Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

General Anton Grunis of the Russian Armed Forces was killed in Donetsk Oblast on September 16, 2026, reportedly due to a Ukrainian drone strike. His death follows a report he made to Vladimir Putin regarding the capture of Konstantinovka. Multiple sources have linked his death to the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the Russian military's command structure and operational security.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

Russia increased its drone operations by launching 102 Shahed drones overnight on September 14, 2026, while Ukraine is developing faster interceptors to counter this threat. The introduction of jet variants of the Shahed drones alters the dynamics of the air war, as they can evade detection and engage Ukrainian defenses more effectively. Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure, including radar systems.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces deployed 4,943 long-range drones in airstrikes against Ukraine in August 2026, increasing the use of reactive drones like Geran-4 and Geran-5. The share of these drones in strike packages rose to 56%, with Ukrainian air defense managing to intercept about 60%. This shift in tactics aims to stretch Ukrainian air defense resources and maintain pressure on the front lines.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Russian forces resumed airstrikes on Kyiv on September 8, 2026, utilizing over 160 drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in five fatalities and 35 injuries. This attack followed a brief pause in strikes and coincided with the departure of U.S. diplomats, indicating a strategic military message. The strikes targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, reflecting a dual operational goal of exerting pressure on Ukraine and signaling to the U.S.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

Eighteen out of thirty-six Rassvet satellites failed to reach orbit, hindering Russian military communication capabilities in 2026. This failure impacts the operational effectiveness of Russian drones in Ukraine, as reliable communication is essential for real-time control and targeting. Additionally, Russian forces are reportedly enhancing the capabilities of Geran drones for precision strikes, indicating a shift in their operational strategy despite technological setbacks.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 05 2026Loading...

Russian forces attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's maritime logistics. This action is part of a broader strategy to economically isolate Ukraine by making access to its ports increasingly risky. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian port and energy infrastructure, indicating a shift in the conflict towards mutual attacks on logistics. The situation is evolving as both sides adapt their strategies to exert pressure on each other.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Russian intelligence services are actively recruiting ordinary Danes for sabotage operations against defense companies in Denmark that are aiding Ukraine. This development, highlighted by the Danish security service PET, indicates a strategic shift in Russian tactics, moving pressure from the front lines to the European rear. The operations aim to disrupt logistics and create a psychological impact on European nations involved in supporting Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

On September 1, 2026, Germany closed its consulate in Bonn, attributing a drone incident on August 4 to Russia. The drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig-Halle airport. This incident marks a significant escalation in Germany's response to Russian hybrid operations, prompting diplomatic actions and discussions of sanctions across Europe.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

The 3M22 Zircon missile is assessed to have a maximum speed of 6.8 Mach and a warhead weight of 120 kilograms, indicating limitations in its capabilities. It functions as a high-speed penetration tool rather than a revolutionary weapon, with a quasi-ballistic trajectory and a range of about 1000 kilometers. Ukrainian intelligence highlights the reliance on foreign components for its production, suggesting vulnerabilities in Russia's military technology claims.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 01 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on August 30, 2026, targeting Russian military infrastructure in Yeysk, Millerovo, and Kirish. The attacks involved 130 drones and 2 ballistic missiles, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and military operations. Key assets, including radar systems and ammunition depots, were hit, reflecting a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 31 2026Loading...

Russia is resuming its winter strategy of targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure with nearly 2000 drones and over 1600 bombs deployed in recent weeks. This approach aims to systematically exhaust Ukraine's resources and create political pressure as winter approaches. Concurrently, Ukraine is increasing its strikes on Russian airfields and drone launch positions, indicating a response to the ongoing military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 31 2026Loading...

A Russian drone strike using a Geran-4 targeted an ammunition depot in Myla, Kyiv Oblast, on August 29, 2026, resulting in 37 fatalities and 42 injuries. The attack caused extensive damage to at least 130 residential buildings and led to the evacuation of 381 individuals, including 59 children. This incident highlights the effectiveness of Russian tactics in disrupting Ukrainian logistics and civilian safety.

Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 30 2026Loading...

Over 113,000 Russian citizens crossed into Georgia via Upper Lars in August 2023, signaling potential preparations for mobilization. The Russian government is reportedly gathering personal data on reservists and has been denying any plans for mass mobilization. However, the failure of voluntary recruitment efforts has led to speculation about a future conscription announcement, particularly after the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Dmitri VolkovSat Aug 29 2026Loading...

The UK government authorized the transfer of classified information on SCALP missile components to Ukraine for local assembly, significantly enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities. This decision alters the dynamics of military support and operational planning against Russia, prompting a nervous reaction from Moscow. The local assembly of these missiles could enable Ukraine to conduct sustained long-range strikes, impacting Russian military logistics and operations.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

Russia threatened British military targets on August 27, 2026, in response to Ukrainian attacks using British Storm Shadow missiles. This marks a significant shift in rhetoric, indicating that Moscow views Britain as a key military supplier to Ukraine. The threat serves to pressure London and signal to other European nations about the risks of military support to Ukraine, as Russia seeks to restore deterrence amid increasing Ukrainian long-range capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

Russian forces are preparing Slavyansk for a siege in autumn 2026, employing Tornado-S systems and FAB-500 bombs to disrupt logistics and exhaust Ukrainian defenses. This strategy aims to weaken the supply routes and morale of Ukrainian forces rather than achieve immediate territorial gains. The focus is on creating a state of logistical distress in the region, indicating a shift in Russian military tactics towards prolonged engagements.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

On August 25, 2026, the Russian Navy targeted five ships in the ports of Odessa and Pivdenny, marking a strategic shift towards an air blockade against Ukraine. This operation aims to disrupt Ukrainian agricultural exports and create a climate of fear among shipping companies. The attacks are part of a broader strategy to weaken Ukraine's economy without occupying new territory.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 26 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted strikes on border crossings with Moldova from late July to August 2023, targeting infrastructure to disrupt Ukrainian logistics. This campaign aims to increase costs for Ukrainian exports and instill a sense of constant border threat for Moldova and Romania. The strikes are part of a broader strategy to weaken Ukraine's economic ties with Europe and demonstrate the risks associated with supporting Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 26 2026Loading...