Analysis & Reports

Eighteen out of thirty-six Rassvet satellites failed to reach orbit, hindering Russian military communication capabilities in 2026. This failure impacts the operational effectiveness of Russian drones in Ukraine, as reliable communication is essential for real-time control and targeting. Additionally, Russian forces are reportedly enhancing the capabilities of Geran drones for precision strikes, indicating a shift in their operational strategy despite technological setbacks.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 05 2026Loading...

The 3M22 Zircon missile is assessed to have a maximum speed of 6.8 Mach and a warhead weight of 120 kilograms, indicating limitations in its capabilities. It functions as a high-speed penetration tool rather than a revolutionary weapon, with a quasi-ballistic trajectory and a range of about 1000 kilometers. Ukrainian intelligence highlights the reliance on foreign components for its production, suggesting vulnerabilities in Russia's military technology claims.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 01 2026Loading...

Russia is resuming its winter strategy of targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure with nearly 2000 drones and over 1600 bombs deployed in recent weeks. This approach aims to systematically exhaust Ukraine's resources and create political pressure as winter approaches. Concurrently, Ukraine is increasing its strikes on Russian airfields and drone launch positions, indicating a response to the ongoing military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 31 2026Loading...

On August 28, 2023, the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces successfully launched an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from Plesetsk, reaching the Kura test range in Kamchatka. This event is part of a series of routine missile tests, occurring amidst heightened tensions with Ukraine and financial constraints within the Russian government. The launch underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining its strategic military readiness despite economic challenges.

Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 30 2026Loading...

The Russian Armed Forces launched the 'Volna Kupol Garant' electronic warfare system into series production in August 2026 to counter Ukrainian drone operations. This system aims to disrupt Starlink communications by targeting satellites, primarily protecting stationary military assets. However, its effectiveness against mobile targets is limited, reflecting a shift in Russian military strategy in response to increased Ukrainian strikes on critical infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovSat Aug 29 2026Loading...

The UK government authorized the transfer of classified information on SCALP missile components to Ukraine for local assembly, significantly enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities. This decision alters the dynamics of military support and operational planning against Russia, prompting a nervous reaction from Moscow. The local assembly of these missiles could enable Ukraine to conduct sustained long-range strikes, impacting Russian military logistics and operations.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

North Korea is preparing to send 8500 personnel, including 400 drone operators, to Russia in August 2026. This military exchange signifies a strategic partnership, allowing North Korea to gain modern warfare skills while providing Russia with needed manpower. The presence of drone operators indicates a shift in the nature of military cooperation, moving beyond mere supply of artillery to a more integrated military training and operational collaboration.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 25 2026Loading...

The UK is set to provide Ukraine with documentation for producing Storm Shadow missiles, prompting Russia to threaten British factories. This development indicates a shift in military strategy, as Russia perceives the potential for Ukraine to establish a distributed production capability. In response, Russia is likely to enhance reconnaissance and increase threats against Ukrainian industrial sites.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 25 2026Loading...

On August 20, 2023, Russian forces launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv, involving 44 cruise missiles and 168 drones. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 39 cruise missiles and 145 drones, but the attack resulted in 12 civilian deaths and around 40 injuries. The strikes hit multiple locations, including residential buildings and a children's hospital, indicating a strategy aimed at pressuring the civilian population.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

NATO conducted large-scale air exercises near Kaliningrad on August 18, 2026, involving 25 aircraft, including E-3A Sentry and AH-64E Apache. The unannounced exercises aimed to test Russian A2/AD capabilities and involved electronic warfare and reconnaissance operations. This sudden military activity reflects a shift in NATO's approach to readiness and deterrence in the region.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

A mass drone attack involving 637 drones targeted Moscow on the night of August 18-19, 2025, with Russian air defense intercepting 791 drones. Three injuries were reported, and civilian infrastructure sustained damage, including a fire at a logistics center. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Russian air defense systems in countering large-scale drone assaults.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

On August 17, 2026, debris from a Russian Geran drone fell in Moldova, causing an explosion near the village of Talmadge. Russia is producing around 3000 Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones monthly, indicating a significant increase in drone warfare capabilities. The production facility in Tatarstan is strategically located far from Ukraine, allowing for sustained drone operations. This incident underscores the growing impact of the drone war beyond Ukraine's borders.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched 198 ballistic and hypersonic missiles at Ukraine in July 2026, utilizing S-400 systems for ground strikes. This marks a significant increase in missile activity, as previous months saw lower numbers. The repurposing of air defense missiles for offensive operations indicates a strategic shift in Russia's military approach amid ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

On August 15, 2026, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a strike using the 'Flamingo' cruise missile against the Savasleyka airbase in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, reaching a distance of 700 kilometers from Ukraine. This operation also targeted the Samara rocket and space center, indicating a significant enhancement in Ukraine's missile capabilities. President Zelensky confirmed the strikes, which challenge previous assumptions about the safety of Russian military installations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Aug 15 2026Loading...

Ninety North Korean soldiers are integrating into the 112th Missile Brigade in Voronezh, Russia, as part of a military alliance with North Korea. This includes the deployment of 120 KN-23 missiles, with the first 40 already delivered. The KN-23 missiles can strike targets in eastern and central Ukraine, enhancing Russia's military capabilities in the region. This development signifies a deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, with strategic implications for the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

Russia is restructuring its military production for the winter campaign of 2026/2027, significantly increasing the production of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones. In July, the Russian Armed Forces launched 198 missiles, the highest number in a year, while also producing 1400 reactive strike drones. Most new missiles are being deployed directly into combat rather than stored, indicating a shift in military strategy. The production of Iskanders and RM-48U missiles has also surged, with plans to increase the share of reactive drones in the strike fleet.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Russia launched 11 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones at Odessa on the night of August 8-9, 2026, resulting in significant damage to residential areas and energy infrastructure. At least 14 individuals were injured, and the strikes are part of a systematic campaign against Ukraine's grain corridor. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 72% of the drones were intercepted, but the attacks continue to threaten Ukraine's economic stability.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones destroyed an S-400 air defense system in Gelendzhik on the night of August 9, along with four other Russian air defense systems and three vessels in the Black Sea. This operation marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's campaign against Russian air defenses, targeting critical military assets deep within Russian-held territory. The attacks included the destruction of radar systems essential for the operation of the S-400, indicating a strategic shift in Ukraine's military capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

On August 5, 2026, Ukrainian intelligence reported that Russia is preparing to deploy North Korean missile units in Voronezh, including approximately 90 soldiers, 6 launchers, and up to 120 ballistic missiles (KN-23 and KN-24). This marks a transition for North Korea from merely supplying missiles to actively operating them alongside Russian forces, indicating a new level of military collaboration.

Dmitri VolkovSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

On August 3, 2026, Russia confirmed the potential use of nuclear weapons to protect its allies, as stated by its representative in Moscow. This announcement follows extensive military exercises involving 64,000 troops and various missile tests. The statement reflects a strategic shift in Russia's nuclear doctrine amid evolving European security dynamics, particularly concerning NATO's expansion and Finland's recent legislative changes regarding nuclear weapons.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 07 2026Loading...