Ukraine’s President Zelensky, SBU head Bakanov, and Putin symbolically represented in a tense political backdrop hinting at secret negotiation claims

Zelensky held negotiations with Putin through the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Bakanov, according to “Servant of the People” MP Dubinsky

MP Aleksandr Dubinsky alleges President Zelensky secretly negotiated with Putin through SBU head Bakanov, raising questions about covert diplomacy and political motives ahead of elections. empr.media

Dec 2, 2024

Ukrainian soldiers inspecting and removing defective domestically‑produced landmines from frontline positions during ongoing quality control and safety efforts.

Ukraine withdraws 100,000 defective domestically produced mines from the frontline

Ukraine is withdrawing 100,000 defective domestically‑produced landmines from frontline deployment after quality control failures raised safety and tactical concerns for troops and civilians. ([empr.media](https://empr.media/opinion/investigation/ukraine-withdraws-100000-defective-domestically-produced-mines-from-the-frontline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Nov 26, 2024

Ukrainian drone hovering over field with military and political imagery in background, symbolizing reform battles and defense sector intrigue.

Drone reform and political intrigue in Ukraine’s Defense sector

An inside look at how Ukraine’s push for drone reform has triggered political power struggles, policy battles and defense sector intrigue that could reshape battlefield autonomy and procurement.

Nov 24, 2024

Abstract representation of media influence and propaganda with symbolic Washington and Kremlin imagery depicting psychological operations and narrative battles.

A coordinated psychological operation by Washington and the Kremlin

This analytical piece examines allegations of a coordinated psychological operation by Washington and the Kremlin, dissecting how narratives, media signals and geopolitical interests shape public perceptions of the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.

Nov 23, 2024

Illustration of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including Russia’s RS‑26 Rubezh and experimental Oreshnik, highlighting debate over strategic weapons. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

About the terrifying intercontinental missiles

This analytical piece cuts through the hype around Russia’s so‑called “terrifying” intercontinental missiles like Rubezh and Oreshnik, separating Kremlin propaganda from real technical capabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Nov 23, 2024

Graphic of radar screens and missile trajectories representing simulated Russian missile launches and false alarms aimed at Ukraine for strategic impact.

Why does Russia conduct simulated missile launches against Ukraine?

This analytical piece explains why Russia conducts simulated missile launches targeting Ukraine — whether to intimidate, test systems, influence global perception or signal strategic intent on the battlefield.

Nov 20, 2024

Illustration showing Ukraine and Russia silhouettes with peace and frozen conflict metaphors highlighting the debate over ending or freezing the war.

Ending the war or freezing it

This analytical piece dissects the endgame of the Russia‑Ukraine war — contrasting a complete peace settlement with a frozen conflict scenario and unpacking geopolitical, military and security implications.

Nov 19, 2024

Ukrainian battlefield commanders reviewing automated solutions and frontline maps, illustrating Prokopenko’s argument about inefficient manual management.

With a front line over 1000 km wide, it is senseless and inefficient to manually manage companies and battalions, Prokopenko stated

Ukrainian defense expert Prokopenko states that manually managing companies and battalions across a 1000 km‑wide frontline is senseless and inefficient, calling for automation and smarter command systems.

Nov 19, 2024

Ukrainian battalion commander on the front line discussing support, logistics, and the realities of combat life amid ongoing war conditions and battlefield shortages.

Reflections of a Battalion Commander: supporting my unit on the front line

A Ukrainian battalion commander reflects on the chaos of war, the struggle to secure equipment and support for his unit, and the bitter reality facing fighters denied frontline status and pay. Raw, unfiltered frontline perspective on empr.media.

Nov 9, 2024

Vladimir Putin at a press briefing surrounded by global maps, illustrating Russia’s geopolitical ambitions, war strategy and requirements from the West.

What does Putin really want?

Vladimir Putin’s real objectives go beyond rhetoric — from securing territory and subjugating Ukraine to pushing back NATO and reshaping global power dynamics. Deep analytical insight on empr.media.

Nov 8, 2024

Oleksiy Honcharenko speaking in an interview about government salaries and inequality compared with frontline soldier pay in Ukraine’s ongoing war. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Oleksiy Honcharenko: Did you know what salaries officials have?

Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko highlights shocking disparities: top officials like regulator heads earn ~288,000 UAH/month while frontline soldiers rarely exceed ~130,000 UAH — sparking public outrage and calls for pay reform. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Nov 6, 2024

Yuriy Butusov and Ukraine military leadership critique highlighting systemic lies and irresponsibility in battlefield command structures.

The military command system is built on lies and irresponsibility, – Butusov

Yuriy Butusov argues Ukraine’s military command is plagued by manual control, chaos, and systemic lies that undermine trust and cripple effective battlefield leadership. | empr.media

Nov 2, 2024

Opinion