The Security Service and the Naval Forces of Ukraine conducted another unique special operation. For the first time in history, a russian submarine of the Varshavyanka class was hit by a strike by underwater drones “Sub Sea Baby”. On board it were four launchers of “Caliber” cruise missiles, which the enemy uses to strike the territory of Ukraine.

This happened in the russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. There, russian warships fled there from a base in the temporarily occupied Crimea. But here too, Ukrainian weapons got them!

The cost of a Varshavyanka class submarine is about $ 400 million, and given the international sanctions imposed, the construction of such a submarine costs up to $ 500 million. This class of submarines is also known for the ability of the hull to absorb sounds and remain invisible to radars.

This is not the first unique military operation of Ukrainians at sea. Earlier, also for the first time in history, missiles launched from Ukrainian naval drones shot down a russian military plane and helicopter.

Ukrainian soldiers demonstrate courage and high skill in defending their homeland and call on foreign volunteers to join their ranks.
 

Drones - unmanned aerial vehicles - are playing an increasingly important role in modern warfare. In view of this, last year a separate branch of the Ukrainian army was created - the forces of unmanned systems. Today, approximately a third of the losses of the russian invaders are caused precisely by strikes by Ukrainian fighters of the forces of unmanned systems.

In the first 10 days of December, the Ukrainian Forces of Unmanned Systems hit more than 10 thousand various types of enemy targets. In particular, during this period they eliminated or wounded almost 3,900 russian occupiers. In addition, the other day, long-range drone strikes disabled a large russian oil refinery, which is located more than 900 km from the front line, as well as a large chemical plant producing explosives, located more than 800 km away.

Drone units are present in many units of the Ukrainian army. These days, in the battles for the city of Pokrovsk, Ukrainians defeated a column of russian troops with a combined strike of drones and artillery.

Ukrainian soldiers continue to demonstrate determination and a high level of training in the defense of the homeland and call on foreign volunteers to join their ranks.
 

Ground robotic complexes are increasingly being used to supply troops, evacuate the wounded, and perform combat missions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

In the Rubizh National Guard brigade, which is fighting in the Pokrovsk area, ground robotic complexes have delivered 7,120 kg of cargo and evacuated 21 wounded over the past month. And in the Third Assault Brigade, 147 wounded soldiers were evacuated this year with the help of ground robots. As stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Syrsky, “ground robotic complexes have a great future. We are developing this direction, introducing new models. We are applying advanced solutions and approaches to evacuating the wounded.”

But robotic machines are increasingly performing combat missions. The other day, a combat robot of the 5th Assault Brigade armed with a large-caliber machine gun destroyed a russian armored vehicle. And earlier, a combat robot of the 3rd assault brigade, armed with a machine gun, held an infantry position for a month and a half, which was attacked by enemy soldiers. As a result, the enemy was unable to break through in this area.

Ukrainian soldiers continue to demonstrate determination and high skill in the defense of the homeland and call on foreign volunteers to join their ranks.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to launch long-range deep strikes into enemy territory and destroy military facilities and infrastructure in the russian rear.

Recently, Ukrainian drones attacked an aircraft factory in the russian city of Taganrog. As a result of the attack, among other things, two experimental A-60 and A-100 aircraft were destroyed. This is evidenced by satellite imagery.

The A-60 aircraft are an experimental air laboratory for testing air-based laser weapons. The combat laser was supposed to shoot down aircraft, balloons and block the optics of space satellites.

The A-100 is a new generation of long-range radar surveillance aircraft, which was created to replace the earlier A-50 model. It could also be used as an air command post.

Such unique military aircraft exist in artificial copies. And the cost of their development and creation is hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have struck a factory to produce navigation equipment and components for missiles and drones in the russian city of Cheboksary, which is located about a thousand kilometers from the front line. 

Ukrainian warfighters continue to demonstrate determination and professionalism in defending their homeland and call on foreign volunteers to join their ranks.
 

Ukraine has ordered one hundred Rafale fighter jets from France for its armed forces. The corresponding document was signed by the presidents of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and France's Emmanuel Macron.

In addition, Ukraine will receive French missiles and guided bombs, as well as radars and new air defense systems that protect against the types of missiles used by the russians. A new package of French military assistance will be in Ukraine by the end of the year. The President of Ukraine called the Ukrainian-French defense agreement historic. It is designed for 10 years and provides for broad cooperation between the defense industries of both states.

Earlier, Ukraine agreed with Sweden on the supply of 150 Gripen multi-role military aircraft. Together with the American F-16s, which are already in service with the Ukrainian army, the French and Swedish aircraft will allow the Ukrainian Air Force to perform all defense tasks to repel russian aggression. As military experts note, NATO exercises have shown that these aircraft can interact and, if used skillfully, effectively complement each other. After all, each of these aircraft has its own advantages.

Join the Defense Forces of Ukraine!
 

Hello, this is war news. Today is about the economic front.

At the end of this year, russia will lose at least $37 billion in oil and gas revenues. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, it is the oil trade that fuels russian aggression against Ukraine.

According to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, one day of war costs russia a little less than a billion dollars. Thus, russia has lost income that would allow it to fight for almost a month and a half.

These days, large Indian and Chinese oil refining companies have refused to purchase russian oil. This happened after the US imposed new tough sanctions against russian oil companies on October 22.

Until now, India and China have been the main buyers of russian oil. Now, in order not to fall under secondary American sanctions, they have begun to look for alternative suppliers. In view of this, prices for russian oil have fallen significantly, and exports have decreased.

The day before, the russian Finance Ministry admitted that revenues from oil sales in October this year fell by 27% compared to October last year. New American sanctions have clearly exacerbated this trend.
 

US President Donald Trump has authorized long-range strikes by Ukraine on russia. This was stated by the US special envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg. According to him, now Ukrainian troops can use the opportunity to strike deep into russian territory with American-made weapons. Kellogg also emphasized that moscow is not achieving its goals in the war against Ukraine and will not win this war.

On the eve, US Vice President J.D. Vance stressed that russia refuses any format of negotiations on ending the war against Ukraine. In such a situation, the administration of US President Donald Trump is discussing Ukraine's request to provide it with long-range Tomahawk missiles. According to Vance, "this is an issue on which the final decision will be made by President Trump."

In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he has the obvious support of the US president regarding strikes on such russian targets as energy infrastructure and weapons factories. 

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an agreement with Ukraine to allocate 2 billion euros for the production of drones. Commenting on this decision, the head of the highest executive body of the European Union said that Ukraine is the first line of defense of Europe, and therefore the Europeans must strengthen military assistance to Ukraine. 

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrsky, announced the successful development of the counteroffensive in the Dobropillya direction. There, thanks to the well-planned and courageous actions of the Ukrainian troops, some of the enemy units were surrounded. Over the past few days, the russian losses in this direction amount to about 3,200 people killed and wounded. Ukrainian troops liberated about 175 sq. km here and cleared almost 195 sq. km from enemy sabotage groups. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky highly appreciated the successes of the Ukrainian troops in the Dobropillya direction and thanked them for their effective actions. He also highly appreciated the skill and expressed gratitude to the drone operators who shot down the russian Mi-8 helicopter with an FPV drone.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in the second half of September, the russian invaders lost about 14 000 people killed and wounded, as well as 34 tanks, 17 armored combat vehicles, 478 artillery systems, 15 multiple launch rocket systems 5 aircraft and 5 helicopters. 

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are calling on foreign volunteers to join their ranks in the fight for freedom and justice.
 

US President Donald Trump believes that Ukraine is able to return all the territories seized by russia and can even go further. He wrote about this on his social network Truth Social after a meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to President Trump, having studied and understood the situation in Ukraine and russia, he saw the economic problems that the war causes for the russian federation. Therefore, with time, patience and financial support from Europe, in particular NATO, the restoration of the borders of Ukraine that existed before the war is a completely real option, the US President is sure.

For three and a half years, russia has been “aiminglessly waging a war that a real military power would have needed less than a week to win.” This does not add prestige to russia and makes it look like a “paper tiger.” Given russia’s problems, where it has already had difficulties with gasoline, Ukraine will be able to regain its original form and, who knows, may even go further!”, believes President Trump.

In turn, the President of Ukraine said that the meeting with the US President was very kind and constructive. “President Trump clearly understands the situation and is well informed about all aspects. We highly appreciate his determination to help end this war,” Zelensky noted.

Meanwhile, russia has resorted to new provocations in Europe. Shortly after russian drones flew into Polish territory, russian planes violated Estonian airspace. In response, a number of leading figures from NATO countries promised to shoot down russian planes if they violated the airspace of member states of the North Atlantic Alliance. After consultations, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified that the decision to use force against the violating planes would depend on the level of threat they may pose.

And in Moldova, neighboring Ukraine, on the eve of the parliamentary elections, special services discovered and neutralized a network of russian agents. 74 people suspected of preparing mass riots were detained, weapons, ammunition, tents, and camouflage clothing were seized. Moldovan President Maria Sandu announced moscow's intentions to destabilize the country and turn it into a springboard for an attack on the Odessa region of Ukraine.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to strike russian strategic oil refining facilities and inflicted new targeted strikes on the occupiers' airfields. In particular, drones of the Security Service of Ukraine for the second time in a week hit one of the largest russian oil refining and petrochemical plants near the city of Salavat, which is about 1,400 km from the Ukrainian border.

In contrast, drones of the Main Intelligence Directorate destroyed 2 amphibian aircraft, 4 helicopters and a radar system at the airfields of the occupied Crimean peninsula in last two days.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are calling on foreign volunteers to join their ranks in the fight for freedom and justice.

US President Donald Trump called russia an aggressor for the first time. He also admitted that ending russia's war against Ukraine is more difficult than he previously thought.

These days, russia and its satellite Belarus have held large-scale military exercises on NATO's eastern borders, practicing the use of nuclear weapons using Iskander tactical missile systems and Oreshnik ballistic missiles. During the exercises, russian Iskanders were deployed in the Kaliningrad region of russia, 35 km from the Polish border.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called these exercises very aggressive from the point of view of military doctrine. Poland has closed the Belarusian border and deployed additional troops closer to it. Recall that similar joint russian-belarusian exercises became a cover for the russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Therefore, the concern of Poland and other neighbors of russia and belarus in the region is quite understandable.

Against the backdrop of large-scale and aggressive exercises, and especially after russian drones flew en masse into the territory of Poland, NATO member states held consultations. As a result, the military-political leadership of the Alliance announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentinel. The purpose of this operation is to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. In addition, the military of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will adopt the experience of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in repelling russian air attacks. At the same time, Poland has suggested that other NATO members shoot down russian drones over the territory of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US President's special representative Kitt Kellogg, who visited Kyiv again these days, stated that the russian army no longer has the strength it had before.

"The Ukrainians have managed to significantly reduce russian power. russia is not what it used to be. The Europeans are getting stronger now, and if I were Putin, I would stop reminding them of their nuclear weapons, because Britain, France, not to mention the United States have them," Kellogg said, speaking at a conference in Kyiv. He noted that the war is already raging on the borders of Europe. But European states are ready to repel russian encroachments.

Kellogg, who served in the US Army for many years and rose to the rank of lieutenant general, told how the capabilities of the russian army were recently discussed in the White House. and he told those present that "we will kick their asses." According to him, russian statements should not be taken at face value. Because the russians are not as strong as Putin says.

Meanwhile, at the front, Ukrainian troops continue to repel russian attacks and counterattack the enemy. Thus, in the Pokrovsky direction, where the russians concentrated their main forces during the summer offensive, Ukrainian troops liberated the village of Pankivka from the russian invaders. In August, Ukrainians liberated six settlements in this direction. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in the first half of September, russian troops lost about 12,530 people killed and wounded, as well as 29 tanks, 40 armored combat vehicles, 536 artillery systems, and 12 multiple launch rocket systems.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are calling on foreign volunteers to join their ranks in the fight for freedom and justice.
 

The interest of Chileans in joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine has more than doubled in the past three months. This was stated by the Commissioner for Recruitment of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksii Bezhevets, in an interview with the Chilean daily newspaper La Tercera.

https://www.latercera.com/mundo/noticia/mas-chilenos-quieren-ir-a-luchar-en-ucrania-el-interes-de-unirse-a-las-fuerzas-armadas-se-ha-multiplicado-a-mas-del-doble/ 

According to him, the simplicity of the process and the availability of online information have contributed to the fact that more and more foreign volunteers are joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are repelling Russian aggression. Currently, several thousand foreign volunteers are in Ukraine, who have signed official contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Oleksii Bezhevets noted that the recruitment process is quite simple. “We have an online resource, a website, for joining the Ukrainian army. An interested person fills in all their personal information, including a photo of their documents and a phone number that they use for instant messaging (WhatsApp, etc.). Within a few days, our recruiter will contact them for an interview. If everything is in order, they are given instructions on how to get to Ukraine. After the candidate arrives in the country, the registration process can take from one to two weeks,” he says.

This is what happened to Chilean Julio Perez, who has been fighting in Ukraine since September last year. “When I learned about this war, I could not remain indifferent. I saw how cities full of life were completely turned into ruins. I saw entire families, displaced people, many dead, wounded and maimed. And I am very glad that I made this decision,” the volunteer told La Tercera.

Perez, 55, who previously served in the Chilean army, also noted that getting to Ukraine and joining the Ukrainian army was easy. “After making the decision, you need to get a passport. The people who met me were friendly. I was very well received. People were very grateful that foreigners from such a distant country as Chile were coming to serve as soldiers,” he explained.

Currently, foreign volunteers who want to join the Ukrainian army must cover the costs of their trip to Ukraine. The logistics of arrival include flights to Poland, mainly Warsaw. “Then in Ukraine they are provided with everything they need for service, including clothing, equipment and weapons,” said Oleksii Bezhevets.

According to him, the process of registering for service in the Ukrainian army is also well-established. Foreign volunteers are helped to open bank accounts so that they can receive their salaries and transfer money to their families.

“We offer each person the opportunity to choose how they want to serve, in which unit and in which position,” explains Oleksii Bezhevets. “Soldiers sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. It is concluded for several years, but foreign soldiers can terminate their contract after six months of service. This means that they remain in the army for at least six months, and after this period they can terminate the contract and rest, return home or engage in other activities. Foreign soldiers receive official salaries, which on the front line reach approximately $ 3,000 per month.”

Foreign volunteers serve on the same basis as Ukrainians, conclude an official contract and receive an official salary. The sum of these factors shows that there are no mercenaries in Ukraine, but soldiers with official and legal military service.

All volunteers undergo thorough military training. After that, the recruit can choose a specific military unit and a position in it, for example, a rifleman, sniper or drone operator. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have learned to successfully overcome the language barrier. There are special military units for foreigners, where everyone speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. Such a structure contributes to the integration of Spanish-speaking volunteers and ensures that knowledge of languages is not an obstacle for those who want to fight in Ukraine. Julio Perez confirmed that he did not encounter language problems in the service and noted that it was not difficult for him to express himself or convey his opinion to the commander.

Women are also interested in serving in Ukraine. According to official data, almost every fifth candidate who applies for service in the Ukrainian army is a woman. They serve as medics, snipers or in other combat or logistics positions. The number of women in the Ukrainian army is growing, reflecting the inclusive nature of the fighting in Ukraine and showing that everyone, regardless of gender, has a role to play in the defense of the country. For his part, Julio Perez told La Tercera about the peculiarities of modern warfare, where drones play a very important role, and about his experience repelling attacks by Russian infantry.
 

From the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, many foreigners took up arms to defend the freedom and independence of Ukraine side by side with Ukrainians. This is how the International Legions of Defense of Ukraine were created, where volunteers from more than 75 countries of the world serve alongside Ukrainians.

Currently, the International Legions are separate battalions that are directly subordinate to the command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their personnel perform the same duties and enjoy the same rights, including monetary and social security, as other military personnel of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The soldiers of the legions took part in most of the main battles and enjoy well-deserved combat glory.

Before performing combat missions, volunteers undergo selection and thorough training under the guidance of experienced instructors with serious combat experience.

Currently, foreign volunteers serve in many units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, but the International Legions remain unique multinational units that have gone through a heroic path and enjoy well-deserved combat glory!

І International Legion

It was created on February 27, 2022, to provide an opportunity for foreign volunteers to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to fight together against russian aggression. From the first days of the war, the 1st International Legion has been at the forefront of the fight. Its fighters participated in the defense of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv counteroffensive, in the battles near Bakhmut and Soledar, and in many other offensive and defensive battles.

Each fighter has his own unique motivation for joining, but each of them does everything to help Ukrainians in the fight for independence. Despite different languages, religions, and nationalities, in the unit they all became brothers.

II International Legion

Formed in October 2022. The battalion's command structure was formed by the soldiers of the First International Special Forces Company of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who repelled the russian invasion in eastern Ukraine, in particular in the battles for Lysychansk, Siversk and Bakhmut. The unit united Ukrainians and foreigners for whom russian imperialism is an eternal threat.

Initially, the II International Legion united Ukrainians, Belarusians, Georgians and representatives of other peoples for whom this war is a struggle for the existence of their own statehood. Those who are ready to defend democracy, freedom and national independence, who want to put an end to russian imperialism, gathered here. The Legion also accepted many soldiers from all over the world - none of them wants to see our world ruled by nuclear strongmen who draw borders and erase nations at their whim. We take this fight personally, we stand together, and we will win.

ІІІ International Legion

A separate special forces battalion formed in 2022 in response to numerous requests from foreign citizens to defend Ukraine. Since August 2022, it has been involved in battles in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kursk regions. It includes volunteers from over 20 countries. Among the awards received by the special forces battalion are the President of Ukraine's award - the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine", the Order "For Courage" of the 3rd degree, the Commander-in-Chief's honorary decorations "Golden Cross" and "Steel Cross", awards of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine - the medal "Badge of Honor" and the medal "For Wounds", breastplates of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine "For Military Valor", medals "To the Defender of Ukraine" and others.

IV International Legion

The unit is engaged in various tasks, in particular, the training of foreign volunteers who wish to join the ranks of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, but do not have experience of military service. Foreigners and Ukrainians with combat experience gained in the combat zone in Ukraine also serve here.

The unit signs a military contract, receives uniforms and equipment, completes a basic military service course and takes final exams. In the future, the choice of a military combat unit for service is made in accordance with the contract.

The unit uses three languages - English, Ukrainian, Spanish. All instructors have experience of military service and combat experience gained in Ukraine. The Legion trains recruits, as well as volunteers with experience of military service in their country, for better adaptation to modern combat conditions and expansion of basic knowledge.