Analysis & Reports

Russia continues to sustain high-intensity military operations in Ukraine as of February 2026, despite facing manpower constraints. The Russian Army recruits 30,000 to 35,000 personnel monthly, but this is insufficient to replace significant battlefield casualties, which totaled over 35,000 in late 2025. Moscow is developing new military tactics and equipment, including advanced drones, while protracting negotiations to improve its strategic position.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 26 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains in February 2026, liberating around 200 square kilometers and disrupting Russian military preparations. Russia's casualty rate exceeded its recruitment rate for the first time, with approximately 35,000 casualties reported in December 2025. The ongoing conflict has strained Russia's military and economy, as evidenced by the Kremlin's increased defense spending and deteriorating recruitment quality.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 26 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched successful counteroffensives in Kupyansk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, liberating significant territory and disrupting Russian military operations from December 2025 to February 2026. Russian casualties exceeded recruitment rates, prompting preparations for involuntary reserve callups. The Kremlin's communication issues and military setbacks indicate a critical turning point in the conflict, with implications for domestic stability and military effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched successful counterattacks in February 2026, recapturing territory in Kupyansk and Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts. Russian forces faced significant command and control failures, leading to a casualty rate exceeding recruitment for the first time. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial territorial gains for Ukraine, while Russia struggles with manpower shortages and operational effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted massed infantry assaults across eastern Ukraine from February 21-23, 2026, focusing on multiple tactical areas including Kupyansk and Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces executed counteroffensive operations, maintaining control of 97% of Kupyansk and utilizing advanced drone technology to strike deep into Russian territory. The operational tempo reflects ongoing attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides and challenges in Russian force generation.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Russia is laying the groundwork for a potential limited reserve mobilization amid ongoing manpower challenges. Ukrainian forces are advancing in southern Ukraine, particularly near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka, while Russian forces maintain pressure in the Donbas region. Russia has intensified strikes against Ukrainian military targets and is enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for renewed operations as winter transitions to spring.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces recaptured approximately 400 square kilometers of territory in a counteroffensive, while Russian forces conducted large-scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian casualties exceeded 186,000, with significant losses reported in the Novopavlivka sector. The conflict remains characterized by operational stalemate, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces have transitioned to a counteroffensive in southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, liberating 168.9 square kilometers since January 1, 2026. They executed a precision strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Russia, demonstrating enhanced deep-strike capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian territorial gains have significantly slowed, reflecting attrition and improved Ukrainian defenses. The evolving military landscape indicates a shift in operational dynamics as Ukraine adapts its strategies.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces recaptured 86 square kilometers and 18 settlements in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts from February 20-22, 2026, disrupting Russian offensive operations. Russian claims of territorial gains were found to be inflated, with independent assessments verifying only 572 square kilometers seized. The denial of Starlink access has significantly impacted Russian command and control capabilities, leading to operational challenges. Russian forces continue to conduct strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, despite facing increasing manpower pressures and recruitment issues.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

Russian forces achieved incremental territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, seizing 160 square kilometers and 11 settlements in January and February 2026. Despite these advances, the Russian military faces a significant manpower crisis, with recruitment methods becoming increasingly coercive. Ukrainian forces continue to adapt, successfully targeting Russian infrastructure with drone strikes, indicating a fluid and contested front line.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

In February 2026, Russian forces claimed significant territorial gains in Ukraine, but independent assessments revealed only marginal advances at a high human cost, with 35,000 Russian deaths reported in December 2025 and January 2026. The operational tempo is challenged by economic strains and tactical setbacks, as Ukrainian forces have successfully retaken territory. Russian military operations are increasingly characterized by information warfare aimed at shaping perceptions of the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

On February 17, 2026, Russian air defense systems destroyed over 150 Ukrainian drones in a single night, with a total of approximately 300 UAVs intercepted within 24 hours. The attacks focused on strategic sites in the Black Sea, Azov Sea, Crimea, and Krasnodar Krai. Concurrently, Russia presented new air defense technologies at the World Defense Show 2026, indicating a shift towards enhanced counter-drone capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The Russian military has significantly increased production of the 'Upyr-18' drone and is utilizing 'Geran-2' drones as carriers for FPV drones to enhance tactical capabilities. This shift reflects a broader strategy to compensate for technological gaps through mass production and innovative applications of existing systems. As of February 2026, Russian forces have reportedly suffered approximately 1,257,880 personnel losses since the start of the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

Russian forces seized 200 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and 12 settlements in Donetsk Oblast in February 2026, but at a high cost, with the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly operating at 40% strength. Ukrainian forces counterattacked in Zaporizhia Oblast, reclaiming over 200 square kilometers. The operational reality indicates that while Russia can gain territory, it struggles to maintain combat power and achieve strategic objectives.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

The Geneva negotiations on February 18, 2026, concluded after just two hours without any significant agreements. Ukraine reported 740 casualties among Russian forces, highlighting the ongoing conflict. Russia's demands for territorial recognition remain unchanged, complicating the peace process. The situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to be a critical point of contention.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers from Russian control between February 12-16, 2026, during a period of reported communication disruptions for Russian troops due to Starlink outages. Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko claimed these outages did not affect operations, while Ukrainian officials noted significant impacts. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of tense negotiations in Geneva between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The B-52H Stratofortress, Tu-95MS Bear, and B-2 Spirit are actively utilized in military operations as of 2026, with the B-52H serving as a versatile platform for standoff strikes. The Tu-95MS has been employed in Russia's strategic air campaign against Ukraine, launching Kh-101 missiles from a distance. The B-2 Spirit remains the only aircraft capable of penetrating advanced air defenses, underscoring its critical role in nuclear deterrence.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the performance of various main battle tanks, including the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2, T-90, and Type 99. The M1 Abrams is recognized for its advanced armor and active protection systems, while the Leopard 2A7V has faced significant losses due to vulnerabilities. The T-90M has demonstrated improved survivability, and the Type 99A's capabilities remain largely untested in combat. This analysis underscores the importance of active protection systems in modern armored warfare.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine with 396 drones and 29 missiles on February 16-17, 2026, as negotiations in Geneva continued. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 367 drones and 25 missiles. The military actions are part of a strategy to exert pressure during diplomatic talks, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the complexities of the negotiations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast from February 12-16, 2026, following the disruption of Russian communications due to the loss of Starlink terminals. This operational failure led to significant challenges in command and control for Russian troops, halting their assault actions in several sectors. The transition to less effective geostationary satellites further complicates Russian military operations.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...