Analysis & Reports

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...

On September 18, 2026, Russian air defense intercepted 629 Ukrainian drones over Southern Russia. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes led to the disruption of operations at the Syzran and Saratov oil refineries. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of Ukrainian radar and electronic warfare systems, highlighting the ongoing military engagement and the shift towards a war of attrition targeting economic infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian airbase in Rostov Oblast on September 17, 2026, damaging six aircraft. This attack is considered one of the most significant against Russian aviation infrastructure in the past year. While Russian officials confirmed the activation of air defense systems, they did not disclose the extent of the damage, indicating a successful strike by Ukrainian forces.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

General Anton Grunis was killed by Ukrainian drones in Donetsk Oblast on September 12, 2026, marking the seventh confirmed death of a Russian commander due to drone strikes. The operation was carried out by the 427th Separate Brigade of UAVs 'Rarog'. This incident underscores a significant shift in drone warfare, now targeting military leadership rather than just equipment.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

General Anton Grunis of the Russian Armed Forces was killed in Donetsk Oblast on September 16, 2026, reportedly due to a Ukrainian drone strike. His death follows a report he made to Vladimir Putin regarding the capture of Konstantinovka. Multiple sources have linked his death to the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the Russian military's command structure and operational security.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

Russia increased its drone operations by launching 102 Shahed drones overnight on September 14, 2026, while Ukraine is developing faster interceptors to counter this threat. The introduction of jet variants of the Shahed drones alters the dynamics of the air war, as they can evade detection and engage Ukrainian defenses more effectively. Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure, including radar systems.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

NATO fighters shot down a Russian drone over Lithuania on September 15, 2026, amid a growing threat from Russian drone operations to NATO's eastern flank. The incident prompted Poland to scramble its aircraft in a preventive operation against a new Russian air attack on Ukraine. The use of Shahed drones by Russia complicates air defense strategies for NATO, highlighting the need for improved coordination and response protocols among member states.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

On September 14, 2026, a Russian drone struck a passenger train locomotive near Yahodyn, Ukraine, close to the Polish border. The attack occurred shortly after a diplomatic train crossed into Poland, prompting evacuation of passengers due to ongoing threats. This incident highlights the ongoing Russian campaign against Ukrainian transport infrastructure and raises concerns about potential escalation into Polish territory.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

Russia launched drone strikes targeting fuel stations in Kyiv on September 13, 2026, resulting in at least two fatalities and twelve injuries. This marks a shift in the use of drones from military to economic pressure tactics. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of 399 Ukrainian drones overnight, indicating a sustained aerial campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones struck two Russian oil refineries in Slavyansk-na-Kubani and Nizhnekamsk on September 13, 2026, testing the capabilities of Russian air defenses. The attacks, occurring 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine, signify a strategic escalation in the conflict, targeting critical logistical infrastructure. Russian officials confirmed air defense activity but did not reveal the damage extent, highlighting vulnerabilities in the defense of industrial sites.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 13 2026Loading...

The Ukrainian Sargan-3000 destroyed a Russian drone in the Black Sea on September 12, 2026. This incident is noted as a potential first in naval drone combat, with Ukrainian military intelligence detecting the target before the Sargan-3000 executed the attack using a remote-controlled weapon system. The engagement highlights the evolving nature of naval warfare, emphasizing unmanned operations.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 13 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces attacked the Saratov oil refinery and Uralchem Azot chemical plant on September 10-11, 2026, marking a significant escalation in targeting Russian industrial capabilities. This was the sixth strike on the Saratov facility this year, indicating a systematic effort to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains. The Russian government confirmed damage to these sites but did not disclose the extent of the impact.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces deployed 4,943 long-range drones in airstrikes against Ukraine in August 2026, increasing the use of reactive drones like Geran-4 and Geran-5. The share of these drones in strike packages rose to 56%, with Ukrainian air defense managing to intercept about 60%. This shift in tactics aims to stretch Ukrainian air defense resources and maintain pressure on the front lines.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 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...

Rostec is launching a defense marketplace in September 2026 to enhance drone protection for Russian infrastructure. This initiative aims to connect manufacturers with defense needs, particularly in response to vulnerabilities exposed by Ukrainian strikes. The marketplace will feature anti-drone systems and related equipment, with a significant portion of applications coming from Russian corporations. The move reflects budgetary pressures and a shift towards more cost-effective defense solutions.

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...

Russian forces resumed airstrikes on Kyiv on September 8, 2026, utilizing over 160 drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in five fatalities and 35 injuries. This attack followed a brief pause in strikes and coincided with the departure of U.S. diplomats, indicating a strategic military message. The strikes targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, reflecting a dual operational goal of exerting pressure on Ukraine and signaling to the U.S.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 09 2026Loading...