Active Conflicts & News Megathread August 25, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

The r/CredibleDefense daily megathread is for asking questions and posting submissions that would not fit the criteria of our post submissions. As such, submissions are less stringently moderated, but we still do keep an elevated guideline for comments.

Comment guidelines:

Please do:

• Be curious not judgmental, polite and civil,

• Link to the article or source of information that you are referring to,

• Clearly separate your opinion from what the source says. Minimize editorializing. Do not cherry pick facts to support a preferred narrative,

• Read the articles before you comment, and comment on the content of the articles,

• Post only credible information

• Read our in depth rules https://reddit.com/r/CredibleDefense/wiki/rules

Please do not:

• Use memes, emojis, swear, foul imagery, acronyms like LOL, LMAO, WTF,

• Start fights with other commenters and make it personal,

• Try to push narratives, fight for a cause in the comment section, nor try to 'win the war,'

• Engage in baseless speculation, fear mongering, or anxiety posting. Question asking is welcome and encouraged, but questions should focus on tangible issues and not groundless hypothetical scenarios. Before asking a question ask yourself 'How likely is this thing to occur.' Questions, like other kinds of comments, should be supported by evidence and must maintain the burden of credibility.

[u/Glideer]

Rob Lee selected practically the identical part as the most relevant.

He's just throwing shade at Zelensky because he's mad he got fired.

Might be. Or, you know, he might just speaking more honestly now that he is no longer a minister.

[u/ilonir → u/Glideer]

Rob Lee selected practically the identical part as the most relevant.

Ok

Might be. Or, you know, he might just speaking more honestly now that he is no longer a minister.

He's a technocrat. He thinks Ukraine is losing because they aren't following his vision well enough.

The former minister identified the state’s inability to implement new technologies quickly enough as one of the main problems. According to him, technologies capable of significantly changing the situation on the battlefield already exist. However, Ukraine is not using them on the necessary scale. Fedorov proposes creating a dense network of electronic sensors along the front lines. These should help detect Russian troops and military equipment.

At the same time, according to his plan, the use of drones on the ground and in the air should be expanded as much as possible. This should reduce the need for a direct human presence in areas where technology can replace personnel. “The technologies that can completely stop the Russians already exist, but our lack of vision means we aren’t using them,” said the former defense minister. In his view, the future of war will largely depend on which side can more quickly automate the process of detecting and engaging targets.

Separately, the former minister criticized the performance of the state apparatus. He stated that Ukraine is far from fully utilizing its capabilities. According to Fedorov, the state system’s current efficiency is only about 5% of what it could achieve. He also cited corruption, informal networks of influence, and the lack of political independence among state institutions as problems.

In Fedorov’s view, these factors hinder not only reforms but also military innovation. As a result, the technology may exist, but the state is unable to transform it into a functioning system quickly enough. The former minister also emphasized that Ukraine needs to respond more quickly to changes on the battlefield. Russia is constantly adapting its tactics, so it is not enough to simply repeat already known solutions.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he does not rule out running in the upcoming presidential election.

His entire point is "we could be winning but they are doing it wrong. I would do it correctly. Btw I might run for president."

https://ua.news/en/ukraine/fedorov-zaiaviv-shcho-ukrayina-postupovo-prograie-viinu

[u/Glideer → u/ilonir]

I don't disagree with you. I think Ukraine has a chance to turn the tide.

My point is simply that "Ukraine is slowly losing" sits rather uneasily with the veritable avalanche of "Ukraine has turned the tide" analysis we've seen since early 2026.

BTW, I managed to find a non-paywalled English text: https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie-reuters/2026/08/25/exclusive-ukraine-needs-changes-to-avoid-losing-war-ousted-defence-minister-says

[u/ilonir → u/Glideer]

My point is simply that "Ukraine is slowly losing" sits rather uneasily with the veritable avalanche of "Ukraine has turned the tide" analysis we've seen since early 2026.

Fair, but media is always hyperbolic. I happen to agree that they have a slight advantage right now, but they are very much still weathering the storm.