The Kyiv Independent [unofficial] the_kyiv_independent@writeworks.uk

Assad regime collapse in Syria exposes weakness of Russia, Iran, EU's top diplomat says -- EU Defense Commissioner proposes $105 billion defense budget allocation -- 28 drones intercepted, 46 lost in Russia's overnight attack on Ukraine -- [podcast] Trump-Zelensky meeting and Johnny Harris controversy -- and more

Ukrainian sea drones target Russian-occupied gas platforms in Crimea -- [video] Chornobyl; An exclusive look at the exclusion zone during war -- Denmark delivers second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine -- Ukrainian sea drones target Russian-occupied gas platforms in Crimea -- and more

Zelensky unveils new Ukrainian new missile-drone — Peklo -- Russian conscript killed after refusing to fight in Kursk Oblast -- Why the West misunderstood Russia’s initial assault on Ukraine -- Russia’s foreign currency reserves fall to lowest levels since 2008 amid mounting deficits -- and more

30 years ago today, Ukraine traded nuclear arms for security assurances, a decision that still haunts Kyiv today -- Ukrainian forces to receive 30,000 DeepStrike drones in 2025 -- 'Not a single day did this document work' — Zelensky on 30th anniversary of Budapest Memorandum -- A more dangerous Russia: UK armed forces chief issues stark 'third nuclear age' warning -- Coffin prices in Russia have soared by 74% since start of full-scale invasion -- and more

Ukraine's new Palianytsia missile-drone enters serial production -- Russia’s Oreshnik strike aftermath was a carefully orchestrated psyop -- Abducted mayor tortured to death in Russian captivity -- Blinken confirms Ukraine to receive $50 billion transfer from frozen Russian assets -- Colombian man arrested in Romania for acting on Russian orders to plot infrastructure attack -- and more

Fall of Aleppo deals blow to Russia's Middle East clout, may indirectly strengthen Ukraine's hand -- Ukraine accelerating missile production -- Ukraine prevents Russia from establishing bridgehead west of Oskil River -- Yale study names over 300 Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia -- and more

How Russia is losing superiority in the Black Sea -- Ukraine receives US-made assault breacher -- Germany's military support for Ukraine will continue at least until 2032 -- Russian courts in Crimea have issued 472 verdicts for 'discrediting' Russian army since start of full-scale invasion -- Moldova's security chief says Russia spent $55 million on destabilization campaign -- and more