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Analysis-Ukrainian mid-range strikes deal double blow to Russia's war effort

Analysis-Ukrainian mid-range strikes deal double blow to Russia's war effort

By Dan Peleschuk and Tom Balmforth KYIV/LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) - From burning oil refineries to a stalling ground offensive, Russia is suffering problems in its war against Ukraine that partly stem from a growing Ukrainian military strength: the use of medium-range drone attacks.

A NATO fighter jet shoots down a Ukrainian drone over Estonia

A NATO fighter jet shoots down a Ukrainian drone over Estonia

Authorities say a NATO fighter jet deployed shot down a Ukrainian drone over southern Estonia

Chinese Military Secretly Trained Russian Soldiers for Ukraine Conflict, Reports Reveal

Chinese Military Secretly Trained Russian Soldiers for Ukraine Conflict, Reports Reveal

According to a report by Reuters, the Chinese military conducted secret training sessions for approximately 200 Russian military personnel in late 2025. These sessions, held at various Chinese military facilities, focused on drone warfare and other military skills. The training was part of a Russian-Chinese agreement signed in July 2025, which outlined the training of Russian troops in China. The sessions included instruction on electronic warfare, army aviation, armored infantry, explosives handling, demining, and counter-drone measures. Some of the trained Russian soldiers later participated in combat operations in Ukraine, particularly in occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This development suggests a deeper involvement of China in Russia's military efforts than previously acknowledged.

Exclusive-Russians covertly trained by China return to fight in Ukraine, sources say

Exclusive-Russians covertly trained by China return to fight in Ukraine, sources say

May 19 (Reuters) - China's armed forces secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel in China late last year and some have since returned to fight in Ukraine, according to three European intelligence agencies and documents seen by Reuters.

Russia Enhances Drone Capabilities with Advanced Anti-Jam Antennas

Russia Enhances Drone Capabilities with Advanced Anti-Jam Antennas

Ukrainian forces have discovered advanced anti-jamming antennas on Russian decoy drones, indicating a surge in production of these components by Russia. The discovery was made by Serhii 'Flash' Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian drone analyst, who noted the presence of 12-element Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas on downed Gerbera drones. These antennas enhance the drones' resistance to electronic warfare, a key tactic used by Ukraine to disrupt Russian drones. The Gerbera drones, typically used as decoys, are now equipped with more sophisticated technology, suggesting an increase in Russia's production capacity for these components. This development follows Ukraine's recent strike on a Russian production facility for anti-jamming antennas.

Ukraine Develops New Glide Bomb to Enhance Military Capabilities

Ukraine Develops New Glide Bomb to Enhance Military Capabilities

Ukraine has announced the development of a new indigenous glide bomb, designed to strike high-value enemy targets. Developed by Ukrainian defense firm Brave1, the bomb features a 250kg warhead and can travel significant distances behind enemy lines. This development is part of Ukraine's strategy to reduce reliance on Western military systems and enhance its own defense capabilities. The glide bomb has been tested on a Sukhoi Su-24 bomber, although details about its guidance system remain undisclosed. This new weapon is expected to increase the striking power of the Ukrainian air force, which has previously relied on Western-supplied munitions.

China Secretly Trained Russian Troops for Ukraine Conflict, Report Reveals

China Secretly Trained Russian Troops for Ukraine Conflict, Report Reveals

A report by Reuters has revealed that China's military secretly trained approximately 200 Russian soldiers in 2025, some of whom later participated in the Ukraine conflict. This training, conducted under a bilateral agreement, included drone warfare and electronic combat skills. The covert nature of the program, which took place in Chinese military facilities, raises questions about China's claimed neutrality in the Ukraine war. The report suggests a deepening military relationship between China and Russia, with plans for reciprocal training involving Chinese personnel in Russia.

NATO Fighter Jet Downs Ukrainian Drone Over Estonia Amid Rising Tensions

NATO Fighter Jet Downs Ukrainian Drone Over Estonia Amid Rising Tensions

A NATO fighter jet, specifically a Romanian F-16, shot down a Ukrainian drone over southern Estonia. This incident is part of a series of similar occurrences where Ukrainian drones, intended for Russian targets, have inadvertently entered NATO airspace. Estonia's Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, stated that the drone was likely meant to target Russian sites. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for the conflict between Ukraine and Russia to spill over into NATO territories. Ukraine has apologized for the incident, emphasizing it was unintended, and is working with Estonia to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, Russia has issued threats of retaliation if Ukrainian drones are launched from Baltic countries.

Ukraine's Drone Strikes on Russia Result in Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

Ukraine's Drone Strikes on Russia Result in Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

Ukraine has launched one of its largest drone strikes against Russia, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, including three near Moscow, and injuring a dozen others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strikes, describing them as 'entirely justified' retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Kyiv. The strikes also targeted Russian infrastructure and oil facilities, causing significant damage. In response, Russia reported intercepting over 1,000 Ukrainian drones across its territory and occupied Crimea. The attacks have brought the conflict closer to ordinary Russians, with debris falling on Russia's largest airport, Sheremetyevo, although no damage was reported there.

Cuba's Drone Acquisition from Russia and Iran Raises U.S. Security Concerns

Cuba's Drone Acquisition from Russia and Iran Raises U.S. Security Concerns

Cuba has reportedly acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, raising concerns about potential attacks on U.S. interests, including the southernmost point of the continental U.S., the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, and American ships in the Caribbean. According to U.S. intelligence, Cuban officials have been in discussions about using these drones for offensive purposes. The presence of Iranian military advisers in Havana and the establishment of espionage facilities by Russia and China on the island further complicate the situation. Additionally, it is estimated that around 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought for Russia in Ukraine, gaining experience in drone warfare. This development comes amid a backdrop of deteriorating conditions in Cuba, including widespread power outages and economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.

Russian attacks kill one, injure more than 30 in Ukraine overnight, officials say

Russian attacks kill one, injure more than 30 in Ukraine overnight, officials say

May 18 (Reuters) - Russia launched drones, airstrikes and shelling at Ukraine overnight, targeting cities such as Odesa in the south and Dnipro in the southeast, killing one person and injuring more than 30, Ukrainian officials said on Monday.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure, Highlighting Defense Weaknesses

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure, Highlighting Defense Weaknesses

On May 16-17, 2026, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of drone strikes targeting Russian defense industrial plants and oil infrastructure in Moscow City and its surrounding areas. The strikes were reportedly in response to intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities earlier in May. Key targets included the Angstrem Semiconductor Plant and the Solnechnogorsk oil pumping station, among others. The strikes resulted in significant fires and damage, although Russian officials claimed minimal disruption to operations. Moscow City Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Moscow Oblast Governor Andrei Vorobyov acknowledged the attacks, with Sobyanin stating that over 120 drones were downed. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the use of several Ukrainian-developed drones in these operations.