All articles - Ukraine

Spotlight
Ukraine military intelligence sees rise of Chechen Rayana battalion

The GUR has in recent weeks focused its investigations on Rayana, a new unit affiliated with Chechen Akhmat special forces that has started deploying FPV drones and electronic warfare capabilities across sections of the front.

Spotlight
FBI in Kyiv helping Ukraine's SBU find children taken by Russia

US agents are working alongside the SBU in Kyiv to find Ukrainian children deported by Moscow using facial recognition, Telegram message scraping and data fusion from the Palantir ecosystem.

Ukrainian intel tracks Vadim Novinsky's networks in Europe

Kyiv's SVR foreign intelligence service is investigating the presence in Western Europe of Ukrainian Orthodox networks that remain under Moscow's influence.

Spotlight
US lawmakers call on Marco Rubio to take charge of 'stolen' Ukrainian children dossier

The US intelligence community's efforts to document Russia's abuses in Ukraine are being stymied by the lack of interest shown by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Ukrainian military unit turns to Washington for financial backing

Through a little-known foundation, the Ukrainian State Special Transport Service has enlisted the services of a longtime US energy executive with business experience in Ukraine.

Kyiv strengthens air defence with support from overseas veterans

With the US expected to divert air defence systems to the Gulf conflict, Ukrainian officials have backed a former British soldier's proposal to recruit former air defence gunners from NATO member states. Sources say several dozen foreign veterans are awaiting enrolment.

Spotlight
Abu Dhabi secures exclusive rights to Ukrainian Shahed interceptors

The United Arab Emirates has secured exclusive access to the Shahed drone interceptors made by Ukraine's Skyfall, beating out Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The first deliveries arrived last week, but their deployment is hampered by a lack of operators and incomplete integration into local command systems.

Spy Way of Life
'Only', Kyiv's secret strip club for spies, mafia figures and Western contractors

Operating outside any legal framework, the 'Only' draws SBU agents, criminals and Western contractors wanting to mingle with locals in a cosy venue that happily ignores the curfew.

Kyiv, a new recruitment hub for DRC's drone war

People linked to Global Security Services Group are recruiting Latin American First-Person View drone operators in Ukraine who have served on the front against Russia. An initial contingent of these pilots was recently flown to the Kivu region, in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Spotlight
Khartia Brigade and 3rd Army Corps join forces for electoral offensive

In a bid to transform their military capital into a lever of political influence, key figures from Ukraine's Khartia brigade and the 3rd Azov Assault Brigade, now known as the 3rd Army Corps, have teamed up to shape a common platform to prepare for Ukraine's future elections.

Spotlight
SBU investigating criminal networks supplying synthetic drugs to Russian front

Testimonies by Russian prisoners collected by Kyiv's domestic intelligence service have revealed the circulation of the synthetic drug mephedrone near the front line. Seizures of stimulants from soldiers have allowed investigators to map the emergence of a structured market, with criminal networks extending right into the combat zones.

Spotlight
French army combat exercise highlights drone warfare shortcomings

An exercise at France's CENTAC combat training centre to ready the army for modern high-intensity conflict has highlighted a disconnect from the realities of Ukraine. The widespread use of commercial Chinese drones and the absence of electronic warfare capabilities have notably raised questions.

Spotlight
Ukrainian intelligence's 'Group 13' takes hunt for Russia's ghost fleet to the Mediterranean

Ukraine's GUR military intelligence is using a bulk carrier sailing out of Odessa as a covert operations platform. Specially configured for the deployment of naval drones, it can strike Moscow's ships in the Mediterranean being used to export sanctioned hydrocarbons.

The Agencies' Gazette
SGDSN anniversary watch, ODNI military adviser, Kyiv's Africa plan

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

FranceBespoke watches for SGDSN's 120th anniversary

USTulsi Gabbard's new military adviser is a Marine

UkraineA plan for Kyiv's return to Africa

SBU blocks Ukrainian drone manufacturers from exporting, especially to Gulf states

Kyiv's domestic intelligence service has ordered Ukrainian manufacturers of drones and interception equipment to cease all commercial exports outside the state framework. This move comes as Gulf nations urgently seek technology to protect themselves from strikes by Tehran.

Spotlight
German startup turns Russian troops' Telegram feeds into actionable intel

Lancelot Systems has developed a platform that can expose weaknesses in the Kremlin's command structure by scooping up and analysing data from the Telegram channels used by Russian soldiers.

Paris lends air defence system to Kyiv amid shortage of missiles

During his visit to Paris on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was promised the loan of a new air defence system. But what Kyiv needs the most is in fact the ammunition adapted to this equipment, which did not feature in the agreement.