Author: Hans Petter Midttun

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the devastating impact of Russian missiles and drones on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians is staggering. According to Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, over 11,000 facilities have been hit since the start of the war, with a significant percentage targeting civilian areas. The destruction caused by guided glide bombs is even more severe, with cities like Soledar, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka bearing witness to widespread devastation. The financial cost of the war on Ukraine’s infrastructure is estimated to be around $155 billion, with a further $486 billion needed for recovery and reconstruction. However, despite the urgent…

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The Ukrainian Air Force is actively supporting Kyiv’s ground offensive in Kursk Oblast, targeting enemy strongholds, equipment clusters, and supply routes with high-precision strikes. Videos have surfaced showing Ukrainian aircraft dropping US-made JDAM glide bombs on Russian targets. The Air Force also destroyed key bridges, trapping Russian paratroopers. A video of Ukrainian aircraft striking a Russian command post with a French GPS-guided bomb has intensified the conflict. Despite facing Russian air defense systems, Ukrainian combat aircraft have operated effectively in Russian airspace. Ukraine has strategically targeted Russian AEW&C assets, air defense systems, and air bases, significantly disrupting Russia’s air power.…

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The perception of a stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine war is misleading as it overlooks the full scope of the conflict. Ukraine’s recent offensive in Kursk has showcased its military capabilities, inflicting significant losses on Russian forces and expanding its occupied territories. Despite Russia’s marginal advances, it faces challenges with decreasing heavy equipment stocks and reliance on reserves. Across different domains, Ukraine has demonstrated prowess. In air warfare, it has denied Russia air superiority and actively targeted Russian air bases. In maritime warfare, Ukraine has disrupted Russian sea power in the Black Sea, changing the balance of power. Moreover, Ukraine has…

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In a recent statement, Ukraine has clearly defined what victory means in the ongoing conflict. While President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Ukraine’s victory relies on support from the West, there are differing perspectives on what this victory entails. While the West sees denying Russia full occupation of Ukraine as a victory, some US officials believe that Ukraine’s alignment with NATO and Europe is a significant step towards winning. However, the slow and limited inflow of defense aid from the US and Europe has hindered Ukraine’s ability to achieve victory effectively. Despite the ongoing conflict and Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to…

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Recent NATO reports show that a record number of member countries are meeting defense spending targets, with 23 out of 32 nations hitting the mark. Concerns over Russia’s activities in Europe, including sabotage and cyber interference, have led to a renewed focus on strengthening NATO’s capabilities. The growing threat Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned of a looming conflict in Europe, and experts believe a military confrontation with Russia could happen within the next few years. NATO members have been slow to meet the 2 percent defense spending guideline, resulting in a significant backlog that impairs their ability to…

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