Analysis & Reports

The Russian Armed Forces are expanding their personnel structure by 15,500 new positions amid ongoing military operations and support from North Korea. This expansion reflects a total increase of 47,860 positions since March 2026, indicating a shift towards a prolonged military mobilization. Reports suggest that North Korea is sending an additional 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia, which is facing significant personnel losses in the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

On September 29, 2026, President Putin announced an increase in the Russian Armed Forces to 1.55 million personnel, marking the fourth adjustment in 2026. This decision coincides with plans to raise defense spending by about 27% in 2027. Reports also suggest North Korea may prepare to send 10,000 troops to assist Russia, highlighting the ongoing personnel challenges faced by the Russian military.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The Russian Army is recruiting foreign nationals from approximately 40 countries to address personnel shortages, as reported by Amnesty International. This recruitment process has been linked to human trafficking practices, with around 28,000 foreign nationals currently serving in the military. The methods used include misleading job offers and coercion, leading to significant challenges for the recruits on the battlefield.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Russian GUGI conducted operations near Svalbard on September 10, 2026, preparing for potential attacks on underwater cables using secret weapon systems. NATO forces detected and pursued Russian ships during these operations, signaling the challenges of covert military actions. The Norwegian Defense Minister emphasized the implications for Arctic security and the need for enhanced monitoring of underwater infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Iranian engineers are collaborating with Russian military technology sectors, focusing on UAVs and navigation systems as of 2026. Nearly 10,000 Iranian specialists are being trained in Russia, enhancing Iran's military capabilities. This partnership allows Iran to access advanced technologies while providing Russia with expertise in circumventing sanctions. The collaboration emphasizes dual-use technologies and the evolution of military systems.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Russia allocated 44% of its federal budget to military needs in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This allocation represents 10.5% of GDP and 57.3% of federal revenues, indicating a shift in economic priorities towards defense. The report highlights concerns over the sustainability of such spending amid declining energy revenues and the implications for the civilian economy.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

The Russian army is depriving contract soldiers of bonuses for legal violations, tightening recruitment policies for 2026. This change aims to control soldier behavior outside combat and reflects a shift in military recruitment strategy. The new policy is intended to reduce budgetary risks and combat issues like desertion and misconduct. The Russian military continues to face challenges in maintaining troop quality amid ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 08 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...

Ukrainian long-range drones are impacting Russian airspace and logistics in September 2026, creating uncertainty in the rear areas of Russia. President Zelensky has advised airlines to evaluate risks for flights over Russia, while the Russian military is reallocating air defense resources in response to these threats. This shift indicates that the traditional concept of strategic depth for Russia is becoming increasingly costly and uncertain.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

Eight Indonesian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army in 2026, highlighting a personnel crisis as Russia seeks foreign recruits to fill gaps. Indonesian authorities are investigating the recruitment process amid concerns of potential fraud or human trafficking. This recruitment strategy indicates a significant shift in Russia's military personnel sourcing, as it expands beyond its traditional domestic reserves.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 01 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...

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...