Analysis & Reports

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...

Ukrainian forces conducted significant strikes on March 27-28, 2026, targeting the Promsintez explosives plant in Chapayevsk and the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery. These operations utilized the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile and FP-1 long-range drones, demonstrating Ukraine's evolving strike capabilities. The attacks inflicted substantial damage on Russian military logistics and prompted Russia to suspend gasoline exports, highlighting the economic impact of Ukraine's military strategy.

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...

Russia is modernizing its armored forces and command architecture, focusing on AI and unmanned systems, while refurbishing existing tanks. The Russian Armed Forces plan to produce over 2,000 advanced main battle tanks by 2036, with significant increases in T-90 production. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its command capabilities through the Glaz/Groza software and integrating UAVs into military operations. These efforts indicate preparations for extended military confrontation with NATO.

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 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...

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...

Russia is modernizing its military capabilities in 2026, focusing on strategic systems like the RS-28 Sarmat ICBM and the Khabarovsk submarine for Poseidon operations. The Su-75 Checkmate fighter is set for its maiden flight, while the S-500 Prometheus air defense system is being deployed in critical areas. This modernization reflects a shift towards asymmetric advantages and enhanced deterrence capabilities.

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 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...

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...

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...