What are thermobaric weapons and is Russia using them in Ukraine?

Thermobaric weapons, sometimes called vacuum bombs, use powdered metal to create a rapidly expanding fireball. Under international law, they must only be used against military targets, not civilians. Technology 1 March 2022 By David Hambling TOS-1 Buratino rocket launchers on display in Moscow, Russia Shutterstock / Shujaa_77 The Russian invasion of Ukraine seems to be …

Read more

Is Russia winning the disinformation war in Ukraine?

Russia has flooded social media with disinformation as part of its offensive on Ukraine, but unlike its previous campaigns to spread falsehoods, few people seem to be falling for it Technology | Analysis 25 February 2022 By Chris Stokel-Walker A fire in a building in Chuguiv, Ukraine, after Russian bombing on 24 February ARIS MESSINIS/AFP …

Read more

Risk of nuclear disaster is minimal as Russian forces reach Chernobyl

Physicists say that the risk of nuclear material being released from the Chernobyl reactor as a result of Russian attack is minimal Technology 24 February 2022 By Matthew Sparkes Ukrainian soldiers in the abandoned city of Pripyat, near Chernobyl Volodymyr Tarasov/Ukrinform/Future Publishing/Getty Images Russian forces have gained control of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine, …

Read more

Will Russia’s invasion of Ukraine trigger a massive cyberwar?

Russia, Ukraine and many of the latter’s Western allies have the ability to launch cyberattacks on other nations, and both sides seem ready for digital skirmishes Technology | Analysis 23 February 2022 By Chris Stokel-Walker The flag of Ukraine made from stylised computer code Gwengoat/Getty Images Tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West, …

Read more

Meet the amateur drone pilots defending Ukraine’s border with Russia

As tensions rise in Ukraine with Russian troops arriving at the border in increasing numbers, a small army of amateur engineers is monitoring events using homemade drones equipped with sensors and old Soviet missiles Technology 11 February 2022 By Matthew Sparkes Members of the Aerorozvidka organisation use custom-built drones to monitor the Ukrainian border Aerorozvidka …

Read more