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Shahed drones

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Ukraine's defense industry gets a second chance

In 1991, Ukraine inherited the second-largest defense industrial complex of the Soviet Union. It was so big that almost a third of the Soviet space industry sat on Ukrainian soil, and the system employed millions of people. Pivdenmash, a rocket and space technology juggernaut, built the most powerful intercontinental missiles on the planet. Antonov, a world-famous brand, produced the world's largest aircraft. The city of Kharkiv designed tanks, and Mykolaiv launched aircraft-carrying cruisers.

Ukrainian soldier holds a "Marsianin" attack drone in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on April 7, 2026.

How Ukraine angered South Korea — and why it matters

Ukraine just angered another partner — one sitting on an arsenal of weapons that Kyiv wants. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Sept. 23 announcement at the U.N. General Assembly that Ukraine’s two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) were sent to South Korea was not well received in Seoul. "It was appropriate in every aspect not to disclose, considering the many problems it may cause when disclosed, and (we) had agreed to do so," South Korean President Lee Jae Myung responded, claiming that Kyiv

Ukraine war latest: Russia strikes downtown Kyiv, kills one, injures 24, damages National Academy of Sciences

Key developments on Sept. 28: * Medical center, science academy struck in downtown Kyiv as all-day Russian drone attacks continue * Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi liberates 3 more settlements, inflicts 2,000 Russian losses, 3rd Army Corps announces * Trump wants Zelensky to ease strikes on Russian refineries, Ukraine official says deal must go both ways * Poland to ease rules for shooting down drones, missiles entering from Russia * Ukrnafta installs concrete shelters at Kyiv gas stations ami

About Shahed drones

Shahed drones are Iranian-designed unmanned combat aerial vehicles and loitering munitions developed by Shahed Aviation Industries. Manufactured both in Iran and at Russian production facilities, the drones have become one of Russia’s primary weapons in its full-scale war against Ukraine. Russia first deployed Shahed drones against Ukraine in the fall of 2022, and their use has since escalated, with Moscow launching more than 54,500 Shahed-type UAVs against Ukrainian targets in 2025 alone.

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