Latest news with #Soviet-designed
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Polish jets intercept Russian bomber over Baltic Sea after 'dangerous' maneuvers
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Su-24 bomber in international airspace over the Baltic Sea on May 22, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a press conference on May 23, according to the Polish news outlet RMF24. The incident marks the latest in a series of Russian provocations near NATO territory. According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Russian aircraft posed a threat to regional airspace safety. "These maneuvers performed by the Russian Su-24 show that the actions were dangerous and intentional," the minister said. He added that Polish pilots quickly detected, intercepted, and forced the bomber to withdraw from the area. The encounter took place near the heavily militarized Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave wedged between Poland and Lithuania. Russian aircraft often fly from Kaliningrad without using transponders, failing to file flight plans, and not establishing contact with regional air traffic control — a pattern that NATO officials have long described as high-risk behavior. "We are resistant to provocations, but we react appropriately, individually and collectively," Kosiniak-Kamysz said, referring to NATO's air policing measures. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us The intercepted aircraft, a Soviet-designed Su-24 bomber, is capable of carrying guided bombs and precision missiles and was developed for low-level penetration missions. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has scrambled fighter jets multiple times in response to missile and drone attacks near its border. On several occasions, Russian projectiles have briefly entered Polish airspace, prompting strong protests from Warsaw and increased NATO monitoring in the region. On Feb. 11, a Russian Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft flew into Polish airspace over the Gdansk Bay for over a minute. Moscow blamed a navigational failure, though Polish officials have dismissed similar explanations in the past as implausible. Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and hosts significant NATO infrastructure, has warned that Russian aerial provocations could trigger escalation if not contained. Read also: Ukraine confirms strike on Russian factory making parts for Iskander ballistic missiles, glide bombs We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Who is Lt. Kateryna, Ukraine's only woman combat helicopter pilot?
Credit: X/@SbastienLebret8 In the haze of birch trees and dust, a helicopter returns from a mission, skimming the forest edge before settling into a clearing. The door swings open, and out steps a young pilot—mascara still intact, nails painted burgundy, and flight jacket slung confidently over her arm. A ground crew member rushes to help. She waves him off. Her body language says it all: If I can land a helicopter in a warzone, I don't need help with my jacket. That pilot is Senior Lieutenant Kateryna, the only female combat helicopter pilot in Ukraine's Defence Forces. Since joining the 18th Army Aviation Brigade in 2023, Kateryna has flown over 30 combat missions aboard a Soviet-designed Mi-8 helicopter—a hulking aircraft used for transport, navigation, and direct attacks on Russian targets Kateryna's fascination with aviation began early. As a child, she visited an airbase where her father served as an officer. At just 10 years old, she flew in a Mi-8 for the first time. 'It was so loud and so scary,' she recalled to the BBC, 'but I felt that I wanted to fly it.' At 16, she enrolled at the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, where she was the only female student. A male lecturer once asked her, 'What are you doing here? This is not for girls.' But a female instructor changed her course. 'She told me not to listen to anyone,' Kateryna said, 'and I thought, if she can fly, why can't I?' When preparing for a sortie, Kateryna braids her hair into two tight plaits, dons a male-issued uniform, and checks her flight tablet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo She's often the only woman on the mission. The helicopters are hidden deep in the forest to avoid Russian airstrikes. On one mission, she flew the third helicopter in a three-craft formation—a relay aircraft maintaining radio contact, often at higher, more dangerous altitudes. Despite the risk, she keeps calm. 'I never stress during the flight,' she told the BBC. 'All the heavy thoughts come before or after. During the flight, my mind is clear.' Yet even in the sky, the war's reality is inescapable. 'I fly and look over my country, thinking how beautiful it is,' she said. 'And then I see everything destroyed—burned and bombed towns, homes, and factories—and I think, how did we get here in the 21st century?' After each mission, Kateryna joins her male crewmates for quiet evenings watching movies. The camaraderie is genuine—but not without challenges. 'Guys always want to show that they're heroes and protect you,' she said to the New York Times. 'But I didn't come here to be a girl. At some point, our army will get it.' Though respected by fellow pilots, Kateryna acknowledges ongoing sexism in the ranks. Female soldiers are often given fewer assignments and are marginalized in decision-making. 'It's like that in any profession when you're a woman,' she told the BBC. 'Not just in the army.' Still, her presence alone is transformative. 'Possibly, I ruined the stereotype,' she said. Ukraine, now in the fourth year of full-scale war with Russia, is facing an urgent need for personnel. After years of hesitation, the government is encouraging more women to serve. The Ministry of Defense reports a 20% increase in female military personnel since Russia's invasion began in 2022. To support this shift, the military has launched gender-equality training programs and targeted recruitment campaigns. Kateryna rarely sees her family and misses her younger sister deeply. But she holds on to the dream of one day flying with her, peacefully, without war overhead. Until then, she flies missions, clears targets, and pushes forward—not just as a pilot, but as a symbol of resilience, change, and the women rising through Ukraine's ranks one mission at a time. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Under fire on front line, Ukrainian soldiers doubt talks will bring peace
By Herbert Villarraga and Alina Smutko KYIV (Reuters) - While Russian and Ukrainian officials arrived in Turkey for a fresh attempt at direct peace talks, Roman, a 26-year-old Ukrainian artillery commander, raced to man his artillery gun after Russian strikes landed near his position. The scene on Thursday evening served as a reminder that, on the front line, peace is a distant prospect, even as Russian and Ukrainian officials assembled in Turkey for the first talks since 2022. Speaking to Reuters before the exchange of artillery fire, Roman - who uses the call sign "Cowboy" - said he had little faith Russia would agree to a demand from Kyiv and Western states for a 30-day ceasefire. "At the moment peace is not possible," Roman said. "We are certain that the enemy is not going to stop. Our task, as soldiers, is to hold our positions, keep on fighting, not to give up." The group of soldiers commanded by Roman - who did not give his full name in line with Ukrainian military protocol - was dug into woodland in Ukraine's Donetsk region, which is largely controlled by Russian forces. Late on Thursday, they had received orders to direct fire on Russian positions from their 2S1 Gvozdika, a Soviet-designed self-propelled howitzer. Before they could begin firing, Russian rounds could be heard landing a few hundred metres (yards) away. That was followed by the sounds of return fire from other Ukrainian positions in the area. Roman and soldiers under his command ran into trenches and headed for their Gvozdika. They removed the branches and camouflage netting used to conceal it from Russian drones, and then loaded a shell into the gun. They fired off a round. At the same time in Turkey, Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams had failed to meet, instead blaming each other for stalling. They did eventually meet on Friday in Istanbul. One of Roman's men, Serhii, said when asked if he saw a prospect of a ceasefire: "No hope." "Because there was a lot of conversation before. No results," said Serhii, a 36-year-old with the callsign Steward. "I just do my work. For our victory, to stop the war." Russian officials say they are committed to a peaceful end to the war, and accuse Kyiv of blocking that by making unrealistic demands and failing to acknowledge the need for compromises. (Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Alex Richardson)
The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Under fire on front line, Ukrainian soldiers doubt talks will bring peace
Roman, 26-years-old, artillery division commander of the 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the call sign 'Cowboy', prepares to work next to a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer before it fires towards Russian troops, at a position near a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko KYIV (Reuters) - While Russian and Ukrainian officials arrived in Turkey for a fresh attempt at direct peace talks, Roman, a 26-year-old Ukrainian artillery commander, raced to man his artillery gun after Russian strikes landed near his position. The scene on Thursday evening served as a reminder that, on the front line, peace is a distant prospect, even as Russian and Ukrainian officials assembled in Turkey for the first talks since 2022. Speaking to Reuters before the exchange of artillery fire, Roman - who uses the call sign "Cowboy" - said he had little faith Russia would agree to a demand from Kyiv and Western states for a 30-day ceasefire. "At the moment peace is not possible," Roman said. "We are certain that the enemy is not going to stop. Our task, as soldiers, is to hold our positions, keep on fighting, not to give up." The group of soldiers commanded by Roman - who did not give his full name in line with Ukrainian military protocol - was dug into woodland in Ukraine's Donetsk region, which is largely controlled by Russian forces. Late on Thursday, they had received orders to direct fire on Russian positions from their 2S1 Gvozdika, a Soviet-designed self-propelled howitzer. Before they could begin firing, Russian rounds could be heard landing a few hundred metres (yards) away. That was followed by the sounds of return fire from other Ukrainian positions in the area. Roman and soldiers under his command ran into trenches and headed for their Gvozdika. They removed the branches and camouflage netting used to conceal it from Russian drones, and then loaded a shell into the gun. They fired off a round. At the same time in Turkey, Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams had failed to meet, instead blaming each other for stalling. They did eventually meet on Friday in Istanbul. One of Roman's men, Serhii, said when asked if he saw a prospect of a ceasefire: "No hope." "Because there was a lot of conversation before. No results," said Serhii, a 36-year-old with the callsign Steward. "I just do my work. For our victory, to stop the war." Russian officials say they are committed to a peaceful end to the war, and accuse Kyiv of blocking that by making unrealistic demands and failing to acknowledge the need for compromises. (Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Under fire on front line, Ukrainian soldiers doubt talks will bring peace
Roman, 26-years-old, artillery division commander of the 141st Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the call sign 'Cowboy', prepares to work next to a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer before it fires towards Russian troops, at a position near a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko KYIV - While Russian and Ukrainian officials arrived in Turkey for a fresh attempt at direct peace talks, Roman, a 26-year-old Ukrainian artillery commander, raced to man his artillery gun after Russian strikes landed near his position. The scene on Thursday evening served as a reminder that, on the front line, peace is a distant prospect, even as Russian and Ukrainian officials assembled in Turkey for the first talks since 2022. Speaking to Reuters before the exchange of artillery fire, Roman - who uses the call sign "Cowboy" - said he had little faith Russia would agree to a demand from Kyiv and Western states for a 30-day ceasefire. "At the moment peace is not possible," Roman said. "We are certain that the enemy is not going to stop. Our task, as soldiers, is to hold our positions, keep on fighting, not to give up." The group of soldiers commanded by Roman - who did not give his full name in line with Ukrainian military protocol - was dug into woodland in Ukraine's Donetsk region, which is largely controlled by Russian forces. Late on Thursday, they had received orders to direct fire on Russian positions from their 2S1 Gvozdika, a Soviet-designed self-propelled howitzer. Before they could begin firing, Russian rounds could be heard landing a few hundred metres (yards) away. That was followed by the sounds of return fire from other Ukrainian positions in the area. Roman and soldiers under his command ran into trenches and headed for their Gvozdika. They removed the branches and camouflage netting used to conceal it from Russian drones, and then loaded a shell into the gun. They fired off a round. At the same time in Turkey, Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams had failed to meet, instead blaming each other for stalling. They did eventually meet on Friday in Istanbul. One of Roman's men, Serhii, said when asked if he saw a prospect of a ceasefire: "No hope." "Because there was a lot of conversation before. No results," said Serhii, a 36-year-old with the callsign Steward. "I just do my work. For our victory, to stop the war." Russian officials say they are committed to a peaceful end to the war, and accuse Kyiv of blocking that by making unrealistic demands and failing to acknowledge the need for compromises. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
