US falling behind Russia and China in hypersonic weapons race, study says
The assessment shows a critical gap in U.S. military capabilities as Russia deploys hypersonic missiles against Ukraine and China rapidly advances its own arsenal.
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Tim Zadorozhnyy
News EditorTim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.
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Trump admin reportedly proposes banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on US routes
The move follows growing frustration among American airlines, which have been barred from flying over Russia since 2022, while Chinese carriers continue to use the route.
Russian MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in western region during landing, Moscow says
The MiG-31, a twin-seat supersonic aircraft capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, has been widely used by Russia to strike targets deep inside Ukraine.
Zelensky holds first phone call with Czechia's populist leader since election win
The call comes as Kyiv worries that a Babis-led government could undermine Czechia's pro-Ukraine stance, as he has questioned continued military aid and Ukraine's path toward EU membership.
Europe faces 'significant risk' of major war if Russia starts mobilization, Zelensky says
"There is a significant risk that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will actually go to a world war," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
NATO reportedly weighs stronger military response to Russian provocations
According to four NATO officials, the goal is to raise the cost of Moscow's gray-zone operations and strengthen deterrence following a series of incursions by Russian drones and aircraft, the Financial Times reported.
Blackouts in Russia fair response if Moscow targets Ukraine's grid, Zelensky says
Zelensky also highlighted that Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have created a gasoline deficit approaching 20%, contributing to shortages in parts of Russia and Russian-held areas.
Tomahawk deliveries could force Russia to 'sober up' and negotiate, Zelensky says
"Right now, it is important to send a signal that Ukraine will be strengthened by all means possible," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Russian strikes kill 5, injure 19, hit port and energy infrastructure in Ukraine
According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russian forces launched 112 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight.
Russian strikes reportedly destroy over half of Ukraine's gas output before winter
Ukraine's gas network, which met the country's needs before the full-scale war, has been repeatedly hit by missiles and drones, endangering millions of households that depend on gas for heating in winter.
Estonian defense minister on NATO’s response to Russian threats
The Kyiv Independent’s Tim Zadorozhnyy sits down with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum to discuss Russia’s provocations in European airspace, hybrid threats in the Baltic, and NATO’s response.
Russia says Trump-Putin 'strong' Ukraine peace momentum 'exhausted' as talks stall
"The strong momentum created in Anchorage toward reaching agreements has been largely exhausted due to the efforts of opponents... primarily among Europeans," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
Taiwan ready to halt Russian naphtha purchases if EU requests, minister says
"We will respect and abide by EU and G7 norms," Taiwan's Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said.
Russia expands gasoline sale restrictions amid fuel shortages, refinery strikes
The move comes as Ukraine's continued drone strikes on Russian oil refineries strain domestic fuel supplies.
Kyiv says not interfering in case of Ukrainian detained in Poland over Nord Stream sabotage
"The Ukrainian side is acting in accordance with Polish law," Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar said.
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