Analysis & Reports

Russian forces are attempting to seize additional territory in Ukraine, including the remainder of Donbas and buffer zones in various oblasts, but are facing significant casualties and operational challenges. Ukrainian forces have regained drone superiority and are conducting effective counterattacks, leading to Russian redeployments. The conflict remains locked in a strategic deadlock as neither side can achieve decisive military results.

Dmitri VolkovThu Apr 09 2026Loading...

Russian forces intensified their offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk, during April 2026, seizing multiple settlements. Ukrainian defenders executed precision strikes against Russian logistics and command posts, resulting in significant Russian casualties, including 1,230 personnel lost in a single day. The conflict has escalated, with both sides employing advanced military strategies and equipment.

Dmitri VolkovWed Apr 08 2026Loading...

Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) are redeploying elite units to Donetsk Oblast as of April 2026, reflecting a shift in military strategy due to significant personnel losses. The VDV's role has evolved from a strategic reserve to frontline infantry, while military cooperation with Belarus has intensified, including joint exercises and potential permanent basing. Ukrainian forces have regained territory, indicating improved operational capabilities, while Russia plans to target critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovTue Apr 07 2026Loading...

Russia continues its offensive operations against Ukraine as of April 2026, launching missile barrages and artillery fire while sustaining significant equipment losses. NATO has reinforced its eastern flank with military exercises involving 15,500 troops in Northern Europe and 32,500 troops in the Arctic. Ukrainian forces have regained territory through counteroffensive operations, despite heavy personnel losses. The expiration of the New START treaty has further complicated the strategic landscape.

Dmitri VolkovTue Apr 07 2026Loading...

Russian forces intensified their offensive operations in the Donbas region, achieving significant territorial gains, particularly in the Luhansk People's Republic, as of April 2026. The Russian Defense Ministry announced the completion of the 'liberation' of Luhansk, with over 99% under their control. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces executed successful strikes against Russian positions, demonstrating resilience despite facing overwhelming odds.

Dmitri VolkovMon Apr 06 2026Loading...

Russian forces continued military operations in April 2026, claiming control over 99.84% of Luhansk Oblast while facing significant Ukrainian resistance. Ukrainian forces achieved an 89.9% success rate in intercepting Russian missiles and drones, undermining Russian strategic capabilities. NATO has increased its defensive measures along the eastern flank in response to the evolving security situation, while diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

Russian military operations in April 2026 claim control over 99.84 percent of Luhansk Oblast, although this reflects political messaging rather than significant territorial changes. The region has largely been under Russian control since October 2022, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving strategic objectives.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

On April 1-2, 2026, Russian forces launched 172 drones in a large-scale assault on Ukrainian territory, targeting civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 147 drones, but 22 struck various targets. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces executed precision strikes in Crimea, destroying key military assets. The Kremlin also intensified its crackdown on VPNs to control information amid the escalating conflict.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

Russia is mobilizing over 400,000 additional troops for a Spring-Summer 2026 offensive, while Ukraine's counteroffensive has disrupted these plans. Ukrainian forces regained significant territory in February 2026, forcing Russia to shift to defensive operations. Concurrently, Russia's aerial campaign has intensified, utilizing advanced drone technology to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Belarus is also enhancing its military presence near the Ukrainian border.

Dmitri VolkovSat Apr 04 2026Loading...

Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones against Ukraine on March 24, 2026, while Ukraine targeted Russian oil infrastructure, impacting exports. Fighting intensified in Kostyantynivka, with Russian forces conducting artillery and drone strikes. Ukraine reorganized its air defense command to enhance drone interception capabilities. NATO members, including Lithuania, significantly increased defense spending, reflecting a unified response to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Apr 01 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drone strikes have effectively targeted Russian logistics, particularly at the Primorsk oil terminal, leading to significant disruptions in oil exports. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers now recognize the growing effectiveness of Ukraine's drone campaign, which is reshaping the strategic landscape. NATO member states have increased defense spending, reflecting a generational shift in military readiness in Eastern Europe.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 31 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted intensified mechanized assaults across multiple sectors in March 2026, including company-sized and platoon-sized operations in areas like Novopavlivka and Pokrovsk. Concurrently, diplomatic negotiations have stalled, allowing Russia to maintain operational freedom on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces engaged in counterattacks in contested regions, while NATO adjusted its posture in response to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 30 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted mechanized assaults near Lyman in March 2026, utilizing over 20 armored vehicles. Ukraine's air defense effectiveness has declined due to ammunition shortages, while NATO members collectively increased defense spending to over $1.4 trillion. Ongoing negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow have stalled, with no progress made on key issues. Poland has notably ramped up its military rearmament efforts in response to regional threats.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 29 2026Loading...

Russian forces' spring-summer offensive against Ukraine stalled in March 2026, with Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacking and liberating Berezove. Ukrainian long-range strikes have disrupted Russian oil exports significantly. Public criticism from Russian military commentators highlights systemic issues within the Russian military. Additionally, Russia plans to train over 70,000 drone operators to address operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russian forces intensified military operations across Ukraine from March 23-27, 2026, launching a concentrated aerial campaign that deployed nearly 1,000 drones and missiles. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Russian ground operations maintained pressure in Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts, with claims of territorial gains. The introduction of new drone systems indicates an evolving tactical approach as Russia prepares for a significant ground offensive.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Russian forces have encountered significant obstacles in their spring offensive against Ukraine, particularly in the Fortress Belt cities. Ukrainian counteroffensive operations have liberated over 400 square kilometers, forcing Russia to redeploy elite units from critical sectors. The Kremlin's strategic focus appears to be shifting towards negotiations as military objectives remain unachievable. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have severely impacted Moscow's war-making capacity.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched mechanized assaults in Borova and Lyman in March 2026 but faced significant challenges due to inadequate preparation and systemic failures. Ukrainian forces successfully advanced in multiple sectors and conducted deep strikes against Russian infrastructure in Leningrad Oblast. The operational situation reflects ongoing difficulties for Russia, including high casualties and logistical issues.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

The Russian military's spring offensive in March 2026 faced significant challenges, with internal criticism highlighting operational dysfunction and personnel losses. Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacked, regaining territory and executing deep strikes into Russian infrastructure. Russian combat losses reached approximately 1.29 million personnel, while drone strikes targeted critical Russian facilities. The ongoing conflict reflects a stalemate, with neither side achieving decisive victory.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched nearly 1,000 drones and missiles against Ukrainian targets from March 23 to 24, 2026, marking the largest coordinated strike of the war. The strikes impacted at least 15 oblasts, including Lviv and Kharkiv, targeting civilian infrastructure and military sites. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted around 100 missiles, but the scale of the assault overwhelmed defenses, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched a comprehensive spring offensive across eastern Ukraine from March 17 to March 23, 2026, marking a shift to mechanized warfare. They conducted 619 offensive operations, focusing on the strategic town of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces engaged in 134 combat encounters, reporting significant Russian losses. The offensive is supported by extensive airstrikes and drone attacks, indicating a high operational tempo.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 25 2026Loading...