Rybar in English
@rybar_en • 80,655 subscribers
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Lviv was not part of the deal While Zelensky tries to negotiate additional concessions in Norway, explosions continue in the capital and western regions of Ukraine. Russian forces struck near border crossings in Lviv Region and substations in the Yavoriv District. After about a dozen impacts, the region faced power outages, and residents began buying water amid risks to water supply. Neighboring Volyn, Rivne, Khmelnytsky, and Ivano-Frankivsk Regions were also hit. Emergency shutdowns occurred in several districts. Starlink slowdowns have limited Ukrainian drone interceptors, allowing even older Gerans to reach western regions. In the evening, strikes hit the Nivki substation in Kyiv, previously attacked in early October. The metro stopped, and several warehouses and medical facilities were damaged. Explosions were also heard near the Northern Bridge in Obolon. Since June, Russian forces have shifted focus toward western Ukraine. This is linked to the mass use of reactive Gerans, which more effectively overcome air defense. Combined with shortages of air defense missiles and satellite communication problems, previously “safe” cities such as Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Ternopil are now being struck more often.
Rybar in English22,022 views • 7 days ago
Counterattacks at the canal — Rybar's analysis In mid-summer, Russian forces continued their offensive on the approaches to the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk urban area. The most intense fighting unfolded on the flanks of the direction, where units of the Guards "South" sought to expand their control zone beyond the Seversky Donets — Donbas canal and seize the near approaches to Slavyansk. ➡️By late August, forward infiltration groups had penetrated into Nikolaivka, which serves as the key to the agglomeration's defense. To the south, Russian forces developed attacks toward Pervomayivka and attempted to establish a unified stable bridgehead on the right bank of the canal. ➡️In parallel, assault groups methodically advanced in Ray-Aleksandrivka and for some time completely occupied the village. Nevertheless, the "echo" of problems on the Lyman direction reached the approaches to Slavyansk, as by late September the AFU transitioned to counterattacks and reached the center of the settlement. 📌 Similar enemy counterattacks followed on other sectors of the direction with the goal of preventing Russian forces from unifying their bridgeheads beyond the canal. At present, the "southerners" are attempting to hold previously captured positions and regain control over Ray-Aleksandrivka.
Rybar in English20,854 views • 18 days ago
"Alabuga-Start" as a start Russia's migration policy often faces justified criticism, but there are also successful examples of organized and purposeful labor migration. The "Alabuga-Start" program in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone has proven effective at attracting female migrants from Africa, filling labor shortages in unpopular regions, and gradually integrating them into Russian society. Now the program has launched a new initiative called "Back to Home." Its graduates return to their countries, teach Russian to locals, and share their positive experiences of living and working in Russia. This approach is particularly valuable because information comes from people of the same culture, making it more credible and emotionally resonant. This is a low-cost but potentially high-impact example of "soft power" that helps shape a more positive attitude toward Russia abroad.
Rybar in English135,200 views • 5 months ago
✈️ Flying home Mikhail Zvinchuk on the line. Mikhail Zvinchuk, head of the Rybar project, was detained in Montenegro along with other Russian citizens. All of them were in the country legally and broke no local laws. They had planned to film the Cetinje Monastery and had submitted an official filming request in advance. The police searched them without filing any official report. All their belongings and equipment were confiscated and never returned. During questioning, they were asked: "Did you come here to recruit foreigners to take part in the SMO?" Right now, Mikhail and his companions are on their way back to Russia after being expelled from Montenegro. He explains what happened in the video. On behalf of the whole team, we thank Maria Zakharova, the diplomats of the Second European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, and the Russian Ambassadors to Montenegro and Serbia for their help. Thanks to the quick response of the Foreign Ministry and Russian state authorities, the situation was resolved promptly.
Rybar in English18,607 views • 18 days ago
War Logistics: Convoys, Couriers, Drones Over four years in the SMO zone, much has changed, including front-line logistics. The more the sky above the battlefield saturated with drones, the harder it became to deliver cargo to positions on the ground. At some point, everything fell on the shoulders of fighter "couriers," who can carry cargo for a week from shelter to shelter with the task of remaining unnoticed. However, UAVs leave them fewer and fewer chances. In such a situation, salvation for Russian assault troops comes from heavy multi-engine unmanned aircraft — whether the Urals-made "Berdysh," Far Eastern "Mangas," modified versions of downed enemy "Baba Yaga" or "Night Witch." And some are saving someone's life right now. On the evolution of front-line supply means and the role of specialized unmanned aircraft — in our new video.
Rybar in English149,740 views • 7 months ago
How FPV Drones Destroyed Logistics on the Dnipro Drone dominance over the battlefield has become a harsh reality: it might even seem like it was always this way. But there was a moment that served as the starting point for such radical changes in military affairs? Yes, there was. And while several episodes claim credit for it, one of the most striking is the repulsion of the AFU landing on the Kherson direction in autumn 2023, where the enemy listened to the British and decided to force a crossing of the Dnipro. And at first, the enemy was even succeeding, aided by long-range artillery, fast boats and other factors. But everything changed when FPV drone crews with "Upyr" began operating in the sector. About how unmanned aircraft managed to destroy Ukrainian logistics on the Dnipro and disrupt the AFU's plan — in our new video.
Rybar in English132,191 views • 7 months ago
Infantry's dream on the front line is the ability to destroy an enemy strongpoint with a single hit. Only if previously this required sending an assault trooper to throw a TM-62 mine by hand, now there's an alternative for this. You can try to destroy a strongpoint with lighter drones, but due to smaller warhead power you'll have to spend dozens of unmanned vehicles, which will cost many times more. So economics alone speaks in favor of heavy FPV-drones for such tasks. That said, this doesn't mean this class of equipment "cancels out" all other FPV-drones — it simply provides the ability to use different equipment for tasks suited to them. The same vehicles will continue to be destroyed using "Prince Vandal Novgorodsky" and similar systems. And the more working tools operators have, the more effectively they can accomplish tasks and eliminate AFU manpower, severely depleting the enemy's irreplaceable resource. Because without this there will be no advance.
Rybar in English136,921 views • 7 months ago
Battles near Kostyantynivka — Rybar's Analysis In early August, Russian forces pressed the enemy on several sectors of the Druzhkivka direction. On the eastern flank they expanded control near Chasiv Yar, on the western flank they advanced around Dolha Balka, and in the center they finished clearing Kostyantynivka. By the end of the first ten days of the month, units of the Southern Grouping had taken the city buildings and were fighting for Aleksiyevo-Druzhkivka. In September they freed Izhivka and began attacks toward Kurtkivka and Verolyubivka. After restoring control over Chasiv Yar, Russian units advanced on the main Ukrainian strongpoint east of Kostyantynivka at Krasne. Over several weeks they brought Nikolaivka under fire control and disrupted Ukrainian defenses in the pocket that formed there. At the junction with the Center Grouping, Southern units drove the enemy out of Torske and Toretsk, though Ukrainian forces later restored some positions. Russian assault groups continued toward Petrivske and Raisky and pushed Ukrainian formations from the hedgerows between Sofiyivka and Dolha Balka. Because occupied positions were not fully cleared, Ukrainian units kept a presence and even moved personnel forward. By early October, reports from the sector described renewed enemy attacks toward Rusin Yar.
Rybar in English17,407 views • 21 days ago
🛬Let's talk about heavy FPV drones again and about the reasons for their relevance on the frontlines Even a small stronghold is often more resilient than it might seem. To destroy such an object, you need to use numerous conventional FPV drones, or even send an attack aircraft to drop a TM-62 mine. But now the chances of destroying a stronghold with a single drone hit have increased significantly thanks to the gradual emergence of heavy drones capable of carrying a much larger payload. One such drone is the Upyr-18. Some Upyr-18s have been modified to drop ammunition. This makes them reusable, but it also significantly reduces the power of the munition carried—it still needs to fly back. A ton of Upyr-18-type drones are incomparably more relevant today than a single BMD-4M or similar aircraft. So the question is about rational redistribution of resources.
Rybar in English123,665 views • 7 months ago
Infantry remains the priority target in drone warfare: one precise "Upyr" strike on 12 AFU soldiers inflicts far greater damage than destroying an Abrams. No infantry = collapsed defense. Scale up UAV control point hunts & invest in quality tactical drones + trained operators.
Rybar in English128,433 views • 8 months ago
Freeing Kostyantynivka — Rybar's Analysis Russian forces began their assault on Kostyantynivka in autumn 2025 after capturing Aleksandro-Shultino and Bila Hora. By late October, fighting spread to Ivanopillia and Stupochky. Ukrainian forces were pushed from Kleban-Byk, forming a cauldron south of the reservoir. In November, Russian units expanded the wedge, entering the private sector from Ivanopillia and Predtechyno. The AFU withdrew with losses to heights north of the city. By New Year, the front temporarily stabilized. Ukrainian forces concentrated reserves and launched numerous counterattacks but failed to regain lost positions. Russian troops drove them from heights north of the reservoir and fought for Berestok and Ilyinivka. In the city, intense small-group battles raged while Russian forces disrupted supplies with strikes on dams and logistics. By late March, the last southern supply routes were cut. Pockets of resistance remained at the agricultural machinery college. The AFU intensified efforts on the eastern flank, using drone operators from Chasiv Yar. In April, after capturing Ilyinivka, Russian forces advanced into Novodmytrivka. In May, aviation and drone strikes targeted concentrations and logistics in Druzhkivka and Aleksiyevo-Druzhkivka. The city center became a zone of meeting engagements. By late June, resistance was largely broken. Most of the city came under Russian control, with enemy remnants scattered in basements. In early July, assault groups broke through to the northwestern outskirts. By July 3, Kostyantynivka was fully liberated. Ahead lies the evacuation of civilians, clearing of ruins, and continuation of the offensive westward.
Rybar in English61,959 views • 3 months ago
Geological Diplomacy Why Russia Should Maintain a Presence in UNESCO Amid politically strained relations with UNESCO after 2022, Russia will maintain a working channel of interaction through geosciences and geoparks—one of the few areas where we retain expert weight and a clear international agenda. ▪️The main recent result of this interaction is the Toratau Geopark in Bashkortostan, approved for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in 2025–2026. For Russia, this is not just a local success: the idea of a national geopark system with a base site in Bashkortostan is being promoted as a model for replication in other regions of the country. ▪️A geopark is not just a "beautiful place with rocks," but an official status for a territory where geology is used as a foundation for education, tourism, and sustainable development. The status is important because it confers international recognition, attracts tourists and investment, opens access to UNESCO's network of experts and programs, and strengthens the country's position in the soft science and cultural agenda. There are currently approximately 229 geoparks in 50 countries worldwide. ▪️The Karpinsky Institute, which also organizes specialized events at UNESCO, is responsible for preparing and providing expert support for applications. This allows the Institute to remain a visible participant in the international geoscience network, despite the general context. 🖍At the same time, the Institute is implementing an educational project with an international reach—"Karpinsky Classes": specialized geological classrooms with equipment, curricula, and online courses. Over the past two years, classrooms have opened in Cuba, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ghana, and the CIS countries. We have been following them for a long time. 🚩A separate area is inclusive geology: adapting geoscience education for children with disabilities and audiences with limited access to STEM. In other words, geology and related sciences are being redesigned to make them accessible to those who are typically excluded by barriers—for health or social reasons. At international forums, this is presented as a contribution to the accessibility of science in countries of the Global South—an agenda that always resonates with UNESCO. 🏳️The third track is scientific. Russia remains a country with a significant base in polar research, and geophysical data from Antarctica fits into UNESCO's program on geodynamics, plate tectonics, and climate change. This is an argument that is difficult to ignore: in a number of areas, Russian science is simply indispensable as a provider of fundamental data. 📌Overall, all the aforementioned tracks together form an important and convenient tool of soft power in the face of sanctions. Russia demonstrates that it remains part of the global scientific community, is responsible for major sectors of the scientific agenda, and is building long-term ties with countries in Africa and Eurasia through education and science. In official documents of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, geoparks and geosciences are explicitly cited as one of the few positive avenues of cooperation. This makes sense: while contact on many fronts is frozen, science—sustainable development and education—remains a channel that neither side is interested in completely closing.
Rybar in English70,813 views • 6 months ago
🇺🇦Protests and Impacts Why Kyiv remembered peace only now Dead children and adults, years of shelling in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson Region, thousands of casualties. A handful of Kyiv residents came out against the war only now, once the capital itself started taking serious hits. For weeks Russian forces have been hitting computing sites, data centers and power lines. A fresh campaign against energy infrastructure has begun. For a third day Gerans with a new warhead are striking bridges and splitting the capital. The issue is not only traffic. Water mains and power cables run across the Dnieper. Cut those and Kyiv’s problems get much worse. The anti-war rallies, sparked by one Ukrainian serviceman, are now getting noticed. They are not large. Reading them as the will of the whole country is a stretch. The same city found the damaged Crimean Bridge funny on a stamp. It cheered strikes on Wildberries warehouses. Once the hits landed closer to home, peace suddenly sounded attractive. Strikes on factories scare Kyiv less. People know what those sites are. Bridges and utilities scare them because the lights, the water and the commute are theirs. Telethons will not manufacture more hate. Fatigue and questions for their own authorities will grow. The promised coercion failed. Tactical gains on the line are the TCC’s work. What people notice is what reaches the rear.
Rybar in English13,211 views • 25 days ago
Offensive deep into Kharkiv Region — Rybar's analysis In early June, Russian forces continued operations to encircle the AFU grouping in the Burluk direction. Units of the "North" grouping attacked near Volchansk and Dvorichna, aiming to bring unmanned systems closer to the enemy's main supply routes. On the eastern flank, Russian forces pushed Ukrainian troops back from Volcha and straightened the front line from Vilcha to Pokalyane. In early July, assault troops broke through along Highway T-21-04, liberated Zemlyanoy Yar, and cleared surrounding forest belts. This allowed them to reach the near approaches to Belyy Kolodets. On the eastern flank, Russian units methodically attacked Petro-Ivanovka and by mid-June reached its outskirts from the Novomlynskoe side. After nearly a month of fighting, the settlement was liberated. Russian forces also crossed Verkhnyaya Dvorichna and entered neighboring Mitrofanovka. In the coming weeks, events around Belyy Kolodets will be decisive. Its capture will create a bridgehead on the southern bank of the Pylnaya River and open the way toward Prikolotne, whose fortifications are not adapted to attacks from the northwest.
Rybar in English36,637 views • 3 months ago
Offensive near Myropollia — Rybar's analysis By late spring, Russian forces were developing attacks on two sectors of the Sumy border region. On the eastern flank they pushed through AFU defenses in the Myropollia area, while in the west they advanced toward the outskirts of Sumy itself. During fighting from May to July, Russian units completely pushed Ukrainian forces out of both Korchakivkas and consolidated positions on the approaches to Pisarivka and Khotyn. By late July they also liberated Ivolzhanske and Nova Sech, and took control of Andriyivka, which had been contested for nearly a year. Further east, assault troops liberated Zapsillya in May and established control over the border settlement of Ryasne. In June, units of the Guard “North” consolidated on the approaches to Velyka Rybytsia. By mid-July they cleared forest areas near Mohrytsya and began fighting inside the settlement. Russian forces currently continue the offensive on Velyka Rybytsia and Mohrytsya. Their capture will place AFU units in the Sadky area in a fire pocket. Subsequent clearing of nearby forest areas will straighten the front line on the central sector of the Sumy direction and free up reserves for further expansion of the bridgehead in the border region.
Rybar in English17,774 views • 2 months ago
Russian forces clear Shchurova Mountain stronghold, liberate most of Zelene & Chalk Vegetation reserve. Push out AFU from Orikhove-Vasylivka, advance on Mynkivka. Freed Petrivske, cleared Vasyukivka, Khromivka, Bondarne; battles for Pryvillia ongoing to reach Rai-Oleksandrivka.
Rybar in English34,576 views • 8 months ago
For centuries, night was one of the main allies of a fighter on the front. Once the sun set below the horizon, the intensity of combat would decrease, and under the cover of darkness, one could move much more safely. Even the spread of night vision devices and thermal scopes did not lead to the complete disappearance of night's protective properties. And it seemed that with the "drone revolution" it should be the same — isn't it easier to move in the dark than during the day under a swarm of UAVs? But now that's no longer the case. Now, regardless of the time of day, Russian fighters face a mass of Ukrainian drones, and the enemy faces a mass of "Upyrs," KVN and other products of unmanned aircraft manufacturing. Darkness today does not save.
Rybar in English26,845 views • 7 months ago
Trump the Trader Trump is not a traditional statesman but a classic bazaar trader with a nuclear briefcase. He thinks primarily in terms of profit for his team and supporting clans, rather than state reputation or long-term strategy. Every move — from a tweet to a strike on Iran — has an economic rationale. Foreign policy becomes an extended price list: first look at charts and money, then adjust slogans and flags. This explains both target selection and negotiation style. Trump haggles simultaneously with allies, adversaries, and his own establishment to get the most profitable configuration. Publicly it is sold as "America First," but in practice it is "Profit First." For those still seeing the US as a monolithic rational actor, this is an unpleasant revelation. On the other end is a trader who will change the price tag if demand spikes.
Rybar in English22,015 views • 5 months ago