Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1223: Ukraine exits mine ban treaty

Exclusive

Inside Russia's secret digital war on NATO's logistics lifeline to Ukraine. A report reveals the scope of a three-year-long cyber campaign. Infiltrators gained long-term access using spearphishing and known software flaws, the report finds.

This is the hell the landmine treaty was meant to prevent—and Ukrainian sappers live it every day.. International law banned landmines. Russia didn't get the memo.

Ukraine deploys Leopard 1A5 "sniper tanks" with 7 brigades. Fitted with layered armor, these aging tanks are surviving drone strikes, even on Ukraine's most dangerous front lines.

Ukraine just declared open season on Russia's drone nests in urgent strategy shift. Ukraine isn't just shooting down drones anymore—it's going after the operators. Under new leadership, drone crews are now the priority targets.

Military

Ukraine hits targets 100 kilometers behind Russian lines, destroys 20 armored vehicles and 89 artillery systems. Oil depots burnt, command posts fell, and 423 Russian pieces of equipment were reduced to ashes. Ukrainian forces capture two Cameroonians who say Russia tricked them into fighting. They signed for 1 million rubles. Typically, Russia recruits civilians from Africa and Asia through deceptive job offers and false promises. Russian forces drop banned chemical irritants from drones on Ukraine. 111,000 Russian soldiers swarm the front, using forbidden gases and high-tech warfare to choke Ukrainian supply lines.

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine to integrate domestic air defenses into NASAMS infrastructure. Kyiv teams up with Norway's Kongsberg to link local systems with Western command modules. Russia unleashes new deadly "Blueberry" drones with 100-kilometer reach on Kharkiv. Children wounded, buildings shattered as Ukraine battles the swarm with anti-air drones and EW. The Telegraph: Can Ukraine's new Kevlar suit protect soldiers from drones? Boots may be next. A Ukrainian major has developed the first full-body Kevlar suit designed to stop drone shrapnel. Blast-resistant boots could follow. Ukraine spy unit manufactures ground drones that switch from logistics to lethal in minutes. Legit combat robots can transport 500 kg of supplies, fire grenades at Russian positions or be configured with explosive charges for suicide missions against fortified positions. Forbes: Russia's Shahed drones now have bulletproof engines—and a bag of dirty tricks. Ukraine used to shoot them down. Now, they fly in pairs, drop bombs on the way, and keep coming. Forged in war, built for Europe: Ukraine's combat-proven arms to join EU defense drive. Under SAFE, Ukraine steps into the joint production with €150 billion in reach.

International

Polish PM Tusk: Counting on Russian energy supplies during war is "grave sin". Meanwhile, Polish company Orlen cuts ties with Moscow, joining the fight for Europe's energy freedom. Moscow deepens reliance on its key war supplier by ramping up massive aluminum exports. As EU shuts the door, Russia floods Beijing with vital metals to keep its war machine alive. Norwegian F-35s to join Patriot and NASAMS to fortify Poland's crucial hub for Ukraine's aid. As Russian spies and saboteurs lurk in the shadows of Rzeszów, Norway is stepping in with cutting-edge jets to secure the city. "You can feel Moscow's hand": Russia exploits Volyn tragedy to turn Poles against Ukrainians amid war. Kyiv urges Warsaw to resist manipulation as exhumations continue and propaganda spreads. Slovak foreign minister suggests forgiving Russia and seeking dialogue to achieve peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister responded that "those who have lost no one in this war have no right to make such statements."

Humanitarian and social impact

High blood pressure, rash of unknown origin ravages Crimean journalist in Russian jail — medical care still denied. His wife's visit reveals the growing physical torment concealed behind prison walls. Russian overnight drone swarms never end. Ukraine deals with fires, destruction and injured civilians. A drone attack on a vehicle service station in Kharkiv Oblast triggered a fire and left eight people wounded.

Political and legal developments

Putin shuts curtain on Russia's reality — new law bans disclosure of war and economic data. From economic figures to mobilization plans, Russia seals off knowledge as external pressures mount. Ukraine exits global mine ban for self-defense reasons as Russia ignores international law. Ukraine became the latest nation to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, joining Baltic states and Nordic neighbors who concluded the humanitarian treaty limits their defense options against growing Moscow threats. Read our earlier daily review here.