Ukrainian loitering FPV drones, often referred to as “wait-and-strike” systems, are being used to stop Russian assault groups before they reach the frontline. By remaining in position and striking at the right moment, these drones disrupt advances and reduce enemy pressure on defensive lines.
The video shows training flights of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter, developed by Saab.
The Gripen is a fourth-generation combat aircraft designed for air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. It is known for its high maneuverability, rapid deployment capability, and ability to operate in a wide range of conditions.
In the Vovchansk direction of the Kharkiv region, Russian forces reportedly attempted to rush through a known kill zone to avoid FPV drone strikes. Instead, their vehicle hit a mine before reaching the area, stopping the advance.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reportedly carried out another long-range drone strike on Russian energy infrastructure in Perm, targeting the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez refinery more than 1,500 km from Ukraine. The refinery is one of Russia’s largest, with an annual processing capacity of nearly 13 million tons, supplying fuel to both civilian markets and the military sector. According to preliminary reports, the strike hit the AVT-4 primary refining unit, damaging atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns and causing fires. SBU drones also reportedly struck the Perm production and dispatch station again, a facility used to supply crude oil to the refinery. New fires were reported there after an earlier strike the previous day.
Reports indicate that insurgent forces in Mali have captured the city of Kidal, where a base used by Russian personnel from the so-called African Corps was located. It is also reported that the residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, considered close to Moscow, was destroyed in an explosion. Clashes are said to be ongoing near the capital Bamako and the nearby Kati military base, as well as in Gao and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti. The Russian Embassy in Mali stated that all attacks had been successfully repelled, though it did not mention the participation of the African Corps. At the same time, Russian pro-war sources are already reporting alleged agreements regarding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Kidal.
Winter 2026. This footage shows a Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group clearing a building near the village of Udachne in the Donetsk region. During the close-quarters operation, one Russian soldier was killed and two others were taken prisoner.
The video highlights the intensity of small-unit combat and building-clearing operations on this sector of the front.
Mali is facing a major new escalation, as Tuareg rebels and the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM launched coordinated attacks across several parts of the country, including Gao and Kidal. Reports say the offensive targeted military positions, transport hubs, and other strategic sites, posing a serious challenge to the ruling junta and its Russian-backed security network.
There are also claims that a Russian-linked Mi-35 helicopter was shot down near Gao, but this part has not been fully independently verified.
Ukrainian FPV interceptor drones P1-SUN have been adapted for air launch from An-28 aircraft to improve effectiveness against enemy UAVs. The method has already demonstrated positive results during testing. Several other interceptor drone types were also evaluated, including the American Merops system. The approach aims to expand interception range and enhance aerial defense capabilities.
A Ukrainian reconnaissance fighter with the callsign “Florist” eliminated a group of Russian troops on motorcycles in the Oleksandrivsk direction, Dnipropetrovsk region. The enemy unit was detected and struck before reaching its objective.
The Sapsan crew of the 105th Border Detachment “Khymera” reportedly used a STING interceptor drone developed by Wild Hornets to bring down a Russian Shahed UAV.
According to the published description, the target drone was equipped with an R-60 air-to-air missile, or what may have been its mockup. The interception highlights the continuing evolution of Russian long-range drones and the growing role of Ukrainian interceptor systems in countering them.
