Summary of the Day:
Russia reportedly aims for a decisive victory in Ukraine by 2026, despite facing economic and force generation challenges. Meanwhile, Ukraine has begun domestic production of 155mm artillery shells, strengthening its defense capabilities.
On the battlefield, Russian forces made advances near Svatove, Siversk, and Donetsk City. Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations in their Kursk Oblast salient.
The Russian Ministry of Defense swiftly addressed ultranationalist concerns over the deaths of two drone operators in Ukraine, demonstrating the Kremlin’s sensitivity to this community. Prisoner of war exchanges were complicated by controversial statements from a Chechen commander.
Picture of the Day:
A fire broke out after a Russian strike on a residential high-rise apartment building in Kharkiv. (President Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian military aircraft were detected near Alaska for the third time in a week, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). On September 14, two Russian IL-38 aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. NORAD reported that the planes remained in international airspace and were not considered a threat. Similar incidents occurred on September 11 and 13. NORAD characterizes these events as routine, noting that Russian and Chinese aircraft have been intercepted in the same area in recent months.
The Path to Peace
In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, has strongly refuted a report by Germany’s Bild newspaper that suggested Ukraine’s new victory plan includes a partial ceasefire. Lytvyn dismissed the claim as “fake” and reiterated Ukraine’s opposition to any freezing of the war.
President Zelensky is set to present a comprehensive victory strategy to the United States later this month. The strategy reportedly encompasses Ukraine’s role in global security, diplomatic pressure on Russia, and economic considerations. Concurrently, Ukraine is preparing for a second peace summit, following an initial meeting in Switzerland, with the intention of inviting a Russian representative.
Recent polls indicate that 57% of Ukrainians support peace talks with Russia, though only 35% would accept pre-invasion borders. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed openness to negotiations based on the 2022 Istanbul agreements, but his terms remain unacceptable to Ukraine.
As the conflict continues, Kyiv maintains its firm stance against any temporary break in hostilities, underscoring the complexity of the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
In a series of recent statements, Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has provided insights into Russia’s strategic objectives and challenges in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Budanov, Russia aims to achieve a decisive victory in Ukraine by 2026, with 2025 being a crucial year for their ambitions. He suggests that failure to win by then could diminish Russia’s superpower status for decades.
Budanov highlighted potential economic and military recruitment challenges facing Russia by mid-2025. He noted that Russian military personnel shortages and declining volunteerism have led to increased recruitment payments. The intelligence chief also mentioned that Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory have had a demoralizing effect on Russian citizens, shaking their sense of security and belief in their country’s invincibility.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a CNN interview on September 15, expressed concerns about insufficient military aid from Western allies. He stated that Ukraine lacks equipment for even four out of 14 needed army brigades and that aid arrives slowly after being pledged. Zelensky defended the decision to launch the Kursk incursion into Russia, citing equipment shortages for troops in the eastern Pokrovsk direction.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted that Russia launches 4,000 guided aerial bombs monthly in eastern Ukraine, destroying 80% of the country’s energy infrastructure. He attributed this partly to U.S. restrictions on striking Russian airfields.
Ukraine has been seeking permission to use Western-made weapons for deep strikes in Russia, but allies have been reluctant due to escalation concerns. However, reports suggest some allies may be reconsidering this stance due to Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. Budanov also expressed concern about North Korea’s missile supply to Russia.
In a related development, satellite imagery from September 14 showed Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels departing from Novorossiysk port. The Ukrainian Navy reported 16 Russian naval vessels, including seven Kalibr cruise missile carriers, in the Black Sea on September 15. A Ukrainian spokesperson noted this deployment doesn’t significantly change the Black Sea situation, as these ships can quickly launch missiles and return to port.
As the conflict continues, Budanov predicts a possible Russian mobilization in summer 2025, suggesting that Putin may need to choose between another risky mobilization or reducing combat intensity in Ukraine. However, the effectiveness of Russia’s efforts to offset war impacts through foreign partnerships remains uncertain.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None
In recent developments along the Russia-Ukraine border, intense fighting has been reported in the Kursk Oblast region, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces claiming advances and counteroffensives. On September 14, Ukrainian forces reportedly made progress near Volfino in the Glushkovsky Raion of Kursk Oblast. The following day, Russian sources claimed to have recaptured the village of Veseloye, though this information remains unconfirmed.
The conflict has spread to several areas within Kursk Oblast, with ongoing battles reported around Veseloye, Novy Put, and Medvezhye. Russian airborne units are reportedly engaged in defensive operations against Ukrainian attacks in these locations. Ukrainian forces have continued their offensive actions in the region throughout September 14 and 15, with Russian sources indicating ongoing Ukrainian offensives near Lyubimovka and Malaya Loknya.
In one notable engagement, Ukrainian forces reportedly repelled a Russian attack in the Kursk region, resulting in the destruction of several Russian vehicles and inflicting casualties. The battle, which lasted for several hours, saw Ukrainian paratroopers successfully defend against 14 units of Russian military equipment.
The British Ministry of Defense has reported that Russia has launched its own offensive operations in Kursk, where Ukraine is said to control approximately 800-900 square kilometers of territory since mid-August 2024. Ukraine appears to be making a counteroffensive in the region, with reports suggesting they are attempting to divide a large pocket near the Seym River, potentially trapping up to 1,000 Russian troops.
Russian forces have also reported advances in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast salient, particularly east of 10-y Oktyabr and west of Lyubimovka. Various Russian units, including naval infantry and volunteer groups, have reportedly recaptured the village of Borki. Russian airborne forces are operating in Snagost, while naval infantry is striking Ukrainian positions near Darino.
In addition to ground operations, there has been an increase in drone activity. Russia claims to have intercepted 29 Ukrainian drones overnight on September 15, targeting various regions including Bryansk, Kursk, Smolensk, Oryol, Belgorod, Kaluga, and Rostov. Ukraine has not commented on the alleged attack.
The situation in the Kursk Oblast remains fluid, with both sides claiming progress in different areas as the conflict continues to evolve.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting persisted near Hlyboke and Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast on September 14-15, with no significant changes reported along the frontline. Ukrainian officials noted increased drone activity in the area, which they say is hindering Russian logistical operations. At the same time, there has been a decrease in Russian glide bomb strikes. Russian forces have stepped up reconnaissance efforts near Vovchansk to support their offensive actions. In terms of personnel deployment, Russian conscripts are reportedly managing logistics tasks but are not directly involved in combat operations.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces achieved minor gains northwest of Svatove near Stelmakhivka as they continued offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line on September 14-15. The offensive targeted multiple settlements in the area, including Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Druzhelyubivka, Novosadove, Terny, and Serebryanka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces made notable progress near Siversk on September 15, advancing west of Zolotarivka. Their offensive operations in the Siversk area targeted several locations, including Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Vyimka, and Ivano-Darivka. Reports indicate that Russian-backed forces employed thermobaric artillery against Ukrainian positions in the vicinity of Verkhnokamyanske during these operations.
Chasiv Yar
On September 15, Russian forces continued their offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, with attacks focused on the areas of Andriivka and Stupochky. Despite these ongoing efforts, no confirmed changes to the frontline in this sector have been reported.
Toretsk
On September 15, Russian forces launched attacks in the vicinity of Toretsk, targeting surrounding areas including Dachne, Druzhba, Nelipivka, and Shcherbynivka. Despite a claim of Russian advancement towards central Toretsk, no confirmed changes to the frontline in this area have been reported
Pokrovsk
Russian forces have intensified their offensive near Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub in eastern Ukraine, with reports of advances on September 15. The assault targeted multiple settlements in the area, including Selydove and Ukrainsk, though these claims remain unconfirmed. The ongoing offensive has seen Russian troops approach within 10 kilometers of Pokrovsk’s eastern outskirts.
The city, vital for supplying Ukrainian troops across the eastern front, has been under increasing pressure. On Sunday, Russian shelling resulted in one fatality. The escalating conflict has prompted a significant exodus, with over 20,000 residents fleeing Pokrovsk since August.
Recent strikes have inflicted considerable damage on critical infrastructure, disrupting water and electricity services for many remaining residents. Two important overpasses, including one connecting Pokrovsk to nearby Myrnohrad, were damaged in earlier attacks, further complicating the logistical situation.
Despite the ongoing assault, the pace of the Russian offensive has reportedly slowed due to logistical challenges. The attacks have targeted numerous locations around Pokrovsk, underscoring Russia’s efforts to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines in the region. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to contest this strategically important area.
West of Donetsk City
Russian forces achieved territorial gains west of Donetsk City on September 15, according to reports. The advance occurred in the eastern part of Maksymilyanivka. Additionally, Russian troops carried out attacks in the vicinity of Heorhiivka and Hostre between September 14 and 15.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces made progress southwest of Donetsk City on September 15, gaining ground northeast of Vodyane. The military operations included attacks on Katerynivka, Kostyantynivka, Vuhledar, and Vodyane. Russian artillery and air forces provided support for these actions, targeting Ukrainian positions in Antonivka and Bohoiavlenka. A Russian source reported that the intensity of fighting in the area is diminishing.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative None
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border on September 14 and 15. The attacks targeted the settlements of Zolota Nyva, Makarivka, and Novodarivka, all located in the area of Velyka Novosilka. Despite these military actions, no confirmed changes to the frontline have been reported.
Zaporizhia Line
Positional fighting persisted in western Zaporizhia Oblast on September 15, with no confirmed changes to the frontline. A Russian reconnaissance group from the 4th Military Base conducted a raid on Ukrainian positions near Kamyanske. Ukrainian spokesperson Captain Dmytro Lykhovyi reported a decrease in Russian offensive activity in the region. He attributed this reduction to resource constraints and a shift in focus to other priority areas. Lykhovyi also stated that some Russian units were redeployed from Zaporizhia Oblast weeks ago, possibly to Kursk Oblast. The remaining Russian forces are reportedly reorganizing during an operational pause.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Russian forces have increased their offensive operations on islands in the Dnipro River Delta as of September 15. Ukrainian officials reported ongoing Russian assaults in the Kherson direction and a rise in attacks on islands along the east bank and at the river’s mouth. The operations involve multiple Russian units, including elements from various motorized rifle, airborne, and naval infantry brigades. Reports indicate that Russian forces are committing additional troops to these efforts, aiming to gain greater control over the Dnipro River.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a series of attacks against Ukraine overnight on September 14-15, employing 17 drones and missiles. The strikes included Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Crimea, a Kh-59 cruise missile from Zaporizhia Oblast, and Shahed drones from Kursk Oblast and Crimea. Ukrainian forces intercepted several of these, including the Kh-59 missile and 10 Shahed drones.
Odesa City was hit by Iskander-M missiles with cluster warheads, while Kharkiv City suffered a glide bomb attack on residential areas. In the early hours of September 16, Ukrainian air defense successfully thwarted a large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv, as reported by Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. This marked the eighth aerial assault on Kyiv this month, with air defense forces intercepting nearly two dozen drones. No casualties or damage were reported in Kyiv. Similar attacks have recently targeted other Ukrainian cities, including Poltava, Sumy, Lviv, and Kryvyi Rih, causing damage to civilian infrastructure.
In a gesture of solidarity, Ukraine has offered to send emergency service units to help neighboring countries affected by severe floods. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the offer, made at President Volodymyr Zelensky’s instruction, to Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The floods have claimed at least seven lives and forced tens of thousands to evacuate across Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky acknowledged Ukraine’s offer. This gesture comes despite Ukraine’s own recent experience with flooding after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam by Russian forces in July 2023, which President Zelensky called a serious environmental crime.
Cyprus has revoked the citizenship of Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky after determining he withheld information about criminal charges he faces in Ukraine. Kolomoisky, arrested last year, is facing trial for fraud, property acquisition, and money laundering related to his oil and gas holdings. He’s also suspected of ordering a murder in Crimea over 20 years ago. Cyprus concluded that Kolomoisky’s “suspicious character” could harm the country’s reputation. Ukrainian authorities have completed pre-trial investigations into Kolomoisky’s alleged embezzlement from PrivatBank and Ukrnafta, totaling over $300 million.
Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested in connection with an apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump at a Florida golf club on September 15. Routh, who claimed to support Ukraine online, had previously attempted to recruit Afghan soldiers for Ukraine and expressed willingness to fight against Russia. His social media history shows grandiose political claims. The incident, in which Trump was unharmed, is under FBI investigation. This event may fuel Russian disinformation narratives ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 43
A Russian air strike targeted a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, September 15, resulting in significant casualties and damage. The attack, which occurred in the Nemyshlyasky district, struck a 12-story apartment building, killing a 94-year-old woman and injuring at least 43 people, including three children.
The explosions began after 3:00 p.m., with guided aerial bombs causing extensive damage to the structure. The attack sparked a fire that spread through the upper floors, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency services worked for several hours to evacuate residents and control the blaze.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that rescue operations were ongoing, with fire and rubble affecting multiple floors. He urged the international community to take stronger action against Russian aggression in light of this attack on civilians.
As of 9:30 p.m., authorities confirmed that seven apartment buildings and 20 cars were damaged in the strike. The impact was widespread, with reports indicating that 1,500 windows in the area were shattered. Of the injured, at least three people were in serious condition, and 12 were hospitalized.
Russian forces reportedly launched guided bombs shortly before the attack, suggesting a deliberate targeting of the residential area. The incident has heightened concerns about the ongoing threat to civilian areas in Ukraine’s conflict zones.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Industrial Defense Base
In a series of significant developments, Ukraine has announced plans to enhance its military training programs and boost domestic defense production. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi revealed on September 15 that the country is taking steps to improve the quality of military training. The initiatives, set to be implemented in October and November, include the establishment of an instructor school and an increase in the duration of basic training.
These measures address concerns raised by President Zelensky in July regarding insufficient training facilities. The efforts come in the wake of an updated mobilization law adopted in April, which streamlined conscription processes and introduced penalties for draft evasion.
On the same day, Presidential Advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin announced that Ukraine has commenced serial production of 155mm artillery shells domestically. This marks a notable achievement for the country, which began producing these NATO-standard shells in small quantities in September 2023, having never manufactured them before.
Kamyshin reported that Ukraine’s defense production doubled during his tenure at the Ministry of Strategic Industries and is projected to triple by the end of 2024. However, financial constraints pose challenges to fully realizing the country’s production potential. Kamyshin stated that while Ukraine’s production capacity stands at $20 billion, only $7 billion can be funded from the national budget.
To address this funding gap, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has encouraged foreign investment in Ukraine’s defense sector. The country has made recent strides in its defense industry, including testing a domestically-produced ballistic missile and deploying a long-range “rocket drone” called Palianytsia.
Former US General David Petraeus has suggested using a portion of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense production efforts. These developments underscore Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and defense industry amid ongoing security challenges.
Ukraine’s Allies
The United States and United Kingdom are engaged in discussions about potentially allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argues that such strikes would put pressure on Moscow to seek peace. However, the proposal has met with skepticism from some US officials who question the effectiveness of these strikes, noting that Russia has already moved key targets out of range.
The deliberations have raised concerns about the potential for escalating the conflict. Russia has warned that such actions could make NATO a direct party to hostilities. While some US lawmakers downplay the risk of Russian retaliation against NATO, others caution that Russian President Vladimir Putin has various response options at his disposal.
US officials remain focused on more immediate threats, such as Russia’s advances towards the strategic city of Pokrovsk. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges in balancing military support for Ukraine with the risk of widening the conflict.
In a separate development, Ukraine is poised to receive CB90 combat boats from Sweden, which could prove valuable in the ongoing conflict. These fast and agile boats can carry up to 18 troops and 4.5 tons of cargo and are equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers. They can also be fitted with anti-ship missiles.
The CB90’s speed and maneuverability make it suitable for various operations, including reconnaissance and special forces missions. Recently, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reportedly used a similar boat-mounted air defense system to down a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet over the Black Sea. These boats could enhance Ukraine’s capabilities for raids on occupied Crimea and potentially be modified for unexpected roles, such as deploying air defense systems at sea.
Denmark has delivered 18 Ukrainian-made Bohdana self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine’s military, as announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen at a meeting in Kyiv. The Bohdana, Ukraine’s first 155mm NATO-standard artillery piece, can quickly move into position, fire, and retreat. Poulsen encouraged other European countries to support Ukraine’s domestic weapons production, citing its cost-effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ plan to provide Ukraine with a complete Patriot air defense system has encountered a setback after an unnamed ally withdrew from the agreement. While the Netherlands has transferred radar components, it’s still seeking partners to supply the remaining parts. Ukraine continues to request more air defense assets from allies to counter intensified Russian strikes on cities and infrastructure. The country received its first Patriot battery from the U.S. earlier in 2023, which has been crucial in defending against Russian attacks.
Russia News
The Russian Ministry of Defense has rapidly addressed outrage from ultranationalists following the deaths of two drone operators in Ukraine. The incident, which occurred near Pokrovsk, involved operators from the 87th Separate Rifle Regiment who were allegedly forced into an assault detachment as punishment for criticizing their command. In response, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov ordered high-ranking officials to investigate the matter.
The swift reaction, with the Ministry issuing a statement within 24 hours of the incident being reported by Russian military bloggers, underscores the Russian authorities’ sensitivity to backlash from the ultranationalist community. This responsiveness is not isolated, as evidenced by a recent incident where the federal censor quickly retracted a draft procedure to deanonymize Telegram channels after ultranationalist protests.
The government’s attentiveness to this community highlights the Kremlin’s reliance on their support for the war in Ukraine and its concern about potential consequences of their discontent. However, Russian military bloggers, while praising the quick response, expressed doubts about addressing systemic issues within the military structure.
Bloggers highlighted problems within the 51st Combined Arms Army, including false reporting to senior commanders, misuse of specialized soldiers in frontline assaults, and command abuses. They noted that the investigation only occurred due to online outcry and compared resolving these issues to a Herculean task. One blogger revealed that regiments in the 51st CAA and 3rd Luhansk People’s Republic Army Corps are understrength and lack essential equipment, significantly reducing their combat effectiveness.
The Kremlin’s efforts are unlikely to resolve these broader issues in the near future, particularly as Russia integrates irregular formations into its regular forces.
In a related development, Chechen Akhmat Spetsnaz Commander Apty Alaudinov has complicated Russian efforts for prisoner of war (POW) exchanges related to the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast. On September 15, Alaudinov harshly criticized Chechen POWs, claiming surrender is disgraceful and that they “didn’t deserve to live.” This stance contrasts with recent Russia-Ukraine POW exchanges on September 13 and 14, which included soldiers captured in Kursk.
Alaudinov’s comments, widely amplified by Russian media, likely aim to appeal to hardline Chechen views while portraying Chechen forces as elite. However, his statements may hinder the Kremlin’s efforts to manage the sensitive issue of POWs, especially conscripts, captured in Kursk Oblast.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian officials are intensifying efforts to recruit soldiers without resorting to wider mobilization, as revealed by recent developments in Oryol Oblast and the Kremlin’s “Time of Heroes” program.
In Oryol Oblast, Governor Andrei Klychkov has issued a decree offering police officers a financial incentive of 10,000 rubles ($110) for each person they help sign up with the military. This initiative aims to increase enlistment numbers through incentives rather than mandatory conscription.
Simultaneously, the Kremlin is promoting war veterans to government positions through the “Time of Heroes” program, launched in February 2024. On September 14, President Vladimir Putin appointed Ukraine war veteran Artur Orlov to lead the youth movement “Movement of the First,” while former chair Grigory Gurov became head of the Federal Agency of Youth Affairs. This program seeks to incentivize military service by portraying it as a path to government careers.
Meanwhile, Russia is likely to face increasing challenges in producing and procuring military equipment for its operations in Ukraine. The Russian military has been heavily relying on refurbished Soviet-era weapons and vehicles, but these stockpiles are finite. While the Kremlin may attempt to mobilize its economy and defense industry further, it remains uncertain if production can keep pace with equipment losses in Ukraine.
Labor shortages and Western sanctions are expected to hinder Russia’s defense industrial expansion efforts in the medium to long term. As a result, Russia may become more dependent on foreign partners to meet its military equipment needs.
These developments highlight the multifaceted approach Russia is taking to address its military needs, from recruitment strategies to equipment procurement, as it continues its operations in Ukraine.
Russia’s Allies
Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has emphasized North Korea’s significant role as Russia’s military ally in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Budanov, North Korean artillery ammunition deliveries have rapidly increased Russia’s operational tempo on the battlefield.
Russia’s defense industry has been unable to produce sufficient ammunition to sustain its current fire rate, making North Korean supplies crucial to maintaining its military operations. By June 2024, North Korea had reportedly delivered 4.8 million artillery shells to Russia. This support has enabled Russia to maintain artillery advantages over Ukraine and continue its offensive operations.
The partnership between Russia and North Korea has been intensifying, as evidenced by high-level visits and agreements between the two nations. This alliance exemplifies Russia’s broader strategy to forge similar relationships with countries like Iran and China to offset its weapons and equipment shortages.
Budanov described North Korea as Russia’s most dangerous military ally, with its weapon supplies directly impacting the intensity of fighting in Ukraine. The relationship underscores Russia’s efforts to diversify its military partnerships in the face of Western sanctions and supply chain disruptions.
In a related development, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) summit in Kazan, Russia, this October. During the summit, Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two countries plan to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement, reflecting their deepening military and political ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations. Recently, Western countries imposed new sanctions on Iran for allegedly supplying Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia, claims which Iran has denied.
These developments highlight the complex web of international alliances forming around the conflict in Ukraine, with countries like North Korea and Iran playing increasingly significant roles in supporting Russia’s military efforts.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com