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Reposted by Matthew Savill

The Institute for Fiscal Studies @theifs.bsky.social · 15h

'The security environment is not great at the moment. There is a major industrial war on our doorstep.'

@mtsavill.bsky.social explains why the UK's armed forces had been 'hollowed out' in previous decades, from our podcast on defence spending.

🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/end...

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 12h

🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘UK National Security Advantage from Disruptive Technologies’ by @piahuesch.bsky.social and @tashbuckley.bsky.social is out now!

UK National Security Advantage from Disruptive Technologies

This paper identifies existing assets that strengthen UK strategic advantage for national security in disruptive technologies and highlights some gaps and risks for UK policymakers to consider.

www.rusi.org

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

And again, this may all be speculation, given how equivocal Trump was this week.

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

So while there will be valuable military targets for US cruise missiles, I can't help but feel we are talking about a narrow set of high-value targets representing critical points in the supply chain, or particular niche capabilities, rather than seeking an impact across the war.

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

This is different from the impact the current deep strike campaign is having on Russian energy production, where the increasing volume and rate of Ukrainian attacks is beginning to bite.

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

It's a bit dated, but I wrote about this last year, after the Ukrainians discovered in 2023 how hard it was to synchronise the two. www.rusi.org/explore-our-...

Removing Constraints on Support to Ukraine: No Silver Bullets

Removing restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine by international partners will help Ukraine’s defence against Russia, particularly in the north, but it is not a war-winning move on its...

www.rusi.org

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

That sort of impact also requires pressure at the front to put stress on Russian forces, which creates the demand for logistics support and ammunition which is simultaneously being attacked and interdicted. That pressure is largely absent for now.

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 14h

Detailed analysis of the kind of targets in scope if (a big 'if') the US provides Tomahawk to Ukraine. But my (admittedly superficial) view is that achieving an impact on the 'front line' will be hard, primarily because it's doubtful the US would provide the volume required.

Institute for the Study of War @thestudyofwar.bsky.social · 2d

MORE: The Kremlin is trying to prevent the United States from providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in order to retain the sanctuary that Russia enjoys in its rear.🧵 (1/7)
isw.pub/UkrWar100525

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Franz-Stefan Gady @hoanssolo.bsky.social · 3d

A key question going into winter is how focused and intense Russia’s strike campaign will be — against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, defense industry, military sites, and civilians — and how well Ukraine can defend against it.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/w... via @NYTimes

Russia Targets Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure With Deadly Bombardment

www.nytimes.com

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 6d

Are environmental, social and governance standards really the barrier to defence companies' ability to raise capital and invest as they are often made out to be? Dr Linus Terhorst examines the veracity of such claims in his latest report on the real factors that stall defence growth.📖 bit.ly/4gP93zM

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 6d

Former PM of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk took to the stage at RUSI today to warn that Putin seeks to divide the US and Europe and weaken NATO and the EU, to ultimately pave the way for a China-led global order.

RUSI Members can watch the event in full: bit.ly/42ZTqjc

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 5d

'US officials should consider whether another year of New START limits, without verification of Russian strategic forces, is satisfactory' writes @pranayrvaddi.bsky.social, Senior Nuclear Fellow at the Center for Nuclear Security Policy, MIT, in the latest RUSI Commentary.

Beware Russia Bearing Arms Control Gifts

Washington should maintain a critical eye when measuring Putin’s latest arms control offer.

www.rusi.org

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 5d

It would be easy in Europe to dismiss this week’s display at Quantico as purely political theatre. But that would be a mistake.

RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 7d

'Partners will need to be prepared for the use of US military power in a way that is deeply uncomfortable' writes @mtsavill.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.

Not Business as Usual: Why Trump’s War Department Rhetoric Matters

Much of the language coming out of the gathering of US military leaders this week could be dismissed as political spectacle. But international partners of the US should take seriously the US Administr...

www.rusi.org

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Kori Schake @kschake.bsky.social · 8d

Thank you @cnn.com for having me on to assess the Quantico disgrace

Defense analyst on Hegseth generals’ meeting: ‘A dangerous way to politicize the American military’ | CNN

Former Defense Department official Kori Schake says US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump “did not well serve the American military today.”

www.cnn.com

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 8d

Some thoughts on Ukraine for Times Radio recorded before the weekend, but I think still valid this week.

youtu.be/f3BW6bbhxWA?...

'It's hard to see how Putin could survive' if Russia is forced to withdraw from Ukraine

YouTube video by Times Radio

youtu.be

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 23d

🚨 Applications now open for the UK Cyber Effects Network Fellowship Programme! Early-career professionals, don't miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of offensive cyber operations. Submit your application now. (Only open to NATO member citizens)

Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme: Call for Applications

The UK Cyber Effects Network is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of its Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme.

my.rusi.org

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Ulrike Franke @rikefranke.bsky.social · 28d

“Poland’s military said there had been “an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects” and said an operation was under way to identify and neutralise them.”

on.ft.com/4pcpE4B Poland shoots down Russian drones

Poland shoots down Russian drones

Prime Minister Donald Tusk cites ‘multiple violations of Polish airspace’

on.ft.com

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · 29d

Some thoughts on the importance of the UK-US intelligence relationship as well as current challenges given the political environment in the US.

RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · 29d

'The UK should probably reconsider intelligence-sharing arrangements on some sensitive issues, where there is little chance of influencing the US position, but considerable risks of exposure of sourcing' writes Matthew Savill in the latest RUSI Commentary.

The War on American Intelligence

The US Intelligence Community is under sustained attack from its own government. Countries like the UK will try to minimise the fallout but will have to consider the US a less reliable intelligence partner for the duration of the crisis.

www.rusi.org

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · Aug 16

Comments from me included in here: Putin has now put the pressure on Europe and Ukraine while he continues to attack the latter.

RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · Aug 16

Experts at RUSI have analysed the outcomes of the recent summit in Alaska, where Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. You can read their full reactions and insights on our website. #AlaskaSummit

RUSI Experts Comment on the Trump-Putin Summit

Read reactions from Director of Military Sciences Matthew Savill, Director of the Centre for Finance and Security Tom Keatinge and Director of International Security Neil Melvin on the meeting of Pres...

www.rusi.org

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · Aug 16

It was a privilege to be on Ukrainecast in the week: you can see my thoughts ahead of the Alaska summit, and see how insightful I was! youtu.be/xeoR4L5V5dM?...

Will Trump offer up Ukrainian territory at the Alaska summit? | BBC Ukrainecast

YouTube video by BBC News

youtu.be

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Matthew Savill @mtsavill.bsky.social · Aug 12

I was delighted to join @snellarthur.bsky.social on @disordershow.bsky.social, to discuss 'Is Europe ready for war?' You can hear the episode (and an unexpected and sadly fictitious promotion to a PhD) at tr.ee/ksicr-3Wty or the link below.

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · Aug 6

The latest RUSI Commentary from Dr Linus Terhorst provides an analysis of Germany's recent decision to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, and what this signifies for both Germany and Europe's defence strategy.

Typhon, European Deterrence and Industrial Ambition for Deep Precision Strike

Typhon would put St Petersburg in reach of a German offensive mid-range capability, a leap for Germany's strategic culture. It should develop a European equivalent.

www.rusi.org

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Dmitri Alperovitch @dmitri.silverado.org · Aug 5

Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower

My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.

We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇

youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8

Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower

YouTube video by Dmitri Alperovitch

youtu.be

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · Aug 1

Will recognising Palestine or cutting military aid push Israel toward a ceasefire? In this episode of @forcesnews.com's Sitrep, RUSI's @burcuozcelik.bsky.social joins Professor Michael Clarke to assess the recent diplomatic pressure put on Israel and the Arab League's calls for Hamas to disarm.

BFBS Radio Sitrep | BFBS

Award winning Sitrep brings you discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy and the stories affecting the British Forces. Presented by Kate Gerbeau, with expert analysis from Professor Michael ...

www.bfbs.com

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RUSI @rusi.bsky.social · Aug 4

July’s attacks by Israel and the US have set back – without completely removing – Iran’s capability to develop a nuclear weapon. But simply rebuilding the programme won’t be enough for a nuclear deterrent, write @ddolzikova.bsky.social and @mtsavill.bsky.social.

Will Iran Get the Bomb?

July’s attacks by Israel and the US have set back – without completely removing – Iran’s capability to develop a nuclear weapon. But simply rebuilding the programme won’t be enough for a nuclear deter...

www.rusi.org

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