Russia relies on large-scale drone attacks attempting to break Ukraine's resistance

Ukraine’s air defense forces face significant challenges in countering Russia’s massive drone swarms, including the advanced jet-powered Shahed-238 kamikaze drones, which target cities and infrastructure. Operating at speeds up to 600 km/h and altitudes up to 9.1 km, these drones are difficult to intercept with conventional defenses like small arms or anti-aircraft guns, forcing reliance on costly systems such as Patriot missiles. Russian tactics involve launching large numbers of drones, including decoys, to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses, exhausting ammunition reserves and straining civilian resilience through attacks on infrastructure.

Despite downing a high percentage of drones, the sheer volume and sophisticated flight patterns create ongoing pressure. Ukraine is responding by developing new interceptors and enhancing air defense systems, while also conducting its own drone operations against Russian targets. However, challenges persist due to Russian attacks on production facilities and supply chain disruptions. More cost-effective solutions, such as laser-based systems, and international support to limit Russia’s access to drone components, like Chinese engines used in the Shahed-238, are critical to strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and mitigating the impact of these relentless assaults.

Ukrainian Member of Parliament arrested for corruption

Member of Parliament Oleksii Kuznetsov, from the Servant of the People party, was arrested in August 2025 by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on bribery charges related to a large-scale corruption scheme involving the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment for the Ukrainian military. The scheme allegedly involved inflating contract prices, with up to 30% of the funds kicked back to officials, including Kuznetsov and others like Serhii Haidai, former head of the Mukachevo District Military Administration. Specifically, a military contract for nearly UAH 10 million was cited, where an enterprise overcharged by about $80,000, with kickbacks funneled to the group. The arrests, which also implicated local officials and National Guard officers, have sparked political fallout, with Kuznetsov’s faction membership suspended and concerns raised about the stability of the ruling party’s parliamentary majority.

The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered the detention of Member of Parliament Oleksii Kuznietsov for 60 days following his arrest by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The court set bail at 8,003,004 hryvnias, or approximately US$190,000.

If Kuznietsov posts bail, he will be required to follow a number of restrictions. He must appear before investigators, prosecutors, judges, or the court whenever summoned. He is not allowed to leave the borders of Kyiv Oblast without official permission. He is obligated to inform the authorities about any changes to his place of residence or employment. He must avoid communication with specific individuals named in the judge’s ruling. Additionally, he must surrender all passports and any documents that would allow him to leave or enter Ukraine. He is also required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Zelenskyy expects fair punishment for immoral" schemes exposed by anti-corruption agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the corruption uncovered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), calling it "absolutely immoral." The schemes involved bribery by a member of the Verkhovna Rada, local officials, and National Guard servicemembers during the procurement of electronic warfare systems and FPV drones.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for full and fair accountability for those involved. He thanked the anti-corruption agencies for their work and praised their collaboration, saying that NABU and SAPO now have all the tools needed to operate effectively. He also stressed the importance of securing fair court decisions in these cases.

The president added that he expects concrete results from the National Guard’s internal investigation. He announced that only combat-experienced officers will now be allowed to lead logistics units within the National Guard and tasked the interior minister with presenting full details of these leadership changes publicly.