Ukraine: The Latest Putin prepares secret rolling conscription & exclusive: the British microchip powering Russia’s missiles
10 snips
Feb 19, 2026 
Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO and special envoy for Ukraine, offers sharp diplomatic and strategic analysis. He discusses why Geneva talks are unlikely to yield quick gains. He explains how pressure, sanctions and steady arms supplies shape Moscow’s choices. He also assesses NATO unity, US political factors and urgent defence reinvestment.
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Western Chips Found In Russian Missiles
- British-made microelectronics have been traced into North Korean missiles that Russia used in Ukraine, revealing weak points in supply chains.
- The Telegraph investigation found nearly 800 shipments from a UK-registered firm reached Russia via Hong Kong middlemen between 2022–24.
Mothership Drones Exploit Mobile Networks
- Russia uses 'mothership' fixed-wing drones to carry and deploy FPV drones, extending strike range via Ukrainian mobile networks.
- Ukraine may restrict SIM sales or disable data services to disrupt remote-control links, but such steps carry political and civilian costs.
Kremlin Readies Rolling Conscription Tools
- Russia is preparing legal and administrative changes to force reservist call-ups and criminalise evasion, widening conscription powers year-round.
- Measures include outlawing evasion and enabling year-round conscription and deployment of reservists abroad without formal mobilisation.