A Ukrainian sea drone washing up in a Greek cave is the latest sign that Kyiv's war has gone expeditionary. The next phase will be exporting the doctrine
UPDATE as of 16:48 EST: Maker of the MAGURA USV is claiming that the drone is not one of theirs. Greek intelligence was confident is was Ukrainian. Which presents a bit of a mystery.
My guess would be that the US would to remove its military resources, just like the reductions in force in Germany. The Saudis, the UAE and the rest know that what Ukraine offers is a couple of years away, and they cannot afford to lose American protection while waiting.
Unsure if that is the same conclusion the Gulf States are arriving at. American protection hasn't helped much during the Iran War, seems clear now the Gulf States agree
The Greeks have some raw nerve whining about this. Most of the early shadow fleet vessels were owned by Greek oligarchs. They allow the transfer of Russian oil from one ship to another in their waters or in international waters just off their shores under their supervision. Caolan Robertson has a short film about this on his channel from a couple years ago. I understand why the Greeks are not challenged by Ukraine to keep the peace in European circles but it's a bit rich for the Greek politicians to shout out to Ukraine.
First I think you can point to Wagner as Russia’s CIA. Next I want to point out that the US is sending mixed signals about Ukraine Drone technology because Trump hates that Ukraine is superior and with growing superiority in modern warfare. While there is definitely interest in Drone Technology from Ukraine, the Trump sons and a mixed bag of odd companies from Florida and Israel are rapidly trying to develop and deliver Drone Technology of an US/Israel flavor. Since this time last year Eric and Don Jr. have started investing in Drone technologies and building up reasons for the US Military to offer no bid contracts to the companies that they are invested in.
Venture Capital Companies Involved
1789 Capital - Donald Trump Jr. Partner
Dominari Securities LLC - public financial and advisory ties with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump as of 2025–2026, includes Lawrence Glick and Ron Lieberman from Trump Corporation
Founders Fund - Partners Peter Thiel and Trae Stevens
AI or Autonomous Technology Companies Involved
Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc.
Anduril Industries - Players Palmer Luckey and Trae Stevens, closely associated with Peter Thiel
Powerus
Unusual Machines, Inc.
XTEND Reality Expansion Ltd.
Xtend AI Robotics
Nov 2025 Unusual Machines gifted Don JR 200,000 shares of stock and named him an advisor to the company
Feb 2026 JFB and Xtend announce a merger, • Strategic investors in the merger include Eric Trump, Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC), American Ventures, LLC, Protego Ventures, Aliya Capital and Agostinelli Group.
March 2026 Aureus Greenway Holdings, inc. merger with Powerus, to become Powerus Corporation
May 1, 2026 Bloomberg reported this week that the US Air Force agreed to buy an undisclosed number of interceptor drones from Powerus, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc. closed a private placement raising approximately $9.0 million by issuing and selling an aggregate of 3,009,667 shares of common stock and/or pre-funded warrants at $3.00 per share or warrant to institutional and accredited investors. The company also granted placement agent warrants equal to 8% of the shares sold, exercisable at $3.00 per share for five years. Separately, Aureus Greenway highlighted a definitive merger agreement with autonomous drone company Powerus, after which the combined company is expected to be renamed Powerus Corporation and listed on Nasdaq as “PUSA,” alongside a committed $50 million Powerus private placement from KCGI.
“Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc. owns and operates golf course properties in Florida, including Kissimmee Bay Country Club and Remington Golf Club in the greater Orlando region,” the merger press release stated. “Following the transaction, these properties are expected to continue operations and may serve as proving grounds for Powerus precision agriculture drone systems.”
JFB Construction & Development
JFB - offers generations of combined Generational experience in Residential and Commercial Construction & Development. Having the experience of building multifamily communities, exclusive estate & equestrian homes, and over 3 million square feet of commercial retail and shopping centers We provide hands-on, professional expertise, which has led to the quality and production we are known for
Joseph Frank Basile III is an American-Italian real-estate developer, general contractor, and entrepreneur.[1][2][3] He is the founder[4] and CEO of JFB Construction & Development.[5][6]
Trump sons-backed Aureus to merge with drone maker Powerus
Aureus Greenway , a golf club company backed by the sons of U.S. President Donald Trump, said on Monday it would merge with Powerus in a deal designed to take the drone technology company public.
Eric Trump invests in Israeli drone maker XTEND's merger with Florida construction firm
Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is investing in a $1.5 billion merger between Israeli drone maker XTEND and Florida-based JFB Construction Holdings in a deal aimed at taking XTEND public.
XTEND Reality Expansion Ltd, a.k.a. XTEND Reality Inc, a.k.a. XTEND Defense is a privately-owned Israeli company that specializes in developing small first-person view (FPV) drones for military applications
JFB and XTEND Announce $1.5B Business Combination to Establish a Nasdaq-Listed US Leader in AI-Driven Autonomous Defense Robotics
Unusual Machines, Inc.
Unusual Machines primarily serves the American drone industry by building and selling drone components.
In addition, Don Jr.’s investment firm 1789 Capital has taken a major stake in Anduril Industries, a defense company with a mission of “transforming defense capabilities with advanced technology.”
The U.S. Army confirmed to Forbes that it had placed an order for drones connected to Trump Jr., but Unusual Machines “did not disclose the price” of the order charged to U.S. taxpayers.
Please, for the world’s sake, post this again and again. I am nobody, but I assure you I will post it to every American Democratic politician I can find an address for and I will repost it in Substack. The information you have presented is so critically important.
So a company that built and managed golf courses and residential communities merged with a startup in the drone industry (which previously produced drone parts), gifted shares to a Trump son to act as “an advisor,” and then lands a U.S. Army contract to supply defense drones. We don’t even know if this new merged company can manufacture such drones at scale (assuming they even work). Meanwhile the Ukrainians have battle-proven drones (vice merely tested), but the Army chose to purchase the golf course company’s notional drones instead ?!? And exactly what “advisory” capabilities regarding military drones does Eric Trump have that would justify the company awarding him 200,000 shares in exchange?? Do the words “conflict of interest” and “corruption” occur to anyone else?
This is why Australia is creating its Ghostbat and Ghostshark programs and AUKUS submarines and preparing to manufacture more drones itself. We must project power to supervise our trade routes. We already have the satellite surveillance of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
I hadn’t heard about this particular drone situation until you brought it up here - thank you
I’ve expected Ukraine to expand the scale and scope beyond the Black Sea for some time - this confirms that they’re moving in that direction
They have the ability to project power, as you say, anywhere their drones can reach, and that reach is demonstrably growing
The one found in that Greek sea cave? I expect that it was patrolling/tracking in waters closer to the Dardanelles exits and either got lost or ran out of fuel
That’s a big deal - this is a long way from the Black Sea, and involved somehow bypassing Turkey and their blockade of military traffic through the Dardanelles
However Ukraine did it, whether through the Strait directly or overland, I’m impressed
Ukraine is currently the undisputed world leader in drone and counter-drone technology, tactics, strategic integration and national doctrine
Scary stuff, especially if you’re Russian. Can’t see the dullard Trump going for the concept, there’s far too much corrupt money still to be made in the production and sales of conventional weaponry.
Whether Gulf states ever receive that capability is a separate question, with a long chain of American approval processes, technology transfer negotiations, and regional political calculations between the pitch and any contract.
Why do we have to approve? If every middle eastern country wants to buy from Ukraine, which isn't a NATO member, by the way, who are we to stand in the way?
Imagine the gulf states being able to defend themselves from Iranian proxies on their own.
We could pull our soldiers out of the gulf and let them butcher each other in the name of Allah.
Wes, please tell us more about this 200 klicks deep kill zone that Canada would operate inside New England, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington State and Alaska.
And why the US would put up with that for five minutes.
UPDATE as of 16:48 EST: Maker of the MAGURA USV is claiming that the drone is not one of theirs. Greek intelligence was confident is was Ukrainian. Which presents a bit of a mystery.
Is there any credible evidence presented? Or is it just a mere denial (“we admit nothing!”)
Why do the middle east gulf states have to ask for Washington's permission to protect themselves? Tell D.C. to go eff themselves.
My thoughts exactly. And I say that as an American
But you’re presenting the permission part as just one part of a list of instructions?
I still don’t understand why permission is needed?
My guess would be that the US would to remove its military resources, just like the reductions in force in Germany. The Saudis, the UAE and the rest know that what Ukraine offers is a couple of years away, and they cannot afford to lose American protection while waiting.
Unsure if that is the same conclusion the Gulf States are arriving at. American protection hasn't helped much during the Iran War, seems clear now the Gulf States agree
You may be right. Still it's hard to imagine that they would trade America's current presence for the promise of Ukraine's many months away.
They still need US military and economic support, even as they begin looking for alternatives
They can’t *yet* give the US a big middle finger
They’ll wait until to replacement is already in place, *then* tell us to fuck right off
Thanks, Earl.
The Greeks have some raw nerve whining about this. Most of the early shadow fleet vessels were owned by Greek oligarchs. They allow the transfer of Russian oil from one ship to another in their waters or in international waters just off their shores under their supervision. Caolan Robertson has a short film about this on his channel from a couple years ago. I understand why the Greeks are not challenged by Ukraine to keep the peace in European circles but it's a bit rich for the Greek politicians to shout out to Ukraine.
My thought, too.
Yes, a minor issue for the damage Greece has inflicted
Coercive diplomacy.
First I think you can point to Wagner as Russia’s CIA. Next I want to point out that the US is sending mixed signals about Ukraine Drone technology because Trump hates that Ukraine is superior and with growing superiority in modern warfare. While there is definitely interest in Drone Technology from Ukraine, the Trump sons and a mixed bag of odd companies from Florida and Israel are rapidly trying to develop and deliver Drone Technology of an US/Israel flavor. Since this time last year Eric and Don Jr. have started investing in Drone technologies and building up reasons for the US Military to offer no bid contracts to the companies that they are invested in.
Venture Capital Companies Involved
1789 Capital - Donald Trump Jr. Partner
Dominari Securities LLC - public financial and advisory ties with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump as of 2025–2026, includes Lawrence Glick and Ron Lieberman from Trump Corporation
Founders Fund - Partners Peter Thiel and Trae Stevens
AI or Autonomous Technology Companies Involved
Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc.
Anduril Industries - Players Palmer Luckey and Trae Stevens, closely associated with Peter Thiel
Powerus
Unusual Machines, Inc.
XTEND Reality Expansion Ltd.
Xtend AI Robotics
Nov 2025 Unusual Machines gifted Don JR 200,000 shares of stock and named him an advisor to the company
Feb 2026 JFB and Xtend announce a merger, • Strategic investors in the merger include Eric Trump, Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC), American Ventures, LLC, Protego Ventures, Aliya Capital and Agostinelli Group.
March 2026 Aureus Greenway Holdings, inc. merger with Powerus, to become Powerus Corporation
May 1, 2026 Bloomberg reported this week that the US Air Force agreed to buy an undisclosed number of interceptor drones from Powerus, a company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc. closed a private placement raising approximately $9.0 million by issuing and selling an aggregate of 3,009,667 shares of common stock and/or pre-funded warrants at $3.00 per share or warrant to institutional and accredited investors. The company also granted placement agent warrants equal to 8% of the shares sold, exercisable at $3.00 per share for five years. Separately, Aureus Greenway highlighted a definitive merger agreement with autonomous drone company Powerus, after which the combined company is expected to be renamed Powerus Corporation and listed on Nasdaq as “PUSA,” alongside a committed $50 million Powerus private placement from KCGI.
“Aureus Greenway Holdings Inc. owns and operates golf course properties in Florida, including Kissimmee Bay Country Club and Remington Golf Club in the greater Orlando region,” the merger press release stated. “Following the transaction, these properties are expected to continue operations and may serve as proving grounds for Powerus precision agriculture drone systems.”
JFB Construction & Development
JFB - offers generations of combined Generational experience in Residential and Commercial Construction & Development. Having the experience of building multifamily communities, exclusive estate & equestrian homes, and over 3 million square feet of commercial retail and shopping centers We provide hands-on, professional expertise, which has led to the quality and production we are known for
https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=130286&ref=320037104&type=HTML&cdn=cad42e91689d5ea638d1cf04eb8219b1&formType=425&formDescription=Prospectuses+and+communications%2C+business+combinations&dateFiled=2026-05-12&cik=2024306
Joseph Frank Basile III is an American-Italian real-estate developer, general contractor, and entrepreneur.[1][2][3] He is the founder[4] and CEO of JFB Construction & Development.[5][6]
Trump sons-backed Aureus to merge with drone maker Powerus
Aureus Greenway , a golf club company backed by the sons of U.S. President Donald Trump, said on Monday it would merge with Powerus in a deal designed to take the drone technology company public.
Eric Trump invests in Israeli drone maker XTEND's merger with Florida construction firm
Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is investing in a $1.5 billion merger between Israeli drone maker XTEND and Florida-based JFB Construction Holdings in a deal aimed at taking XTEND public.
https://www.reuters.com/company/jfb-construction-holdings/
XTEND
XTEND Reality Expansion Ltd, a.k.a. XTEND Reality Inc, a.k.a. XTEND Defense is a privately-owned Israeli company that specializes in developing small first-person view (FPV) drones for military applications
JFB and XTEND Announce $1.5B Business Combination to Establish a Nasdaq-Listed US Leader in AI-Driven Autonomous Defense Robotics
Unusual Machines, Inc.
Unusual Machines primarily serves the American drone industry by building and selling drone components.
In addition, Don Jr.’s investment firm 1789 Capital has taken a major stake in Anduril Industries, a defense company with a mission of “transforming defense capabilities with advanced technology.”
The U.S. Army confirmed to Forbes that it had placed an order for drones connected to Trump Jr., but Unusual Machines “did not disclose the price” of the order charged to U.S. taxpayers.
Please, for the world’s sake, post this again and again. I am nobody, but I assure you I will post it to every American Democratic politician I can find an address for and I will repost it in Substack. The information you have presented is so critically important.
So a company that built and managed golf courses and residential communities merged with a startup in the drone industry (which previously produced drone parts), gifted shares to a Trump son to act as “an advisor,” and then lands a U.S. Army contract to supply defense drones. We don’t even know if this new merged company can manufacture such drones at scale (assuming they even work). Meanwhile the Ukrainians have battle-proven drones (vice merely tested), but the Army chose to purchase the golf course company’s notional drones instead ?!? And exactly what “advisory” capabilities regarding military drones does Eric Trump have that would justify the company awarding him 200,000 shares in exchange?? Do the words “conflict of interest” and “corruption” occur to anyone else?
This is why Australia is creating its Ghostbat and Ghostshark programs and AUKUS submarines and preparing to manufacture more drones itself. We must project power to supervise our trade routes. We already have the satellite surveillance of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
I hadn’t heard about this particular drone situation until you brought it up here - thank you
I’ve expected Ukraine to expand the scale and scope beyond the Black Sea for some time - this confirms that they’re moving in that direction
They have the ability to project power, as you say, anywhere their drones can reach, and that reach is demonstrably growing
The one found in that Greek sea cave? I expect that it was patrolling/tracking in waters closer to the Dardanelles exits and either got lost or ran out of fuel
That’s a big deal - this is a long way from the Black Sea, and involved somehow bypassing Turkey and their blockade of military traffic through the Dardanelles
However Ukraine did it, whether through the Strait directly or overland, I’m impressed
Ukraine is currently the undisputed world leader in drone and counter-drone technology, tactics, strategic integration and national doctrine
We need to pay a lot more attention.
Interesting and informative article as always from Wes. Drone warfare and defense is definitely the way forward.
🖕putin 🖕
Scary stuff, especially if you’re Russian. Can’t see the dullard Trump going for the concept, there’s far too much corrupt money still to be made in the production and sales of conventional weaponry.
Whether Gulf states ever receive that capability is a separate question, with a long chain of American approval processes, technology transfer negotiations, and regional political calculations between the pitch and any contract.
Why do we have to approve? If every middle eastern country wants to buy from Ukraine, which isn't a NATO member, by the way, who are we to stand in the way?
Imagine the gulf states being able to defend themselves from Iranian proxies on their own.
We could pull our soldiers out of the gulf and let them butcher each other in the name of Allah.
Wes, please tell us more about this 200 klicks deep kill zone that Canada would operate inside New England, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington State and Alaska.
And why the US would put up with that for five minutes.
I am guessing it would have been more on the Canadian side of the border? Though either way it would still be a massive escalation in US eyes
russia’s war belongs to russia and now finds itself in russia
https://chakhoyan.substack.com/p/fear-and-loathing-in-the-russia
russia’s war belongs to russia and now finds itself in russia
https://chakhoyan.substack.com/p/fear-and-loathing-in-the-russia
🚀🇺🇦
Not perfection. Iteration.
Ukraine is building a new model of warfare:
drones, software logic, and now its own guided aerial bomb.
Breakdown:
https://sashaantonov.substack.com/p/the-monopoly-on-precision-warfare?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5feb9f
Permission only means inform as the US is (atm) asleep at the wheel as far as allied needs are concerned.