Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 3h

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:

STING Interceptor Drone by Wild Hornets: When Civil Society Powers Defence

Wild Hornets Drones

ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com

1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 1d

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.

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

1 1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 2d

Thank you!

1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 3d

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...

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

1 4

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 6d

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...

Russia's Arms Trends: drone incursions and Zapad exercises

Key developments of September, 2025

ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com

1 1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 8d

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...

Ukraine’s Pursuit of Drone Autonomy: NORDA Dynamics

Solutions for drones operating in GPS-Denied and EW environments

ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com

1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 11d

Thank you so much!

1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 11d

For those who don’t know: I have a newsletter on Substack focusing on defence tech in Ukraine. If you get a paid subscription, you can drop me a note specifying that you’d like the money to go towards the fundraising.
ukrainesarmsmonitor.substack.com

2 4

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 11d

Thank you!

1

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 11d

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...

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

2 5 11

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · 17d

I joined Arthur Snell, an Associate Fellow at RUSI and former UK diplomat, on the popular geopolitics podcast Behind the Lines.

2 17

Reposted by Olena Kryzhanivska

Terrell Jermaine Starr @terrelljstarr.bsky.social · Jul 22

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.

1 1 15

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jul 2

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.

2

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 25

Please email me [email protected]

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 20

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...

1 4

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 20

Thank you, got it! The largest donation so far)

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 20

I’ve just received a donation, which, I believe, was from you. Thank you so much for your support!

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 20

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...

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

3

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

I’d recommend considering the battalions and regiments working with drones. In particular, the five units involved in the Line of Drones project — they have an excellent reputation and are currently hiring a lot of people. However, I’m not sure how they integrate foreigners into their operations.

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

Thank you!

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

I didn’t initially clarify that I was fundraising for a Mavic 3 — the best option available. But I’ll look into other options as well.

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

The one I was initially fundraising for was the Mavic 3 — the best option (and expensive one). But today I’ll discuss the other available models. I believe there are some locally made drones as well. In the end, it’ll depend on what the volunteers can get for the amount I’ve collected.

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

No, I just lowered the target. Given the current pace of donations, I don't think I'll realistically be able to raise enough for the night-vision drone (which costs $6.5K). But the daytime drone seems like a more achievable goal.

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 19

Wow thank you

Olena Kryzhanivska @olenakr.bsky.social · Jun 12

Thank you so much!

1