Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1304: NATO territory violated again: Estonia reports Russian fighter jet incursion amid war escalation

Exclusives

Ukraine could make the EU’s drone wall actually work—if politics allows. Europe's weapons cost millions; Ukraine's solutions cost hundreds.

As Russia clamps down, Ukraine sells assets in wartime reform gamble. Record $216 million in transparent auctions sends crucial signal to Western allies.

Ukraine’s AI drones have 18 months to outpace Russia in existential “ruthless swarm” race. They can't hit moving trucks yet—but they have 18 months to become "ruthless swarms" in a race that could decide the war

PepsiCo still making money in Russia—and helping fund war. PepsiCo must exit Russia immediately or be held accountable.

The Bulat tanks are tired. But Ukraine can’t afford to ditch them.. They used to be Ukraine's best tanks. But they're worn out and they're too heavy, so the Bulats are fading away.

The battlefield around Pokrovsk is “a total mess.” And it’s about to get worse.. How many Russians are left in their salient northeast of Pokrovsk, and where are they? No outsiders know for sure.

Military

Frontline report: Ukraine Targets Russia's Logistical Backbone in Coordinated Rail Sabotage Campaign Ukrainians have unleashed a devastating rail campaign that systematically targeted Russia's core supply arteries across multiple regions, disrupting the flow of troops, fuel and equipment that keep the Russian war effort alive. Zelenskyy announces plans for controlled arms exports to fund Ukrainian weapons production While priority remains supplying frontline units and national stockpiles, Zelenskyy announced that controlled exports of surplus weapons will help finance expanded domestic arms production. Ukraine's WWI-era weapon downs advanced Russian Kh-69 cruise missile over Kyiv with $11 worth of ammo Ukraine's SOF strike in Kursk Oblast destroys hub for Russia's 810th Marine Brigade According to the military report, the attack wiped out depots, equipment stores, and hidden weapons supporting Russian operations near Kharkiv and Sumy. Ukraine to outmatch Russia's drone attacks with 1,000 interceptors a day, Ukrainian PM assures Shmyhal claims Ukraine's ability to intercept drones will soon surpass the intensity of Russia's nightly drone use. Frontline report: Ukrainian Army's Brazilians quietly encircle Russian troops near Pokrovsk — and eliminate them one by one In the forests and villages outside Pokrovsk, foreign fighters ambushed infiltration groups and raised Ukrainian flags in secured areas.

Intelligence and Technology

Russia, Iran recruiting Middle Eastern mercenaries for war in Ukraine – media Intelligence sources describe large-scale deception operation targeting conflict zone populations. Kremlin still believes they can win war of attrition against Ukraine — yet ISW says Russia's victory "not inevitable" Putin and Gerasimov continue to promote the idea that Russia's slow advances will ultimately force Ukraine's collapse. Ukrainian drone engineers suggest dropping nets on Russia's roadside ambush drones (video) The nets tangle the enemy drones' propellers, trapping them in waiting positions, unable to launch an attack on passing vehicles. Ukraine's drone forces aim to reach 5% of total military — for full front coverage August statistics show the Unmanned Systems Forces is responsible for over 21,000 out of 60,000 verified targets. Russia might have transferred nuclear submarine reactors to North Korea for US strike capability Kim Jong Un inspected submarine construction in March while persistently requesting advanced fighter jets alongside nuclear technology.

International

Russian warplanes violated Polish oil rig zone on same day as Estonia airspace breach. Defense services were alerted after the planes breached the safety perimeter of Poland’s offshore energy site. Eight EU countries continue to buy Russian gas – EU spokesperson The European Commission announced a full ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports on Friday, marking a major step to end the EU's reliance on Moscow. Russian warplanes violated NATO member Estonia's airspace – Tallinn Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on Friday amid heightened tensions with NATO, the Estonian Foreign Ministry reported. Russian crypto, banks, and oil trade hit in EU's proposed 19th sanctions package The proposal bans Russian LNG, hits 118 vessels, and still needs approval from all member states to take effect. ExxonMobil, largest US-based oil company, says it doesn't plan to engage in Russia's Arctic project after Trump-Putin summit CEO Darren Woods confirms the company seeks only asset recovery through arbitration rather than renewed investment.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Zaporizhzhia building anti-drone tunnels over roads to protect civilians and logistics Netting tunnels protect civilians and logistics routes against increasingly sophisticated fibre-optic drone attacks. Another 86 Russian drones launched overnight—most intercepted, some hit Kyiv and Pavlohrad, injuring a man Air Force confirms 71 drones downed, 15 struck targets in six locations, another landed unexploded in Kyiv. Read our previous daily review here.