Author: Martin Fornusek
Martin Fornusek is a Czech journalist working as a senior news editor for the Kyiv Independent. He covers news stories from Ukraine, including updates on the ongoing conflict with Russia, as well as international stories.
Russia circumvented sanctions to import $30 million worth of aircraft tires from Western manufacturers in 2023, as reported by The Guardian. Despite restrictions from the EU, U.K., U.S., and Japan, Russian planes, including those used by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, were equipped with tires from companies like Michelin. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention in Ukraine uncovered these actions, revealing that Russia utilized intermediaries from China, Turkey, and other countries to acquire the necessary components. Additionally, an investigation by InformNapalm exposed Russia’s use of French equipment from Thales and Sagem to maintain its Su-30SM fighter aircraft. The modernized jets have…
The recent attack by Russia on a cargo ship carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea has caused outrage and concern. The vessel, loaded with thousands of metric tons of grain destined for Egypt, was struck by a Russian missile, causing damage but thankfully no injuries to the crew. Romania’s Foreign Ministry deemed this act as an “unprecedented escalation” of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with repercussions now affecting NATO territory. Despite previous drone wreckage being found on Romanian soil, this deliberate attack on the civilian vessel marks a dangerous development…
Spain recently blocked Hungary from acquiring the Madrid-based train manufacturer Talgo for $680 million, citing concerns about Hungary’s close ties to Moscow amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Spanish government rejected the offer by Hungary’s Ganz-Mavag, owned by a private equity firm with links to Hungary’s leading oil and gas company, Mol Group. This decision has strained relations between Hungary and other European countries, as Hungary has been hesitant to impose sanctions on Moscow and provide aid to Kyiv. Talgo’s advanced engineering allows for seamless rail transitions between Ukrainian and European tracks, which is crucial for Ukraine’s integration with the…
The U.S. Defense Department has awarded Raytheon a $1.2 billion contract to produce air-to-air AMRAAM missiles, including sales to Ukraine and other allies. These missiles will enhance Ukraine’s defense against Russian aerial threats, deploying from F-16 fighters and anti-aircraft platforms. Production will take place in Tucson, Arizona, with completion expected by Dec. 31, 2028. Kyiv’s urgent need for anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition intensified as Russia conducted drone and missile attacks in August. The U.S. recently pledged a $250 million aid package during a Ramstein group meeting, promising air defense missiles, armored vehicles, and artillery shells. President Zelensky personally advocated for…
Western officials are urging Ukraine to set more realistic goals for the next year while publicly supporting Kyiv’s plan to retake all of its territories, according to the Wall Street Journal. As Ukraine faces signs of growing fatigue in the West, the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.K. Foreign Secretary are visiting Kyiv to discuss continued support and long-term stability. However, doubts arise about the long-term U.S. support as the presidential election approaches, with concerns that a potential Republican victory could change the dynamics. Meanwhile, discussions about a negotiated settlement have emerged as Russia maintains its pressure in Ukraine’s…
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Blinken mentioned the possibility of lifting restrictions on long-range strikes inside Russia to help Ukraine respond to attacks. Ukraine has received missile shipments from the U.S. and U.K. but cannot use them inside Russian territory. Their visit coincided with the Crimean Platform summit in Kyiv, aimed at liberating Crimea from Russian occupation. The Western partners accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, escalating the conflict. The visit also recalled Blinken’s…
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have captured the village of Vodiane near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claim immediately. Vuhledar is strategically important, lying just 5 kilometers away from Vodiane, which increases the risk of encirclement for the town. The situation near Vuhledar has become more challenging, with Russian troops intensifying their offensive in the region. Despite signs of stabilization in some areas, Vuhledar remains a focal point of Russian aggression. Vuhledar has been fortified since 2014 and has been a key defense point for Ukraine against Russian…
In a stunning display of military prowess, soldiers from Ukraine’s 3rd Tank Brigade successfully shot down a Russian Orlan reconnaissance drone at an incredible altitude of 3,620 meters. The Orlan drone is a key tool in Russian operations in Ukraine, often used to target artillery attacks against Ukrainian forces. This successful interception took place in Kharkiv Oblast on September 7, with the Ukrainian military swiftly mobilizing their Voron missile artillery group to neutralize the threat. The operation was especially challenging due to the drone’s high altitude and evasive maneuvers, but through coordination with border guard units, Ukrainian soldiers were able…
In a recent incident, a suspected Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed in eastern Latvia, marking the first confirmed instance on Latvian soil. The drone reportedly entered Latvian airspace from Belarus, raising concerns about security in the region. This event follows a series of Russian drone violations in NATO countries during aerial attacks against Ukraine. Both Latvia and Romania, another NATO partner, have experienced incursions by Russian drones. The Latvian Defense Ministry has launched an investigation into the crash and has informed relevant authorities and NATO countries in the region. Despite repeated condemnations from NATO, there have been no interceptions…
The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that the Russian military will join China’s drills in September, showcasing their enhanced military collaboration amid escalating tensions with the West due to the Ukraine conflict. The North-Joint 2024 drills will focus on strengthening strategic cooperation and joint security response capabilities in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. Additionally, both countries will conduct joint maritime exercises in the Pacific Ocean, with China participating in Russia’s Ocean-2024 drills. This partnership comes in the wake of NATO’s recognition of China as a facilitator of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to a joint declaration highlighting…