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By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway      Published  Aug 26, 2026 10:04 PM EDT     (claims-swirl-around-cia-directors-reason-for-secret-moscow-visit-nearly-all-of-them-are-terrifying.html#comments)    0           (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=twz.com) Add TWZ (opens in a new tab)      More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results.        (Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening to escalate attacks on Ukraine.)   (Photo by Gavriil Grigorov / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (a91cdfd0f0)  (/news-features/claims-swirl-around-cia-directors-reason-for-secret-moscow-visit-nearly-all-of-them-are-terrifying)  (TWZInline) (0) Email address  (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address)  Sign Up  Thank you!      (https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy        Troubling (https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/cia-chiefs-surprise-moscow-trip-was-to-warn-russia-not-to-attack-nato-c2d997f3) new reports are emerging about CIA Director (https://www.twz.com/air/usaf-c-17-makes-extremely-rare-visit-to-moscow) John Ratcliffe’s surprise visit to Moscow on Tuesday. All of the reports point to delivering a warning to Putin’s regime, while exactly the nature of that warning differs. There have been growing concerns in Europe over expanding Russian aggression and specifically the possibility it could attack a NATO country to test the alliance’s resolve. There are also (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-26/putin-moves-to-escalate-war-in-ukraine-with-talks-at-dead-end?taid=6a8f0e4e0d0911000186ebcb&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter) reports that Putin will drastically increase offensive operations in Ukraine due to the massive damage his country is now taking from long-range drone and cruise missile strikes, as well as failed peace talks. Reports even state that he is (https://www.twz.com/news-features/putin-orders-tactical-nuclear-drills-in-response-to-western-threats) mulling the use of tactical nuclear weapons in order to stop these attacks and change the tide of the years-long conflict, a possibility which we will discuss more later in this piece. Iran, of course, is also a major issue, but it seems, at least based on reporting, it had taken a backseat to whatever the director was trying to accomplish in Moscow. Wednesday evening, (https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/cia-chiefs-surprise-moscow-trip-was-to-warn-russia-not-to-attack-nato-c2d997f3) The Wall Street Journal reported that Ratcliffe was in Moscow to deliver a message to Putin not to attack NATO countries. His visit “followed new U.S. intelligence assessments, (https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-intel-finds-putin-could-test-natos-resolve-with-limited-incursion-e3b02e2c?mod=article_inline) reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal , that Russian President Vladimir Putin could try to test the resolve of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with a limited assault on an allied country in the next few years,” the newspaper noted. We have been reporting on major concerns over exactly this for weeks now.  U.S. officials “are concerned that Putin, squeezed in Ukraine and under pressure at home, could launch an assault ranging from a cyberattack to a small-scale land incursion, likely on a Baltic nation,” the Journal added.  “Kremlin spokesman (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cia-director-john-ratcliffe-russia-secret-trip/) Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Wednesday that Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence officials during his time in the Russian capital, but he didn’t meet with Putin. Putin was briefed on the talks, Peskov said,” according to the publication. EXCLUSIVE: CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Moscow this week to deliver a warning to Russia: Don't attack NATO countries, according to people briefed on the visit — Dave Brown (@dave_brown24) (https://x.com/dave_brown24/status/2092736662304362499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 26, 2026    Earlier on Wednesday, (https://abcnews.com/International/leipzig-airport-drone-linked-russian-military-intelligence-us/story?id=135945223) ABC News reported that (https://www.twz.com/news-features/explosive-drone-found-next-to-ukrainian-an-124-in-germany-signals-a-new-threat-reality) an explosive drone found near an (https://www.twz.com/category/an-124) An-124-100 Ruslan (NATO reporting name Condor) cargo jet at Leipzig airport in Germany earlier this month “bore the hallmarks of devices typically employed by Russia’s Military Intelligence Directorate, the GRU.” The network cited a U.S. intelligence source. “The U.S. official, who was briefed on the investigation into the alleged sabotage plot, said the explosives fitted to the drone as well as the structure of the lethal device were ‘typical’ of those used by Russia’s GRU,” ABC added. “This U.S. assessment was made in conjunction with German security and intelligence agencies, the source added. ⚡️US intel links explosive drone found at German airport to Russia's military intelligence.The drone's structure and explosives were "typical" of those used by Russia's GRU, U.S. intelligence officials told ABC News.(https://t.co/g7IsdhNOeT) https://t.co/g7IsdhNOeT  — The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) (https://x.com/KyivIndependent/status/2092759404080710090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 26, 2026    Numerous (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/02/world/europe/drone-incursions-europe-russia.html) Russian drone incursions and other actions have some European officials convinced that Putin (https://www.twz.com/sea/russias-hybrid-war-against-nato-ramping-up-danish-intelligence) is already waging so-called hybrid war against NATO, and has been doing so for some time.  Meanwhile, President Donald Trump downplayed the Ratcliffe trip, which has sparked a wide range of speculation about its purpose. The president called it “semi-routine.” That statement is hard to square considering how rare having a CIA director rush to Moscow is. The last time this happened was just prior to the war in Ukraine breaking out into the destructive reality we see today.  Q: Why did CIA Director Ratcliffe go to Russia? Rumors say Putin is going to test NATO’s resolve, or Iranian sanctions, or Russia attacking England?Trump: None of the above. (https://t.co/jRrRI1B0wu) pic.twitter.com/jRrRI1B0wu  — Clash Report (@clashreport) (https://x.com/clashreport/status/2092605118868824086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 26, 2026    As we noted earlier in this story, Putin is reportedly considering escalating attacks on Ukraine, including the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons, (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-26/putin-moves-to-escalate-war-in-ukraine-with-talks-at-dead-end?taid=6a8f0e4e0d0911000186ebcb&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter) Bloomberg reported , citing “three people close to the Kremlin.” “For now, Russia is weighing an intensification of powerful conventional ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, including the center of the capital, and infrastructure targets in other Ukrainian cities.”  At issue, Bloomberg suggested, is that negotiation “frameworks have all effectively collapsed, leaving the two warring sides back at square one.” This comes as Ukraine is already reeling from constant attacks, especially ballistic missile strikes it can’t defend against (https://www.twz.com/land/out-of-patriot-interceptors-ukraine-cant-down-any-ballistic-missiles-striking-kyiv) because of the lack of Patriot interceptors . Russia is preparing to escalate attacks on Ukraine after concluding that negotiations for a peace deal have reached a dead end, according to three people close to the Kremlin. (https://t.co/y7gMjOmf2J) https://t.co/y7gMjOmf2J  — Bloomberg (@business) (https://x.com/business/status/2092644095919374655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 26, 2026    Moreover, the Kremlin “has also abandoned reliance on what it believed was an understanding reached between Putin and Trump (https://www.twz.com/news-features/world-watching-as-trump-and-putin-set-meet-in-alaska-over-future-of-ukraine-war) at their summit in Alaska last August ,” Bloomberg  noted. You can see video from that encounter below.   🚨(https://x.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) #BREAKING Watch as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in person and shake hands in Anchorage Alaska. (https://t.co/b03VywhPvJ) pic.twitter.com/b03VywhPvJ  — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) (https://x.com/rawsalerts/status/1956436252263162233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 15, 2025    Such a deal would have required the Trump administration to force Ukraine into giving up the eastern Donetsk region, a demand Kyiv has rejected as it continues to hold out against a Russian onslaught that has gained little ground. The White House this evening pushed back on the notion that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have reached an insurmountable impasse. A peace deal has been a major objective for President Donald Trump, who famously promised that he would end the conflict on his first day in office. “The president wants this war settled so that the senseless killing ends,” a White House official told TWZ . “The president and his team remain committed to continuing to play a constructive role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, and he remains optimistic that we’ll ultimately get a peace deal done.”  The United States “continues to play a constructive role in speaking to both sides in working towards bringing the war to an end,” the official added. “We are the only country in the world that can play that role.” The level of current U.S. involvement in negotiations is unclear. Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Moscow after an eight-month break and to visit Kyiv for the first time, but no date has emerged for either trip, Bloomberg noted. Last week, Radio Free Europe reporter Alex Raufoglu stated on X that the pair’s trip to Ukraine was delayed, but not canceled, by ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv. NEW!!  Sources tell me the highly anticipated Witkoff-Kushner trip to Ukraine has been “slightly delayed, not cancelled” — due to last week's intensified missile and drone strikes on Kyiv. Meanwhile Kyiv today 👇 (https://t.co/d5hJxZXHCx) pic.twitter.com/d5hJxZXHCx  — Alex Raufoglu (@ralexdc) (https://x.com/ralexdc/status/2091599259221078278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 23, 2026    Putin is not about to cave under economic pressure, Bloomberg suggested, citing its sources. Nor will he end hostilities as Ukraine continues to pound Russian refineries and logistics networks. These attacks are having a devastating effect on the Russian economy and creating increasing frustration among the populace. (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-russia-to-seize-commercial-infrastructure-left-unprotected-from-drones) As we noted yesterday , Ukraine’s long-range strikes have spurred Putin to (http://kremlin.ru/acts/news/80578) allow the government to temporarily seize what it deems commercial critical infrastructure that is not sufficiently protected against such strikes. This follows Russia’s move earlier this year to allow private companies(https://www.rbc.ru/business/28/05/2026/6a1850ad9a79477349237757) to purchase their own air defense systems to protect their own facilities. On Wednesday, those attacks continued anew. Ukraine struck another e-commerce hub, causing widespread damage, Russian officials said. “As a result of the Ukrainian drone strikes, a fire broke out at a Wildberries logistics center,” (https://t.me/PervyshovEA/4773) Tambov Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov stated on Telegram . “The area of the fire is over 100,000 square meters.” Russia cannot allow this to continue. (https://t.co/LNdM3p7YFv) https://t.co/LNdM3p7YFv (https://t.co/jCzvnjGsrO) pic.twitter.com/jCzvnjGsrO  — Korobochka (コロボ) 🇦🇺✝️🇷🇺 (@cirnosad) (https://x.com/cirnosad/status/2092604456651440582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) August 26, 2026    Whether Putin actually does escalate attacks remains to be seen. With increased (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-kyiv-is-turning-soviet-era-armor-into-robotic-combat-vehicles) production of ballistic missiles and new ones from North Korea, he may have new means of sustaining conventional attacks. As for a nuclear one, he has constantly rattled that saber for years. As Bloomberg noted, in the past, there have been reports that China and India have frequently urged him to refrain from that steep climb up the escalation ladder. We raised the question of Putin using tactical nuclear weapons on Ukraine several months after he launched his full-on invasion, asking the world’s top nuclear proliferation experts about the likelihood it would happen. You can read this feature (https://www.twz.com/nuclear-experts-on-chances-of-russia-using-atomic-weapons-in-ukraine) here , but our expert’s sentiments were made long before Ukraine was picking apart Russia infrastructure on a daily basis, with a standoff weapons armada growing by the day. So, while it isn’t exactly clear what was discussed in this meeting or its primary objective, none of the reported reasons are encouraging. Quite the opposite, they point to the possibility of a darker new phase in the Russia-NATO standoff.  Contact the author: howard@twz.com  (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) (Howard Altman Avatar)   (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman   Senior Staff Writer    Howard is a Senior Staff Writer for  TWZ  . He writes frequently about conflict, focusing heavily on the Middle East and Ukraine, and interviews with military and intelligence officials and industry leaders from around the globe. He lives near Tampa, Florida, home of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command.   (https://twitter.com/haltman)     (https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardaltman/)        (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) (Tyler Rogoway Avatar)   (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway   Editor-in-Chief    Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site  Foxtrot Alpha  before developing  TWZ  , which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day.    (https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel)           Loading comments…  Comments couldn’t be loaded. Please refresh the page.         Latest in Russia (https://www.twz.com/land/russia-is-now-using-longer-range-iskander-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-intel) (Russia is now using longer-range Iskander ballistic missiles.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/land-based-ballistic-missile-defense) Land-Based Ballistic Missile Defense   (https://www.twz.com/land/russia-is-now-using-longer-range-iskander-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-intel) Russia Is Now Using Longer-Range Iskander Ballistic Missiles: Ukraine Intel   Russia's longer-range Iskanders will make it harder for Ukraine to successfully hunt and destroy them as part of a new campaign. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway        5:52 PM  August 27, 2026      (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-russia-to-seize-commercial-infrastructure-left-unprotected-from-drones) (Russia can now seize critical infrastructure unprotected by drones.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-russia-to-seize-commercial-infrastructure-left-unprotected-from-drones) Ukraine Situation Report: Russia To Seize Commercial Infrastructure Left Unprotected From Drones   Russia says companies need to buy their own air defenses to protect critical facilities, and those that haven't will be commandeered. By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman        3:42 PM  August 25, 2026        ()    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (https://twz.beehiiv.com/) Sign Up  By signing up you agree to our(https://recurrent.io/terms-and-conditions/) Terms of Service and(https://recurrent.io/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy.           More in Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-russia-to-seize-commercial-infrastructure-left-unprotected-from-drones) (Russia can now seize critical infrastructure unprotected by drones.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-russia-to-seize-commercial-infrastructure-left-unprotected-from-drones) Ukraine Situation Report: Russia To Seize Commercial Infrastructure Left Unprotected From Drones   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/extraordinary-footage-from-moscow-under-heavy-ukrainian-aerial-attack) (Russian oil refinery on fire after barrage of Ukrainian drones strike Moscow.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/extraordinary-footage-from-moscow-under-heavy-ukrainian-aerial-attack) Extraordinary Footage From Moscow Under Heavy Ukrainian Aerial Attack   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-claims-scores-of-russian-ships-struck-in-sea-of-azov) (Ukraine says it has attacked nearly 50 ships in the Sea of Azov over the past five days.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-claims-scores-of-russian-ships-struck-in-sea-of-azov) Ukraine Claims Scores Of Russian Ships Struck In Sea Of Azov   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/air/ea-37b-flew-along-kaliningrad-border-as-part-of-specialized-recon-ew-flight-package) (A U.S. Air Force EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jet was part of a specialized air package flying near the Russian Kaliningrad enclave on Tuesday.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/us-air-force) U.S. Air Force   (https://www.twz.com/air/ea-37b-flew-along-kaliningrad-border-as-part-of-specialized-recon-ew-flight-package) EA-37B Flew Along Kaliningrad Border As Part Of “Specialized” Recon, EW Flight Package   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/land/russia-is-now-using-longer-range-iskander-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-intel) (Russia is now using longer-range Iskander ballistic missiles.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/land-based-ballistic-missile-defense) Land-Based Ballistic Missile Defense   (https://www.twz.com/land/russia-is-now-using-longer-range-iskander-ballistic-missiles-ukraine-intel) Russia Is Now Using Longer-Range Iskander Ballistic Missiles: Ukraine Intel   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/hardened-aircraft-shelters-at-russian-air-base-in-crimea-damaged-from-ukrainian-drone-strikes) (Ukraine struck Russia's Saki air base on Crimea again to ratchet up the pressure on Vladimir Putin.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/hardened-aircraft-shelters-at-russian-air-base-in-crimea-damaged-from-ukrainian-drone-strikes) Hardened Aircraft Shelters At Russian Air Base In Crimea Damaged From Ukrainian Drone Strikes (Updated)   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/air/new-counter-drone-optimized-pantsir-air-defense-system-being-deployed-atop-skyscrapers-in-moscow) (A recent video out of Russia once again highlights the drastic efforts being taken to provide Moscow with additional air defense coverage against the threat of long-range Ukrainian drones. While we have seen examples of the Pantsir short-range air defense system installed on buildings in Moscow before now, the footage shows the counter-drone-optimized SMD-E variant being lifted on top of a skyscraper by helicopter.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russian-air-force) Russian Air Force   (https://www.twz.com/air/new-counter-drone-optimized-pantsir-air-defense-system-being-deployed-atop-skyscrapers-in-moscow) New Counter-Drone Optimized Pantsir Air Defense System Being Deployed Atop Skyscrapers In Moscow   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/massive-change-in-trumps-stance-on-russia-emerging) (U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his public tune on Ukraine and Russia.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/massive-change-in-trumps-stance-on-russia-emerging) Massive Change In Trump’s Stance On Russia Emerging   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) SEE MORE   More in Europe   (https://www.twz.com/sea/russias-baltic-fleet-successfully-attacked-by-ukrainian-drones) (Ukrainian drones targeted the Kronstadt naval base and the Steregushchy class corvette Boiky. Damage assessments were not fully clear in initial reporting.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russian-navy) Russian Navy   (https://www.twz.com/sea/russias-baltic-fleet-successfully-attacked-by-ukrainian-drones) Russia’s Baltic Fleet Successfully Attacked By Ukrainian Drones   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/land/north-korea-upping-ballistic-missile-supplies-to-russia-would-be-bad-news-for-ukraine-at-the-worst-time) (A picture North Korea released of a test of a KN-23 missile in 2019.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russian-army) Russian Army   (https://www.twz.com/land/north-korea-upping-ballistic-missile-supplies-to-russia-would-be-bad-news-for-ukraine-at-the-worst-time) North Korea Upping Ballistic Missile Supplies To Russia Would Be Bad News For Ukraine At The Worst Time   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/land/ukraine-built-patriot-missiles-wont-be-defending-the-countrys-skies-anytime-soon) (Patriot missiles for Ukraine may be licensed built in the future.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/mim-104-patriot) MIM-104 Patriot   (https://www.twz.com/land/ukraine-built-patriot-missiles-wont-be-defending-the-countrys-skies-anytime-soon) Ukrainian-Built Patriot Missiles Won’t Be Defending The Country’s Skies Anytime Soon   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/moscow-just-gave-venezuela-air-defenses-not-ruling-out-strike-missiles-russian-official) (A high-ranking Russian official said Moscow recently delivered air defense systems to Venezuela.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/moscow-just-gave-venezuela-air-defenses-not-ruling-out-strike-missiles-russian-official) Moscow Just Gave Venezuela Air Defenses, Not Ruling Out Strike Missiles: Russian Official   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/air/claims-swirl-over-supposed-ukrainian-attack-on-putins-helicopter) (Ukraine is pushing back on a Russian claim that Vladimir Putin's helicopter came under fire on May 20.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/helicopters) Helicopters   (https://www.twz.com/air/claims-swirl-over-supposed-ukrainian-attack-on-putins-helicopter) Claims Swirl Over Supposed Ukrainian Attack On Putin’s Helicopter   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/air/mig-29-transfer-to-ukraine-halted-by-poland-over-claimed-drone-snub) (Poland has halted the transfer of additonal MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters to Ukraine over claims that Kyiv would not provide Warsaw with drone technology.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/mig-29) MiG-29   (https://www.twz.com/air/mig-29-transfer-to-ukraine-halted-by-poland-over-claimed-drone-snub) MiG-29 Transfer To Ukraine Halted By Poland Over Claimed Drone Snub   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/land/russias-claims-oreshnik-ballistic-missile-now-on-combat-duty-in-belarus) (A screen grab from a video shows installation of the Oreshnik missile system on December 30, 2025 in Belarus. Belarus has placed a military unit equipped with the Russian-made Oreshnik mobile ground-based missile system on combat duty, according to official information. The unitâs launch, communications, security, and technical crews completed additional training before becoming operational. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has previously said that up to 10 Oreshnik ballistic missile systems could be deployed in the country.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russian-army) Russian Army   (https://www.twz.com/land/russias-claims-oreshnik-ballistic-missile-now-on-combat-duty-in-belarus) Russia Claims Oreshnik Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Now “On Combat Duty” In Belarus   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/sea/russian-retaliation-strike-raises-stakes-in-black-sea-shipping-war) (Russia carried out a retaliation strike for Ukraine's attacks on its ships.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/logistics-ships) Logistics Ships   (https://www.twz.com/sea/russian-retaliation-strike-raises-stakes-in-black-sea-shipping-war) Russian Retaliation Strike Raises Stakes In Black Sea Shipping War   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/category/europe) SEE MORE   More in Around The Globe   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-turns-up-the-heat-around-the-strait-of-hormuz) (Iran is stepping up its attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/iran) Iran   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-turns-up-the-heat-around-the-strait-of-hormuz) Iran Turns Up The Heat Around The Strait Of Hormuz (Updated)   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-now-trying-to-cement-long-term-control-over-strait-via-fees) (The IMO paused its plan to evacuate ships from the Persian Gulf after an Iranian drone strike on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz)     (https://www.twz.com/category/iran) Iran   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/iran-now-trying-to-cement-long-term-control-over-strait-via-fees) Iran Now Trying To Cement Long-Term Control Over Strait Via Fees   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/prospects-dimming-on-iran-u-s-deal-to-open-strait-end-war) (A MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, soars above Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) while conducting a vertical replenishment-at-sea alongside)     (https://www.twz.com/category/iran) Iran   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/prospects-dimming-on-iran-u-s-deal-to-open-strait-end-war) Prospects Dimming On Iran-U.S. Deal To Open Strait, End War   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/irans-energy-infrastructure-is-now-on-the-targeting-list) (The South Pars gas field was attacked by Israel, raising the stakes in the Middle East energy war.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/iran) Iran   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/irans-energy-infrastructure-is-now-on-the-targeting-list) Iran’s Energy Infrastructure Is Now On The Targeting List (Updated)   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-kyiv-is-turning-soviet-era-armor-into-robotic-combat-vehicles) (Ukraine is converting armored recon vehicles into robot battlewagons)     (https://www.twz.com/category/ukraine) Ukraine   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-kyiv-is-turning-soviet-era-armor-into-robotic-combat-vehicles) Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Is Turning Soviet-Era Armor Into Robotic Combat Vehicles   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-drone-impacts-apartment-building-in-nato-state-romania-injuring-civilians) (Police and forensic investigators examine the location of impact after a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Galati, eastern Romania. A Russian drone wounded two people as it struck an apartment building in NATO-member Romania, its defence ministry said on May 29, 2026, the latest spillover from the four-year war into neighbouring states.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/nato) NATO   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-drone-impacts-apartment-building-in-nato-state-romania-injuring-civilians) Russian Drone Impacts Apartment Building In NATO State Romania, Injuring Civilians   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/land/russias-oreshnik-intermediate-range-ballistic-missile-used-in-large-scale-attack-on-ukraine) (Another example of Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) has been fired against Ukraine. Moscow said the strike was retaliation for a supposed attempted Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence late last month — an allegation Kyiv and Washington have said is false. Authorities in Kyiv described Moscow’s justification for the Oreshnik strike, part of a massive overnight missile and drone barrage, as “absurd.”)     (https://www.twz.com/category/mrbms-irbms) MRBMs/IRBMs   (https://www.twz.com/land/russias-oreshnik-intermediate-range-ballistic-missile-used-in-large-scale-attack-on-ukraine) Russia’s Oreshnik Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Used In Large-Scale Attack On Ukraine   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukrainian-spy-master-kyrylo-budanov-explains-his-new-job-as-top-zelensky-aid) (Lt.Kyrylo Budanov has been named Ukraine's new presidential chief of staff.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukrainian-spy-master-kyrylo-budanov-explains-his-new-job-as-top-zelensky-aid) Ukrainian Spy Master Kyrylo Budanov Explains His New Job As Top Zelensky Aid   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/category/around-the-globe) SEE MORE   More in News & Features   (https://www.twz.com/land/pentagons-ability-to-supply-ukraine-with-more-patriot-interceptors-questioned-by-congress) (Ukraine, short on Patriot interceptors, can't down Russian ballistic missiles.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/mim-104-patriot) MIM-104 Patriot   (https://www.twz.com/land/pentagons-ability-to-supply-ukraine-with-more-patriot-interceptors-questioned-by-congress) Pentagon’s Ability To Supply Ukraine With More Patriot Interceptors Questioned By Congress (Updated)   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russia-eyes-balloon-communications-system-to-fill-massive-gap-left-after-losing-starlink) (Russia is working on a balloon-borne communications network as SpaceX has cut off its use of Starlink.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russia-eyes-balloon-communications-system-to-fill-massive-gap-left-after-losing-starlink) Russia Eyes Balloon Communications System To Fill Massive Gap Left After Losing Starlink   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-forces-finally-break-through-into-key-eastern-ukrainian-stronghold) (Russian forces have finally entered Pokrovsk after more than a year of bloody assaults.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-forces-finally-break-through-into-key-eastern-ukrainian-stronghold) Russian Forces Finally Break Through Into Key Eastern Ukrainian Stronghold   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/tomahawks-for-ukraine-talk-elicits-new-response-from-putin) (Vladimir Putin claimed Russia will beef up its air defenses to meet the threat from Tomhawk Land Attack cruise missiles provided to Ukraine should that happen.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/bgm-109-tomahawk-n) BGM-109 Tomahawk-N   (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/tomahawks-for-ukraine-talk-elicits-new-response-from-putin) Tomahawks For Ukraine Talk Elicits New Response From Putin   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/russia-plans-to-deploy-sarmat-icbm-operationally-later-this-year) (On May 12, President Putin received a report on the successful test of the Sarmat missile.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/icbms) ICBMs   (https://www.twz.com/nuclear/russia-plans-to-deploy-sarmat-icbm-operationally-later-this-year) Russia Plans To Deploy Sarmat ICBM Operationally Later This Year   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick) Thomas Newdick           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-deep-in-talks-to-sell-u-s-millions-of-drones) (Ukrainian officials are in Washington this week to hammer out details of a potential $50 billion drone deal.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/russia) Russia   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-deep-in-talks-to-sell-u-s-millions-of-drones) Ukraine Deep In Talks To Sell U.S. Millions Of Drones   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/land/out-of-patriot-interceptors-ukraine-cant-down-any-ballistic-missiles-striking-kyiv) (Ukraine, short on Patriot interceptors, can't down Russian ballistic missiles.)     (https://www.twz.com/category/mim-104-patriot) MIM-104 Patriot   (https://www.twz.com/land/out-of-patriot-interceptors-ukraine-cant-down-any-ballistic-missiles-striking-kyiv) Out Of Patriot Interceptors, Ukraine Can’t Down Any Ballistic Missiles Striking Kyiv   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman           (https://www.twz.com/news-features/explosive-drone-found-next-to-ukrainian-an-124-in-germany-signals-a-new-threat-reality) (05 August 2026, Saxony, Schkeuditz: A Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 cargo plane is parked at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Following the nighttime drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, specialists from the Federal Police defused a drone equipped with an explosive device. Photo: Hendrik Schmidt/dpa (Photo by Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images))     (https://www.twz.com/category/germany) Germany   (https://www.twz.com/news-features/explosive-drone-found-next-to-ukrainian-an-124-in-germany-signals-a-new-threat-reality) Explosive Drone Found Next To Ukrainian An-124 In Germany Signals A New Threat Reality   By (https://www.twz.com/authors/howard-altman) Howard Altman ,  (https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway) Tyler Rogoway           (https://www.twz.com/category/news-features) SEE MORE         (https://www.twz.com/) ()    The TWZ Newsletter  Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.   (handle_newsletter_email_submission) (a91cdfd0f0)  (/news-features/claims-swirl-around-cia-directors-reason-for-secret-moscow-visit-nearly-all-of-them-are-terrifying)  (TWZInline) (0) Email address  (Enter your email) (Please enter a valid email address)  Sign Up  Thank you!      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