraine implemented rolling blackouts on May 15. Ukrainian Air Force fire…

Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once Russian Colonel Artyom Gorodilov, responsible for the Bucha massacre, has been arrested for fraud. The 234th Guards Air Assault Regiment, led by Gorodilov during the invasion, was linked to civilian deaths. Arrested on July 3, he faces fraud charges of at least one million rubles. Gorodilov commanded the 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade in Russia’s far-east. Amidst a series of corruption-related arrests, high-ranking Russian officials have been targeted, including Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. Recent crackdowns on military leaders followed Putin’s removal of…

Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Become a member Support us just once Lithuania recently protested against Russia after a civilian aircraft entered its airspace without permission. The incident occurred on June 30 when a Russian plane entered Lithuanian airspace over the Baltic Sea for about a minute. In response, Lithuania summoned diplomatic representatives from Russia’s embassy in Vilnius, demanding an explanation and measures to prevent future violations. Russia has been increasing pressure on NATO states in the Baltic region, leading to several incidents of airspace violations. NATO aircraft have intercepted Russian planes flying without flight…

Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted and destroyed all 10 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia on June 29. The drones were launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, targeting multiple regions in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force deployed mobile fire groups to repel the drone attacks, resulting in the destruction of the drones over Mykolaiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, and Vinnytsia oblasts. Despite the heightened drone threat, no casualties or damages were reported. These drone attacks are part of Russia’s ongoing aggression towards Ukraine, with a particular focus on critical infrastructure such as energy facilities. The attacks have led to…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the resumption of production of short and intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles, citing the deployment of mid-range missiles by the United States globally. The decision comes after the U.S. reversed course on the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, accusing Russia of noncompliance. In response to U.S. actions, Putin has threatened to deploy weaponry within striking distance of Western allies. He has also made nuclear threats against Ukraine and the West since the invasion in February 2022, though these threats have not materialized. Recently, the U.S. announced a $150 million military aid package to…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the approval of $2.2 billion in funding for Ukraine through the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to provide budgetary support. This funding is part of the ongoing support to assist Ukraine’s economic stability amidst the challenges faced, including the impacts of war.  Despite the economic challenges, Ukraine has met performance criteria under the EFF, ensuring structural benchmarks are achieved on time. The funds aim to aid in Ukraine’s recovery post-war and promote economic growth as the country progresses towards EU membership. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, praised Ukraine’s commitment and strong performance under…

As the NATO summit approaches, Ukraine is pushing for a guaranteed military funding commitment from NATO allies to ensure its security. Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s proposal of providing Ukraine with 40 billion euros annually is under discussion. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes the need for financial stability in military assistance apart from political fluctuations. Amidst delays in military aid, Ukraine faced weapon shortages in early 2024, leading to vulnerabilities. The upcoming NATO summit in Washington will address the potential of Ukraine’s NATO membership, bringing hopes for increased cooperation. Ukrainian officials await decisive signals regarding their alliance with NATO.…

Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted all 23 Shahed-type attack drones and five out of six missiles launched by Russia on June 27, as reported by the Air Force. Russia launched these missiles and drones from various locations, including Tambov and Kursk oblasts, the Black Sea, and occupied Crimea. In addition to the drones, Russia also deployed ballistic and cruise missiles, posing a threat to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Despite explosions heard in Kyiv and Khmelnytskyi Oblast, no damage or casualties were reported. Continuous drone attacks in Ukraine have prompted the Ukrainian Air Force to act swiftly, involving mobile fire groups in…

Russian authorities are systematically depriving political prisoners and government critics of contact with families, as per an Amnesty International report. This tactic aims to coerce confessions and impose suffering. The report highlighted various methods, such as naming family members as witnesses or transferring prisoners to hinder visits. Despite existing legislation for detainee contact, Russian authorities wield broad discretionary power, often abusing it. This allows for continued mistreatment and persecution behind bars. The report also criticized the lack of compliance with international standards. Notably, the prominent case of Alexei Navalny losing contact for weeks prior to his death in a penal…