Analysis & Reports

Russian forces launched a Spring 2026 offensive in eastern Ukraine on March 19, employing battalion-sized mechanized assaults in the Lyman direction. Despite initial attacks being repelled by Ukrainian forces, Russia is redeploying elite units to bolster its operations. Concurrently, Ukrainian counteroffensives have disrupted Russian plans, leading to significant territorial gains. The air campaign has intensified, with numerous drone strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Russia continues to sustain military operations in Ukraine, intensifying attacks on critical infrastructure with advanced weaponry. The Kremlin has allocated significant resources to defense, with military spending projected at $186 billion for 2025. However, recruitment challenges are emerging as casualty rates exceed recruitment numbers, raising concerns about future operational capacity.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Russia maintains high-intensity military operations in Ukraine as of March 2026, recruiting 30,000 to 35,000 personnel monthly despite suffering 30,000 to 40,000 casualties. The Kremlin's defense spending reached $186 billion in 2025, enabling sustained offensive pressure and modernization of military capabilities, including the development of advanced drones. This situation poses significant challenges for NATO and European security.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

As of March 23, 2026, Russian Armed Forces have suffered catastrophic losses in Ukraine, with 11,794 main battle tanks and 24,268 armored fighting vehicles destroyed since February 2022. Daily losses include 3-5 tanks and 8-20 armored vehicles, alongside significant personnel casualties. The reliance on outdated equipment and small-unit tactics reflects a strategic crisis in armored warfare effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

The Russian Army plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid a significant increase in oil revenue due to temporary US sanctions relief. Russian forces conducted reinforced assaults near Shandryholove and targeted Ukrainian logistics and artillery. Ukrainian forces successfully disrupted Russian operations through targeted strikes. Additionally, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure on March 12-13, 2026.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. announced temporary sanctions relief for Russian oil, allowing increased revenue that may bolster military operations. Russia plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid ongoing military actions in Kostyantynivka and other regions. Ukrainian forces continue to advance despite Russian offensives, while both sides engage in long-range strikes.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia, recapturing over 400 square kilometers of territory since January 2026. This operation, particularly in the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole directions, threatens Russian supply lines and reflects improved Ukrainian military coordination. Russian forces have redeployed units from Kharkiv Oblast to address these challenges, indicating strain on their operational reserves. The conflict remains characterized by mutual attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

Russian forces are adapting their drone operations and redeploying units in response to Ukrainian advances and communication challenges across the eastern and southern fronts. The 40th Naval Infantry Brigade and 120th Naval Infantry Division have been redeployed to the Oleksandrivka direction, while over 100 Molniya drones were destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Russia plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid ongoing operational setbacks.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, liberating over 400 square kilometers through coordinated counteroffensive operations in March 2026. The operations disrupted Russian military plans and forced a reactive posture from Russian forces. Ukrainian units, including the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, advanced up to 12 kilometers into enemy territory, while Russian claims of success were contradicted by actual battlefield assessments. The counteroffensive is strategically designed to spoil Russian preparations for upcoming offensives.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts since late January 2026, significantly disrupting Russian operations. Russian forces, including the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are likely withdrawing to defensive positions. The 656th Motorized Rifle Regiment was observed engaging Ukrainian forces after months in reserve. Russian command has redeployed several units to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive, indicating a shift from offensive to defensive operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces advanced in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, liberating over 400 square kilometers and forcing Russian units to shift to defensive operations. Elements of the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade and other units are redeploying to respond to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian military is also expanding its drone capabilities amid ongoing operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Russia redeployed the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 40th Naval Infantry Brigade to the Zaporizhia sector from January to March 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards defense. Concurrently, Russia expanded its drone warfare capabilities, launching 99 drones against Ukrainian targets, including civilian infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine liberate 244 square kilometers in the Zaporizhia area, while Russia's economic situation has improved due to rising oil prices, enabling continued military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel in March 2026, reflecting a significant military expansion. Ukrainian forces regained territory in February, while Russia's shift to offensive nuclear deterrence raises concerns about escalation. The military situation remains fluid, with ongoing operations in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and other regions, as both sides adapt to the evolving battlefield dynamics.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

In March 2026, President Putin expanded the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel and redeployed elite units from Donbas to Zaporizhia to counter Ukrainian territorial gains. This strategic shift indicates a long-term operational intent to maintain high-intensity operations in Ukraine. Concurrently, Russian military modernization efforts are underway, focusing on enhancing capabilities against NATO's eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

Russian military command redeployed elements of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 68th Army Corps from Pokrovsk to the Zaporizhia direction in March 2026. This strategic shift reflects Moscow's response to Ukrainian counteroffensives, with significant territorial gains reported by Ukrainian forces. The redeployment indicates a transition from offensive to defensive priorities for Russian forces in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Russian elite airborne forces, including the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, were redeployed to Zaporizhia from Donetsk Oblast between January and February 2026 to prepare for intensified operations. This strategic shift aims to counter Ukrainian advances, as Ukrainian forces have liberated significant territory in the region. The redeployment reflects a broader Russian military strategy emphasizing elite units capable of complex operations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

In March 2026, the Russian Armed Forces increased personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed elite units from Donbas to southern Ukraine, particularly Zaporizhia and Hulyaipole. This strategic shift responds to successful Ukrainian counteroffensives, with Ukraine regaining territory. Concurrently, Russia is adapting its targeting priorities to focus on Ukrainian logistics, while NATO eastern states ramp up defense spending in response to perceived threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in March 2026, disrupting Russian offensive preparations. The Russian military command redeployed elite units to counter these gains, reflecting operational vulnerabilities. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes against Russian logistics and command infrastructure have intensified, further degrading Russian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...