War Tech Talk

In this episode of War Tech Talk, Anastasia Shapochkina speaks with Ukrainian Army veteran and Come Back Alive member Danylo Shynhelsky to reveal the inner workings of the Dronefall air defense project. We discuss how Ukrainian air defense actually works, from logistics to AI applications, to HR and civil-military cooperation.To support Come Back Alive NGO and their Dronefall project: https://payment-page.charge-auth.com/charity/comebackalive/LAQb27N?traffic_source=easterncircles_2026 

In this episode, we interview Vladislav Piotrovskyi, the co-founder and CEO of the Ukrainian defense startup DWARF Engineering.We are discussing the rapid evolution of AI and drone technology on the battlefield, IP rights, trust between the defense tech actors, and investment in Ukrainian deftech.

In this episode of War Tech Talk, Anastasiya Shapochkina and Bohdan Kostiuk sit down with an expert from the Medoid Design Bureau to unpack the rise, mechanics, and battlefield effects of guided or glide bombs in the Russia–Ukraine war. We examine how these low-noise, high-yield weapons change tactical math, the psychological toll on defenders, and why Ukraine faces a production gap despite urgent operational needs. Listen for on-the-ground technical explanations, economic comparisons with artillery, and what it would take to reach parity.Music by: 0bpm

We are back from Lviv, Ukraine, where we spent last week at Defense Tech Valley, Ukraine’s signature deftech expo and forum. In this episode, we share our insight from the conversations with Ukrainian and visiting investors and producers about technology and investment trends, as Ukraine’s president announced the opening of defense exports. Song: Revenge by Alex Productions / Music powered by Breaking Copyright

Russia’s drone strike on Poland reveals NATO’s vulnerabilities — and Moscow’s strategy. Eastern Circles’ analysts Anastasiya Shapochkina, Daryna-Maryna Patiuk, and Bohdan Kostiuk take you inside the story. Featuring expert voices Serhii Herasymchuk (Ukrainian Prism) and Romain Le Quiniou (Euro Créative).

This week, War Tech Talk unpacks the next chapter in Ukraine’s internal political saga with the latest revision to its anti-corruption laws—and why it’s stirring controversy. Then, we dive into the financial aftermath: how Kyiv's international partners are reacting and what’s at stake economically. Finally, in our defense tech segment, we examine Russia’s new wave of jet-engine powered Shahed drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and the emerging counter-drone solutions.

On July 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law limiting the powers of Ukraine anti-corruption agencies. He reversed the law two days later in response to a push-back on Kyiv streets and in Brussels high offices. Had it remained unchanged, the law would have ended the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies. The uproar happened as the attention in Ukraine was turned to the government reshuffle, and internationally to Trump’s U-turn on Russia and Ukraine.We sit down with Anastasiya Shapochkina, President of Eastern Circles think tank, along with Bohdan Kostiuk and Daryna-Maryna Patiuk, Eastern Circles Ukraine and defense analysts, to untangle the latest domestic, international and military technology developments in the country.This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, July 23, as Rada voted the bill into law 12141. It was updated on Friday, 25/7, following Zelensky’s backpedaling and the introduction of the new law, preserving the independence of the state anti-corruption agencies.Edited by Amanda Mayo

Explore how electronic warfare has evolved from its early roots in the 20th century to a central pillar of the conflict in Ukraine. Anastasiya Shapochkina, President of the Eastern Circles think tank, and Rodolphe Oberlé, former French Army Special Forces officer, unpack the tech, tactics, and power dynamics between Russia and Ukraine. A gripping look at innovation, strategy, and the future of electromagnetic warfare.

What role does Turkey really play in the Ukraine war—and in the shifting balance of modern global power? In part two of this episode, we sit down with foreign policy expert Eugenia Garber to unpack Ankara’s complex positioning between NATO, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as its strategic influence in the Middle East and North Africa. From drones to diplomacy, this is a deep dive into one of the most pivotal players in today’s geopolitical game.

What role does Turkey really play in the Ukraine war—and in the shifting balance of modern global power? In this episode, we sit down with foreign policy expert Eugenia Garber to unpack Ankara’s complex positioning between NATO, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as its strategic influence in the Middle East and North Africa. From drones to diplomacy, this is a deep dive into one of the most pivotal players in today’s geopolitical game.

Explore the rise of Ukraine’s naval drones and their revolutionary role in the Black Sea conflict. From Magura V5 to the Sea Baby, discover how these systems helped neutralise Russia’s naval advantage and opened critical grain corridors. Tune in to learn how naval drones are reshaping modern warfare.

Dive into the evolution of UAVs and their pivotal role in modern warfare. From the earliest unmanned aerial bombs to the rise of Bayraktar and DJI Mavic drones, this episode covers the technology, history, and the geopolitical impact of drones on the battlefield. Produced by Anastasiya Shapochkina, Elitsa Gadeva, Daryna-Maryna Patiuk and Shota Kapanadze. © Eastern Circles think thank.

Russia's war in Ukraine has sparked rapid advancements in military technologies, putting the European defense sector in catch-up mode on key new trends. In this first episode, Eastern Circles looks into the main drone actors on the Ukrainian battlefield. Produced by Anastasiya Shapochkina, Elitsa Gadeva and Daryna-Maryna Patiuk.