In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Kursk region, Moscow’s army launched a ground counteroffensive after five weeks of waiting. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have retaken 10 localities from Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledged the Russian counterattack, stating that things were going according to plan. The Russian General Staff sent around 6,000 soldiers, including elite troops, to reclaim territory from Ukraine. However, the success of the counteroffensive remains uncertain. The Russian army faced resistance, and although they initially made progress, there has been no significant advancement yet. ‘No progress yet’ Despite the speed of…

Oleksandr Lytvynenko, at the Ukrainian embassy in Paris, September 6, 2024. KAMIL ZIHNIOGLU FOR LE MONDE Former head of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU), Oleksandr Lytvynenko, 52, took over as head of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) in March. In an exclusive interview with Le Monde during his visit to Paris, Lytvynenko shared insights on Ukraine’s current situation. He discussed the Kursk offensive’s impact, peace negotiations, Russian propaganda, and his role as RNBO secretary in supporting President Zelensky in ensuring national security. Did the Kursk offensive on Russian territory, launched on August 6, achieve its…

A Ukrainian soldier of 3rd assault brigade prepares FPV exploding drone before flight over Russian positions in Kharkiv region, Ukraine on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. EVGENIY MALOLETKA / AP Experience the mythic tales of the winged dragon brought to life through new warfare tactics. Witness a drone releasing an incendiary substance in a combat mission, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This innovative weapon, known as the “dragon drone,” was recently filmed in action in southeastern Ukraine, showcasing its deadly capabilities. Through simple DIY methods, this drone can attach thermite, a high-temperature incendiary mixture, to target enemies effectively.…

The Russian troops’ erosion of the Donetsk region is escalating, highlighting flaws in the Ukrainian defense system. With 11 towns in Donbas under direct threat, including the crucial hub of Pokrovsk, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are facing challenges against the advancing Russian forces. This shift from positional warfare to movement-driven battles is disadvantaging the Ukrainian defenders, as the Russian troops make daily progress towards key strategic locations. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the unprecedented pace of the offensive, emphasizing the significant pressure towards Pokrovsk. Despite the Ukrainian forces’ prior successes, Moscow continues its relentless advance, causing the evacuation of…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in an F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup air base in Vojens, Denmark, August 20, 2023. MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN / AP President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk following the loss of an F-16 aircraft and its pilot, Oleksii Mes, amid unclear circumstances. The F-16 was on a mission during a Russian attack, where other aircraft were sent to intercept enemy projectiles. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, with differing opinions on whether it was friendly fire. ‘Poor coordination’ Politically motivated criticism has…

Stanislav Aseyev is a Ukrainian journalist and blogger who joined the Territorial Defense Forces. He is the author of the book “In Isolation: Dispatches from Occupied Donbas” published in 2020 after being kidnapped and imprisoned in 2017 in Donbas. Kyiv, Ukraine, March 21, 2022. CHLOE SHARROCK/MYOP FOR LE MONDE Stanislav Aseyev, a Ukrainian journalist, and blogger, joined the Territorial Defense Forces to fight the Russian invaders, despite the fear of being captured again. Wounded multiple times, he now fights in Pokrovsk, a town under intense Russian attacks. Appalling Experience Aseyev’s time in the Donbas has been marked by injuries and…

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov speaks at the Ukraine Year 2024 forum in Kyiv on February 25, 2024. SERGEI SUPINSKY / AFP In an exclusive interview with Le Monde, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation, emphasizes that robotization is crucial but not sufficient in the conflict with Russia. He highlights the success of the “Army of Drones” project, which has significantly increased drone production in Ukraine. The focus on essential technologies like AI and robotic platforms is helping strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. Key Achievements Impacting the Battlefield The “Army of Drones” project has been…

A soldier of the 24th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a shell in the direction of Russian troops on a frontline near the town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, June 30, 2024. UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES / VIA REUTERS The Ukrainian army is strategically retreating in various areas of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, while the Russian offensive on Kharkiv has stalled. Ukrainian troops have pulled out from the Kanal district in the Donetsk region, as confirmed by a spokesperson on July 4. The effective withdrawal was facilitated by destroying the bridges over the canal, making it difficult…

Volodymyr Zelensky and French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu at a meeting in Kyiv on September 28, 2023.AFP / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE Recently, discussions between Paris and Kyiv regarding the possible dispatch of French military instructors to Ukraine have generated conflicting statements from Ukrainian military officials. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov conducted a remote meeting earlier this week, leading to General Oleksandr Syrsky expressing his approval of France’s initiative. The ambiguity around this issue was further highlighted when the Ukrainian Defense Ministry released a statement indicating ongoing discussions with France and other…

Ukrainian soldiers patrol in Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia region, after a massive Russian strike, May 20, 2024.STRINGER / REUTERS Emmanuel Grynszpan, a journalist with Le Monde’s international desk, shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine amid the crisis. Summary: The Current Situation in Ukraine Grynszpan provides updates on the Ukrainian resistance, the status of weaponry, troop morale, foreign involvement, and the strategies of the Ukrainian and Russian armies in the ongoing conflict. Despite challenges, there is hope for a turnaround with increased support and strategic planning. Read moreSubscribers onlyExplore the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis. Emmanuel Grynszpan Translation from an…