Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade are operating the B1 Centauro wheeled tank destroyers, assessing their performance in combat training exercises. The Centauro, while praised for its speed and fire control system, is criticized for its inadequate armor against modern threats like FPV drones. The brigade has implemented improvised armor solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities. Visual confirmation of the Centauro's use in Ukraine first appeared in November 2025.

Russia fired the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast on the night of May 23-24, 2026. This marks the third use of the missile, which is nuclear-capable and travels at over Mach 10. The strike was intended to demonstrate the missile's capabilities without causing civilian casualties, as the warhead carried concrete simulators.

Airbus CEO hinted at the possibility of developing two different fighter jets under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project due to significant disagreements between France and Germany. The project, initiated before the Ukraine war, faces challenges as France demands a larger share and specific design features for carrier operations, while Germany favors a larger stealth fighter. The FCAS project remains in a stalemate as both nations navigate their differing military needs.

Ukrainian air defense intercepted multiple missile and drone attacks in Kyiv early on the 24th, with reports indicating dozens of missiles launched from various directions by Russian forces. The attacks resulted in damage to buildings and injuries among civilians. The Ukrainian military has raised concerns about the suspected use of Zircon missiles by Russia, which has not yet responded to these claims.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least 1 death and 13 injuries. The attack targeted an office area in the Shevchenkivskyi district, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Thick smoke was reported in the area as rescue vehicles arrived.

Ukrainian drones attacked the transport workshop of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant on the 23rd, damaging 8 buses. No casualties were reported. The Ukrainian government has not issued a response to the incident.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military industrial enterprises and energy facilities on the 23rd, while Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian facilities along the Black Sea coast and in the Perm region. The Russian air defense reported the downing of 8 guided bombs and 800 fixed-wing drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a strike on a significant chemical enterprise in Russia.

Kyiv was subjected to a massive ballistic missile attack on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least three injuries. Buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi, Podilskyi, Darnytskyi, and Solomianskyi districts were struck, causing fires. Ukrainian air defense forces engaged in intercepting incoming missiles during the attack, which began around 1 AM and was ongoing as of 2 AM.

Explosions were reported in Kyiv on the 24th due to a ballistic missile attack. Air raid sirens were activated prior to the explosions, indicating an imminent threat. The military official Tkachenk confirmed the missile strike on the capital.

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Starobilsk Vocational College on May 22, 2023, resulting in 21 fatalities, including minors. Russian authorities confirmed that 86 individuals were present during the attack, and rescue operations have since concluded. Russian President Putin emphasized the absence of military facilities in the vicinity and has called for a retaliatory response from the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russia is conducting drone attacks on Kyiv, prompting air raid sirens and explosions in the city. The local government has advised citizens to seek shelter. As of now, there has been no response from Russian authorities.

Russia is preparing to launch Oreshnik hypersonic missiles against Ukraine, with potential targets including Kyiv and Lviv, as part of a combined strike. This warning follows recent drone attacks on Russian positions in Starobilsk, prompting a call for retaliation from President Putin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has also issued alerts about possible significant airstrikes within the next 24 hours, indicating a high-risk situation for Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

NATO allies discussed the Ukraine weapons pipeline in Helsingborg on 22 May, with six or seven European nations primarily financing U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Rutte called for increased defense spending and actual delivery of military aid. The PURL mechanism is vital for supplying U.S.-made equipment, especially air defense systems, as Russia escalates its attacks. The upcoming Ankara summit will assess European commitment to defense support for Ukraine.

Alexandra ReevesSat May 23 2026Loading...

On May 21, 2026, President Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 U.S. soldiers to Poland, following confusion over the withdrawal of troops from Germany. This decision has significant political implications for NATO, as it raises questions about the reliability of U.S. military commitments in Europe. The NATO foreign ministers also discussed defense spending and support for Ukraine during their meeting in Helsingborg.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat May 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army's 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade is testing the IonStrike drone interceptor in Europe this spring. This low-cost kinetic interceptor aims to address the mid-range air defense gap against one-way attack drones. The evaluation will focus on its integration with existing systems and operational capabilities, with potential implications for NATO's eastern border defense.

The U.S. Space Force is preparing for potential military operations on the moon and in space to counter China's ambitions, particularly its goal of sending Taikonauts to the moon by 2030. A new report from the Mitchell Institute advocates for a human spaceflight program and updated military orders to support these efforts. It emphasizes the need for Congress to fund training opportunities on commercial space stations and suggests a reevaluation of the Outer Space Treaty to accommodate military presence in space.

On May 22, 2023, Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a drone strike on the Starobilsk vocational college in Luhansk Oblast, resulting in 12 fatalities among the 86 minors present. Russian President Putin confirmed that there were no military facilities nearby and has directed the Defense Ministry to develop a response plan.

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Starobilsk vocational college on May 22, 2023, resulting in 11 deaths and 41 injuries, with 10 individuals reported missing. Russian President Putin claimed there were no military facilities near the site of the attack, emphasizing the lack of evidence for the drones being diverted or shot down. The incident has prompted calls for retaliatory measures from the Russian Defense Ministry.

President Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland on May 21, 2023, amid NATO discussions. This move is intended to strengthen NATO's eastern flank but raises concerns about the unpredictability of U.S. military planning. The announcement follows the halting of a previous deployment of 4,000 troops and reflects the complexities of U.S.-European defense relations.

Alexandra ReevesSat May 23 2026Loading...

FN Herstal unveiled a modernized FN MAG machine gun in Herstal, Belgium, featuring a Long Rail Conversion Kit that integrates day, night, and thermal optics. This update addresses the gap in optical systems for general-purpose machine guns and will be showcased at Eurosatory in Paris from June 15 to 19, 2023. The modernization allows existing units to be upgraded in the field, enhancing their operational capabilities without the need for complete replacement.