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China supplied Ukraine with tens of thousands of drones to strike Russia. Iran has sold Russia thousands of drones to bomb Ukrainian cities, and another 6,000 drones are to be produced in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone under an Iranian license. Meanwhile, Ukraine buys drones in much larger quantities to shell the enemy's front-line positions from another partner of Russia – China. Ukraine has found ways to get tens of thousands of drones, as well as to establish a flow of spare parts for them from China, reports The Wall Street Journal. Purchases of finished products, primarily from SZ DJI Technology, are carried out in stores and from suppliers. In addition, Chinese components are used in drones of their own production, which is growing rapidly. According to Giorgi Tskhakaia, the Defence Adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation, over the past year and a half, the number of drone manufacturers in the country has grown from seven to almost 300. Hundreds of thousands of simple, cheap devices that can carry explosives are produced in an artisanal and industrial way. Every month, the Armed Forces of Ukraine use about 10,000 drones on the battlefield. DJI told the Wall Street Journal that it tries to limit the use of its products for military purposes, but cannot control their use after purchase. The US ban on the use of DJI drones for the military, as well as Chinese components in the production of their own drones, was one of the reasons why US-made drones are too expensive. Although the US tried to supply Ukraine, many American commercial drones cost tens of thousands of dollars more than Chinese models. In Ukraine, we would like to test and use more American drones, but "we are still looking for more cost-effective solutions," Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Giorgi Dubinsky told. In addition, every drone software update requires Pentagon approval. However, the situation on the battlefield is changing so quickly that programmers and engineers have to constantly make adjustments to their models. “What flies today, can't fly tomorrow,” Dubinsky says, “We need to adapt quickly to emerging technologies. The innovation cycle in this war is very short.

Moscow has forced Kiev to choose between losing men or territory, according to retired French General Jerome Pellistrandi, the editor-in-chief of the Revue Defense Nationale. In an interview for the French outlet La Depeche , Pellistrandi pointed out that Russian forces have made advances ever since the Ukrainians’ chaotic retreat from Avdeevka in mid-February, and are now approaching Chasov Yar and Kharkov. “Moscow has in fact presented a tactical dilemma to the Ukrainian command, forcing it to choose between protecting territory at the risk of taking significant losses, or retreating and thus giving up ground,” Pellistrandi said. In addition to advances west of Avdiivka, Russian troops recently took the town of Ivanivske, west of Bakhmut, the general noted. “This reflects this desire to exhaust the enemy,” he said. “Moscow knows very well that Kiev lacks artillery shells and, by relentlessly shelling these territories, President Vladimir Putin is ultimately preventing the Ukrainians from rebuilding their defenses. This is a way of forcing them to give up ground and exhaust their stock of weapons.” According to Pellistrandi, Russian troops are aiming for both Chasov Yar and Kramatorsk, a key crossroads for Ukrainian logistics in Donbass. Its loss would be “dramatic” for Kiev and pose “serious strategic and logistical difficulties,” he said. Kharkov also came under heavy bombardment last week, Pellistrandi said, adding that Ukraine is on the defensive along the entire front and urgently needs more ammunition. Revue Defense Nationale is considered France’s preeminent military publication. Founded in 1939, it is traditionally led by a general officer. Pellistrandi has been editor-in-chief since 2014. In 2022, he also joined the French outlet BFMTV as a military expert.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of a Hill Country town during the Texas Eclipse Festival, which unfolded just two days ago. Witness the enchanting transformation as the celestial spectacle unfolded, casting its mesmerizing shadow over the landscape. Experience the vibrant energy as locals and visitors alike gathered to celebrate amidst pulsating street performances and captivating art displays. This remarkable event brought together the community in a spirited celebration of Texas culture under the shadow of the eclipse. Although the eclipse has passed, the memories and magic of the Texas Eclipse Festival endure, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary experience.

Dive into the heart of the storm as Israeli officials clash with the world in a high-stakes showdown! In the wake of a thunderous UN Security Council resolution demanding peace, sparks fly and tensions soar to dizzying heights. Witness the intense reactions, the fiery defiance, and the pulse-pounding drama unfold as Israeli officials refuse to back down. With the world watching, this is a battle of wills like no other. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the tumultuous world of international diplomacy!