The Evening: Russia’s Largest Drone Attack, China’s Chokehold, Red Rocks, and More

Russia Launches War’s Largest Drone Assault

Russia unleashed its largest overnight drone attack of the war on Monday, launching cruise and ballistic missiles in a barrage that lasted all night and struck locations across Ukraine, even as Kyiv and Moscow began a days-long prisoner exchange involving hundreds of soldiers, as The Washington Post reports.

Canada to Boost Military Spending

Canada plans to boost military spending this year, aiming to catch up to its lagging NATO commitments amid sensitive trade talks with the U.S., as the WSJ reports.

China’s Chokehold on This Obscure Mineral Threatens the West’s Militaries

China’s strict controls on the export of heat-resistant magnets made with rare earth minerals have exposed a major vulnerability in the U.S. military supply chain. Without these magnets, the United States and its allies in Europe will struggle to refill recently depleted inventories of military hardware, as the NYT reports.

Executive Education

Looking for the tools to navigate times of uncertainty and significant change with minimum disruption? The CSIS Global Strategy Lab combines virtual and in-person experiences to deliver the strategic insight, global perspective, and communication tools required to drive success in times of change. Register by August 29 to join a community of seasoned leaders from across the private sector, government, and nonprofits. 

Audio Briefs

CSIS experts give short, spoken-word summaries on the biggest takeaways from their latest reports, white papers, and commentaries—in their own words.

Listen here: "The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover" with CSIS's Maria Snegovaya.

In That Number

500

Kremlin forces fired almost 500 drones at Ukraine and more than a dozen missiles, in a major attack targeting cities across the country, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Source: Politico

Critical Quote

iDeas Lab

Recent satellite imagery shows the destroyer which failed launching at Chongjin has now been moved to Najin shipyard for restoration. Read the full analysis here. 

The Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab at CSIS enhances our research with the latest in cutting-edge web technologies, design, and multimedia.

Optics

Demonstrators torched cars and scuffled with security forces in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, as police kept protestors away from the National Guard troops.

Recommended Reading

“Why Auctioning Military S-Band Spectrum Is a Bad Idea” by CSIS's Tom Karako.

This Town Tomorrow

At 1:00 p.m., CSIS hosts a press briefing to preview the upcoming G7 Summit.

Earlier, at 8:45 a.m., Hudson Institute holds a conversation on threats to American satellites and the policies and programs necessary to defend U.S. interests in space.

Then, at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic Council discusses the economic and strategic importance of the Atlantic basin.

Video

Today, CSIS's Wadhwani AI Center welcomed Ryan Tseng, Co-Founder and President of Shield AI, for a discussion on the deployment of Shield AI’s systems in Ukraine. Watch the full video here.

Podcasts

Tom Karako, director of the CSIS Missile Defense Project, joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of spectrum policy and defense and whether spectrum can be effectively shared between commercial and defense needs.

Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Smiles

Musicians love to perform at the legendary Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Accordingly, Red Rocks has created a video series called “Red Rocks Trail Mix Session.” The sessions are beautifully captured on video at the park just outside Denver in Morrison, Colorado, and feature some of today’s top artists. This one featuring The Marcus King Band is superb. The band performs three tunes, and the closing number is a tribute to late Allman Brothers co-founder Dickey Betts and his signature track, “Ramblin’ Man.” Don’t miss this one, it’s too good.

I invite you to email me at aschwartz@csis.org and follow me on X @handrewschwartz