This grim winter scene is a snapshot of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal strategy for victory. In its desperate attempt to fend off Russia, Ukraine has developed what may be the world’s most innovative defense-technology sector. Relentless Russian attacks have destroyed power and heating plants and other critical infrastructure. “In learning how to counter these attacks, Ukraine is building … the next generation of AI-enabled air defense.”Ukraine defenses must be cheaper than Russia’s attacking drones and missiles. The “Octopus,” for example, costs just a few thousand dollars, but Ukrainian officials say it can reliably hit Shahed attack drones costing much more.

Source: Washington Post January 20, 2026 14:33 UTC