wo mechanized battalions of NATO troops were reportedly taken out by a small Ukrainian drone team during a training exercise designed to simulate a modern battlefield.
Two battalions of British and Baltic troops wanted to test how NATO tactics would perform under current battlefield conditions. The NATO forces assembled at a rally point, where Ukrainian drone operators targeted static assets such as communications systems and artillery.
Following doctrine, armored units counter attacked directly toward the Ukrainian positions and reportedly drove into a minefield. The remaining forces were then struck by FPV drones. The takeaway from the exercise was sobering: we are not close to being prepared.
Separately, the FSB second-in-command was assassinated in an elevator in his residential building. It remains unclear whether Russian or Ukrainian actors were responsible, as he reportedly had ties to Wagner. He was widely regarded as highly competent.
“Flamingo” long-range missiles (carrying 1,000+ kg warheads—more than three times the explosive payload of 300 kg glide bombs) had underperformed for months, frequently missing targets and proving relatively easy to intercept. Recently, however, they have begun striking industrial targets multiple times per week. After much bragging from Ukraine, Russia destroyed the original Flamingo production facility.
Although it took months, the factory was relocated, and the missile has reportedly been significantly improved. Enhancements include greater accuracy and the ability to fly at low altitude using terrain-mapping guidance rather than vulnerable GPS signals. They are much harder to shoot down and can't be jammed.
Previously, Ukraine struggled to destroy major industrial facilities using drones. Now, it is not only hitting factories but also ammunition depots—reportedly destroying two months’ worth of supplies in a single strike last week.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has been described as “unlivable” by former boxing champion and current mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Ukraine is reportedly making limited gains in its counteroffensive—on the order of 5 to 15 kilometers. Communications disruptions have complicated operations for the Russians; Starlink access was reportedly lost, forcing reliance on Telegram until that, too, became unavailable in some areas.
Russia has since promoted its own domestic social media platform, though public trust appears limited. Complaints about mobilization have reportedly been criminalized, and there is speculation that a mobilization of up to 500,000 troops could follow, amid efforts to limit public dissent and organization.