War in Ukraine

Ukraine’s latest drone strike targeted the Rosneft refinery in Ryazan, one of Russia’s five largest. The strike halted half of its refining capacity and ignited fires that lit the night sky. The strikes mark a continuation of Kyiv’s intensified campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, which is now deepening fuel shortages across the country and expanding the number of regions facing queues at the pump.

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, few believed Ukraine could hold out—the imbalance of forces seemed too great. Yet the war has now lasted three and a half years, and Russian losses have long since topped one million. But does Ukraine have an overarching plan not only to defend itself, but to prevail?

Zapad 2021 ended with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zapad 2017 rehearsed the capture of the Baltics. Zapad 2013 foreshadowed Russia’s aggression in Crimea. Zapad 2009 simulated a nuclear strike on Poland. What will Zapad 2025 bring?

One of Central Asia’s smallest economies is posting extraordinary numbers despite the absence of major reforms. The main reason for these “successes” is Russia’s ability to circumvent sanctions with Kyrgyzstan’s help—a factor that remains largely overlooked by the international community.

“If swarms of Shaheds are heading toward France, Sweden, the Baltic States—what do we do?” As Russia’s drones batter Ukraine’s skies, experts warn that Europe’s air defenses may be unprepared for such mass drone and missile attacks.