Analysis & Reports

On September 28, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the military personnel by 15,500, raising the total to 2,441,630. This marks the fourth expansion of military personnel in 2026, reflecting ongoing military needs amid a protracted conflict. The increase is part of a strategy to manage personnel shortages and maintain military readiness, while also indicating a shift in Russia's approach to the war.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Pantsir-S2 air defense system, command posts, and drone launch sites on September 28, 2026, following a night of Russian drone strikes involving 165 drones. This shift in Ukrainian tactics focuses on targeting the ground elements of the Russian drone system rather than just the drones themselves. The ongoing conflict reflects a significant operational change in the eastern front of Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

On September 27, 2026, Russian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes on the Omega Telecom data center in Kyiv and a logistics center in Odessa. The strikes aimed to disrupt Ukrainian military communications and logistics. Additionally, 43 Ukrainian drones were reported intercepted over several regions, indicating ongoing aerial engagements. The effectiveness of these operations in altering the course of the conflict is still under assessment.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

Russia conducted a mass airstrike against Ukraine on September 28, 2026, deploying nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles, resulting in significant civilian casualties and damage in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The prolonged attack lasted more than 12 hours, highlighting the shift to an industrial-scale air campaign. Ukrainian defenses are strained as they attempt to manage limited resources against this intensified assault.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

Russian drone strikes targeted data centers and telecommunications infrastructure in Kyiv, resulting in internet outages for approximately 100,000 households. The attacks, confirmed by Moscow, are part of a strategy to undermine Ukraine's economic stability and military operations. Four people were reported killed in the strike on a business center housing a data center. This campaign coincides with increased Russian military efforts to disrupt Ukraine's resilience ahead of winter.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

The Russian army conducted strikes on Ukrainian data centers from September 24 to 26, 2026, resulting in four fatalities and internet outages affecting around 100,000 households. These attacks are part of a strategy to disrupt civilian digital infrastructure, impacting communication and data exchange. Despite the strikes, Ukraine's decentralized internet infrastructure has shown resilience, although the long-term costs of these attacks may burden the economy.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

Russia is increasing its hybrid warfare against NATO, with Denmark warning of a low but growing risk of limited attacks targeting critical infrastructure. These attacks are intended to distract European resources from Ukraine and provoke debate over support costs. The strategy includes cyberattacks and sabotage, with Belarus serving as a base for military pressure. The focus is on measuring NATO's response rather than initiating a full-scale conflict.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones attacked the Iskra plant in Ulyanovsk on September 25, 2026, impacting the production of X-59 missiles. This strike is part of a strategy to disrupt Russian military production capabilities, particularly in electronics and missile systems. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Russia's defense industry and its reliance on specialized manufacturing.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

On September 24, 2026, Russian Armed Forces conducted a massive attack on Kyiv, deploying nearly 300 drones and 4 Zircon missiles. The assault coincided with Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech at the UN, highlighting Russia's military escalation amid diplomatic pressures. Ukrainian air defense reportedly intercepted around 60% of the incoming missiles, raising concerns about the effectiveness and cost of Russia's missile strategy.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crossed into Polish airspace for 42 seconds on September 23, 2026, approximately 300 meters north of Braniewo. In response, Polish fighter jets were scrambled, and ground forces were put on heightened alert. This incident is interpreted as a test of Poland's air defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv on September 23, 2026, using 514 drones. This operation follows a diplomatic meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and U.S. President Trump, signaling Russia's intent to maintain pressure despite negotiations. Ukrainian forces reported neutralizing over 350,000 Russian drones since early 2026, highlighting a significant shift in the air war dynamics.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries in Moscow and Samara in September 2026, disrupting production and logistics. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to target Russian fuel infrastructure, increasing operational challenges for the Russian military. The effectiveness of Russian air defenses is questioned as they struggle to protect multiple facilities simultaneously.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Russia is expanding its drone production capabilities by planning to manufacture 28,000 new 'Geran' drones annually by 2026 at Alabuga in Tatarstan. The construction of underground facilities aims to protect these production sites from Ukrainian strikes. Additionally, China is supplying materials necessary for this production, indicating a reliance on external sources for key components. This strategy reflects Russia's intent to maintain a sustained military campaign despite ongoing Ukrainian attacks.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Russia is transitioning to underground production of Geran drones at the Alabuga facility, aiming to increase output by 28,000 units by 2029. This expansion is a response to Ukraine's capability to strike Russian targets and involves significant enhancements in drone technology and production methods. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in Russia's military capabilities, focusing on sustaining drone warfare over time.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Over 1000 Ukrainian drones attacked Russian targets in Moscow and Moscow Oblast during the State Duma elections on September 19-20, 2026. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian air defense systems, which struggled to manage the simultaneous threat posed by numerous drones. This operation aimed to exert psychological pressure on the Russian government during a significant political event, demonstrating a shift in the dynamics of drone warfare and air defense effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched over 1000 drones at targets in Russia, resulting in interceptions and three reported casualties in the Moscow region. This operation coincided with parliamentary elections, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian air defense. The scale of the attack signifies a strategic shift in Ukraine's military approach, aiming to pressure Russian defenses and disrupt political stability.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

CSTO members Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan conducted military exercises on September 19, 2026, in Koktal, Kazakhstan, to enhance their defensive capabilities against potential threats from Afghanistan. The exercises involved 1500 troops and 115 drones, focusing on countering illegal armed formations. Tajikistan's strategic position, sharing a 1357 km border with Afghanistan, underscores the importance of these maneuvers in regional security.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Russian air defense claimed the destruction of 249 drones over Moscow on September 20, 2026, amid heightened tensions and expanded strikes on Ukraine. This incident coincided with the first parliamentary elections since the onset of the full-scale war, prompting Poland to raise its aviation alert level. The reported number highlights the challenges faced by Russian air defense in managing multiple threats.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces struck the control point of the Orion drone in Crimea on September 18, 2026, targeting associated launch sites and storage facilities. This operation aims to disrupt Russian military command and control capabilities in the region, reflecting a strategic shift in Ukrainian tactics. The effectiveness of the strike and the extent of damage remain to be independently verified.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

Russia is denying plans for mobilization while facing high casualty rates that exceed recruitment, particularly after the parliamentary elections in September 2026. The Kremlin aims to maintain a sense of control as the front lines demand more personnel. Poland has increased its air patrols in response to potential drone threats from Russia, indicating heightened military readiness in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...