Olena Kryzhanivska
@olenakr.bsky.social
Defence Analyst | Senior Editor @ NATO Association of Canada | Ukraine’s Arms Monitor newsletter
My monthly digest on Russia includes an important section on the role of Russian civil society in sustaining the war effort — proving that this is not just “Putin’s war.”
Russia’s Arms Trends: Burevestnik missile, China's support and the role of civil society
Key developments of October, 2025
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
My monthly digest on Russia includes an important section on the role of Russian civil society in sustaining the war effort — proving that this is not just “Putin’s war.”
States must not only learn and acquire unmanned systems, but also implement robust counter-UAS measures. Because nothing will easily stop criminal groups from adopting these innovations and exporting violence into civilian life.
My new digest is out:
My new digest is out:
Drone warfare in Ukraine: criminal risks and Russia’s strikes on civilians
Three key stories of the month: October 8 - November 4, 2025
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:57 PM
States must not only learn and acquire unmanned systems, but also implement robust counter-UAS measures. Because nothing will easily stop criminal groups from adopting these innovations and exporting violence into civilian life.
My new digest is out:
My new digest is out:
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have conducted over 160 strikes on oil refineries and other facilities deep inside Russia. The new Flamingo missile has already been used in real combat conditions at least nine times.
My new digest has been published.
My new digest has been published.
Arms Trends in Ukraine: 27 October - 02 November, 2025
Ukraine's Ruta missile, defence exports and long-range strikes
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:36 PM
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have conducted over 160 strikes on oil refineries and other facilities deep inside Russia. The new Flamingo missile has already been used in real combat conditions at least nine times.
My new digest has been published.
My new digest has been published.
If the radio fails, the person may never come back. Read my article about the producer of tactical walkie-talkies in Ukraine.
Good Radios Save Lives: HIMERA Tactical Communications in Ukraine
Defence Tech in Ukraine
substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:24 PM
If the radio fails, the person may never come back. Read my article about the producer of tactical walkie-talkies in Ukraine.
Sweden’s Saab is ready to open a plant in Ukraine to produce Gripen fighter jets.
Read my new digest to learn why Ukraine chose the Gripen for its air force — and not the American F-series or French Rafale.
Read my new digest to learn why Ukraine chose the Gripen for its air force — and not the American F-series or French Rafale.
Arms Trends in Ukraine: 20 October - 26 October, 2025
Swedish Gripen, Russian KABs, and Ukraine's defence tech ecosystem
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Sweden’s Saab is ready to open a plant in Ukraine to produce Gripen fighter jets.
Read my new digest to learn why Ukraine chose the Gripen for its air force — and not the American F-series or French Rafale.
Read my new digest to learn why Ukraine chose the Gripen for its air force — and not the American F-series or French Rafale.
At least 80% of a drone mission’s success depends on the skills of a pilot. Yet when we hear that NATO allies plan to acquire thousands of super-modern drones, much less is said about their plans to train the people who will pilot and service them. Read my new article:
(Un)Manned Warfare: 80% of Drone Success Depends on Pilot Skill
why NATO allies need to train thousands of drone crews
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:27 PM
At least 80% of a drone mission’s success depends on the skills of a pilot. Yet when we hear that NATO allies plan to acquire thousands of super-modern drones, much less is said about their plans to train the people who will pilot and service them. Read my new article:
FPV drones have revolutionized warfare in Ukraine, and I recently interviewed the founder of one of the country’s largest FPV producers — TAF Industries, which currently produces up to 80,000 FPV drones per month and can scale output to 150,000 per month.
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
“We Can Produce 150,000 FPVs per Month”: Ukrainian TAF Industries
and their Kolibri drones
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:03 PM
FPV drones have revolutionized warfare in Ukraine, and I recently interviewed the founder of one of the country’s largest FPV producers — TAF Industries, which currently produces up to 80,000 FPV drones per month and can scale output to 150,000 per month.
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
Naval drones are an outstanding tool for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. However, Russia can use the same technology against those it considers its “adversaries.” The Russians’ ultimate goal with their naval drone program appears to be the creation of asymmetric threats.
My new article:
My new article:
The Next Drone Threat Comes from the Sea: Is NATO Ready?
Unmanned Naval Vehicles: Ukraine vs Russia
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Naval drones are an outstanding tool for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. However, Russia can use the same technology against those it considers its “adversaries.” The Russians’ ultimate goal with their naval drone program appears to be the creation of asymmetric threats.
My new article:
My new article:
35 people have already donated to my campaign supporting a friend in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and we’ve collected over $2,600!
There’s less than $1,000 left to reach the target amount.
I’m sure that with your help, we can make it happen! 💙💛
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
There’s less than $1,000 left to reach the target amount.
I’m sure that with your help, we can make it happen! 💙💛
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
October 14, 2025 at 2:40 PM
35 people have already donated to my campaign supporting a friend in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and we’ve collected over $2,600!
There’s less than $1,000 left to reach the target amount.
I’m sure that with your help, we can make it happen! 💙💛
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
There’s less than $1,000 left to reach the target amount.
I’m sure that with your help, we can make it happen! 💙💛
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
Ukraine’s cruise-missile pioneer Fire Point is already producing and delivering 2–3 Flamingo missiles and roughly 100 FP-1 long-range drones per day.
More about this and other developments in my weekly newsletter Arms Trends in Ukraine:
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
More about this and other developments in my weekly newsletter Arms Trends in Ukraine:
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
Arms Trends in Ukraine: 6 October - 12 October, 2025
Flamingo and FP-1 Drones, Kill Zone and Defence Partnerships
open.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Ukraine’s cruise-missile pioneer Fire Point is already producing and delivering 2–3 Flamingo missiles and roughly 100 FP-1 long-range drones per day.
More about this and other developments in my weekly newsletter Arms Trends in Ukraine:
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
More about this and other developments in my weekly newsletter Arms Trends in Ukraine:
open.substack.com/pub/ukraines...
One of the best-known Ukrainian interceptor drones is the STING. In just five months of operations, it reportedly intercepted more than 600 enemy UAVs. STING drones are almost completely funded by donations.
Read my open-access report:
Read my open-access report:
STING Interceptor Drone by Wild Hornets: When Civil Society Powers Defence
Wild Hornets Drones
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
One of the best-known Ukrainian interceptor drones is the STING. In just five months of operations, it reportedly intercepted more than 600 enemy UAVs. STING drones are almost completely funded by donations.
Read my open-access report:
Read my open-access report:
What qualities should interceptor drones have to counter Shaheds? What can Ukraine teach Europe about counter-drone measures?
Talking about this in the new edition of my newsletter.
Talking about this in the new edition of my newsletter.
Drone warfare in Ukraine: interceptors and the daily dynamics of unmanned systems
Two key stories of the week: September 25-October 8, 2025
open.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:34 PM
What qualities should interceptor drones have to counter Shaheds? What can Ukraine teach Europe about counter-drone measures?
Talking about this in the new edition of my newsletter.
Talking about this in the new edition of my newsletter.
Today is Vladimir Putin’s birthday! 🎂 Let’s celebrate his glorious 73 years by supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces 🇺🇦 I’m raising $3,400 for the military unit of my university friend, who is currently serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
Support my university friend in Ukraine's Armed Forces
On my 34th birthday, I am launching a new fundraising campaign to raise $3,400 for the fiber-optic equipment for the military unit of my university friend, Vasyl, whom many of you know from my previou...
www.paypal.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Today is Vladimir Putin’s birthday! 🎂 Let’s celebrate his glorious 73 years by supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces 🇺🇦 I’m raising $3,400 for the military unit of my university friend, who is currently serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
In the new edition of my digest Russia’s Arms Trends:
❗ Russian Drone Incursions in Europe;
❗ Zapad-2025 Military Exercise;
❗ Moscow Adapts Its Ballistic Missiles to Evade Ukraine’s Air Defences;
❗ and 20+ additional developments in Russia.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
❗ Russian Drone Incursions in Europe;
❗ Zapad-2025 Military Exercise;
❗ Moscow Adapts Its Ballistic Missiles to Evade Ukraine’s Air Defences;
❗ and 20+ additional developments in Russia.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
Russia's Arms Trends: drone incursions and Zapad exercises
Key developments of September, 2025
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
October 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM
In the new edition of my digest Russia’s Arms Trends:
❗ Russian Drone Incursions in Europe;
❗ Zapad-2025 Military Exercise;
❗ Moscow Adapts Its Ballistic Missiles to Evade Ukraine’s Air Defences;
❗ and 20+ additional developments in Russia.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
❗ Russian Drone Incursions in Europe;
❗ Zapad-2025 Military Exercise;
❗ Moscow Adapts Its Ballistic Missiles to Evade Ukraine’s Air Defences;
❗ and 20+ additional developments in Russia.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
I prepare weekly reports on defence tech developments in Ukraine, and this one focuses on autonomous technologies. Give it a read:
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/towards-gr...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/towards-gr...
Ukraine’s Pursuit of Drone Autonomy: NORDA Dynamics
Solutions for drones operating in GPS-Denied and EW environments
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
I prepare weekly reports on defence tech developments in Ukraine, and this one focuses on autonomous technologies. Give it a read:
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/towards-gr...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/towards-gr...
Today is my 34th birthday! And I’m using this opportunity to launch a new fundraising campaign to raise $3,400 for the fiber-optic equipment for the unit of my university friend, Vasyl serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
Support my university friend in Ukraine's Armed Forces
On my 34th birthday, I am launching a new fundraising campaign to raise $3,400 for the fiber-optic equipment for the military unit of my university friend, Vasyl, whom many of you know from my previou...
www.paypal.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Today is my 34th birthday! And I’m using this opportunity to launch a new fundraising campaign to raise $3,400 for the fiber-optic equipment for the unit of my university friend, Vasyl serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iIm...
I joined Arthur Snell, an Associate Fellow at RUSI and former UK diplomat, on the popular geopolitics podcast Behind the Lines.
September 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM
I joined Arthur Snell, an Associate Fellow at RUSI and former UK diplomat, on the popular geopolitics podcast Behind the Lines.
Reposted by Olena Kryzhanivska
I had a great conversation with @olenakr.bsky.social about defense and how Ukrainians can build racial solidarity with Black peoples around the world. Check out our full conversation on Substack at Terrell J Starr Official.
July 22, 2025 at 1:47 PM
I had a great conversation with @olenakr.bsky.social about defense and how Ukrainians can build racial solidarity with Black peoples around the world. Check out our full conversation on Substack at Terrell J Starr Official.
My fundraiser ended yesterday. I’ve collected 2,055 CAD through PayPal, 850 CAD to my Canadian bank account, and an additional 1,000 EUR to my Ukrainian account. I’ve initiated the process of transferring all the funds to my friend Vasyl in Ukraine to purchase the equipment his unit needs.
July 2, 2025 at 12:09 AM
My fundraiser ended yesterday. I’ve collected 2,055 CAD through PayPal, 850 CAD to my Canadian bank account, and an additional 1,000 EUR to my Ukrainian account. I’ve initiated the process of transferring all the funds to my friend Vasyl in Ukraine to purchase the equipment his unit needs.
Just received the largest donation so far - $1,100 USD for a drone for my university friend Vasyl—from someone I connected with through Bluesky. Here is a final call for donations. WISE or e-transfers to my Ukrainian, Canadian or Turkish accounts are also possible.
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
June 20, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Just received the largest donation so far - $1,100 USD for a drone for my university friend Vasyl—from someone I connected with through Bluesky. Here is a final call for donations. WISE or e-transfers to my Ukrainian, Canadian or Turkish accounts are also possible.
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
Shahed drones continue to make headlines, especially over the past week, as they are now being deployed in the context of two active wars. Read more in my newsletter:
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
Drone warfare in Ukraine: Mavic 3 alternatives, Shahed threats, and interceptor UAVs
Three key stories of the week: June 11 - 18, 2025.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Shahed drones continue to make headlines, especially over the past week, as they are now being deployed in the context of two active wars. Read more in my newsletter:
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
Today is Russia’s national day! To mark the occasion, please consider donating for a drone for my university friend, who has been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the past three years—so that all Russians in his direction can enjoy some fireworks.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
Drone for my university friend Vasyl
The impressive results Ukraine achieves on the battlefield require financial resources.
My university friend Vasyl has been serving in the military since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. His ...
www.paypal.com
June 12, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Today is Russia’s national day! To mark the occasion, please consider donating for a drone for my university friend, who has been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the past three years—so that all Russians in his direction can enjoy some fireworks.
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
PayPal: www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
Night vision drones save lives!I’ve started a PayPal fundraiser to collect around 6.000 USD for a night-vision drone for my friend Vasyl currently serving in an infantry unit. Please, contribute if you can.
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
Drone for my university friend Vasyl
The impressive results Ukraine achieves on the battlefield require financial resources.
My university friend Vasyl has been serving in the military since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. His ...
www.paypal.com
June 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Night vision drones save lives!I’ve started a PayPal fundraiser to collect around 6.000 USD for a night-vision drone for my friend Vasyl currently serving in an infantry unit. Please, contribute if you can.
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
www.paypal.com/pools/c/9flF...
Ukraine’s air defenses remain a major point of tension, as the shortage of American-made Patriot systems has pushed Ukrainian innovators to develop new solutions, such as interceptor drones capable of taking down Russian UAVs.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
Drone warfare in Ukraine: Alligator naval drones, Shahed interceptors and "Night Witches"
Three key stories of the week: Apr. 9 - Apr. 15, 2025
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
April 16, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Ukraine’s air defenses remain a major point of tension, as the shortage of American-made Patriot systems has pushed Ukrainian innovators to develop new solutions, such as interceptor drones capable of taking down Russian UAVs.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/drone-warf...
In the March overview of military trends in Russia, I argue that support from its allies is instrumental in sustaining Russia’s war efforts. For example, Belarus has between 300 and 500 enterprises producing a full range of weaponry and ammunition.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
Russia's Arms Trends: military partnerships, exports, and tanks
Three main stories of March 2025.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com
March 29, 2025 at 3:25 PM
In the March overview of military trends in Russia, I argue that support from its allies is instrumental in sustaining Russia’s war efforts. For example, Belarus has between 300 and 500 enterprises producing a full range of weaponry and ammunition.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com/p/russias-ar...