Ukrainian scientists are studying downed Russian missiles
And learning a lot about sanctions-busting

THE BACK of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise does not seem an unmissable attraction, especially on a damp winter morning. But for weapons experts and intelligence types, the place is a major draw. Fragments of Russian missiles, drones—some of them almost wholly intact—and artillery shells lie on the ground, overlooked by rows of Soviet-era apartment blocks.
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This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Forensic examination”
Europe
January 25th 2025- How Poland emerged as a leading defence power
- Russian pilots appear to be hunting Ukrainian civilians
- Ukrainian scientists are studying downed Russian missiles
- Germans are growing cold on the debt brake
- The pope and Italy’s prime minister tussle over Donald Trump
- Europe faces a new age of gunboat digital diplomacy

From the January 25th 2025 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionThe dangerous tension in Europe’s response to Trump
By trying to stop the rift, Europe may hasten it

Can Friedrich Merz get Europe out of its funk?
A new Merz-mentum could reboot the Franco-German motor at the heart of the EU
Can Europe keep Ukraine in the fight if America really has bailed?
Investing in Ukraine’s own weapons industry will be the best bet
As Trump suspends military aid, what are the chokeholds on Ukraine?
The war-torn country can substitute some—but nothing like all—of the kit it gets from America
Europe vows to defend Ukraine, but prays for Trump’s support
A summit in London is stalked by the fear America will walk away