Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Russia's Grinding War: Military Sustainability and Emerging Drone Threats Through 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

Russia continues to sustain high-intensity combat operations in Ukraine, with significant casualties reported at 35,030 in December 2025 and 31,713 in January 2026. Ukrainian forces have disrupted Russian preparations for a Spring-Summer 2026 offensive, while Russia develops long-range strike capabilities, including an upgraded Shahed-136 drone. The conflict remains dynamic, with ongoing military operations and evolving threats to European security.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Mar 06 2026
Russia's Offensive Momentum Stalls: Strategic Implications of February 2026's Battlefield Dynamics

Russia's Offensive Momentum Stalls: Strategic Implications of February 2026's Battlefield Dynamics

Military OperationsLogisticsWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

Russian military operations in Ukraine have significantly slowed, with only 123 square kilometers gained in February 2026. Ukrainian forces counterattacked successfully, gaining over 170 square kilometers, particularly in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Disruption of Starlink terminal access has hindered Russian communications, while Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian military infrastructure. The shift in Russian strategy focuses on logistics interdiction rather than rapid territorial gains.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Mar 06 2026

Decapitation at Scale: Strategic Assessment of Operation Epic Fury and the Systematic Dismantlement of IRGC Command Architecture

Military OperationsCommand & ControlStrategic AssessmentHybrid

Operation Epic Fury commenced on 28 February 2026, involving 50,000 U.S. personnel and 200 aircraft targeting Iran's military infrastructure. On 4 March, IDF precision strikes destroyed six IRGC headquarters in Tehran, significantly degrading Iran's command structure and nuclear capabilities. The operation demonstrates advanced U.S.-Israeli military coordination and aims to disrupt Iran's regional influence.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Mar 06 2026
Russia Prepares Spring Offensive as Strategic Landscape Shifts Across Eastern Europe

Russia Prepares Spring Offensive as Strategic Landscape Shifts Across Eastern Europe

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentInformation OperationsHybrid

Russia is preparing for a major spring-summer offensive against Ukraine, with intensified drone operations and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian logistics. Ukrainian forces successfully struck Russian naval assets in Novorossiysk, damaging key vessels. Concurrently, Russia is conducting information operations to influence NATO's nuclear strategy and deter troop deployments. The strategic landscape in Eastern Europe is shifting, with NATO responding to increased threats along its eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Mar 05 2026

Russia Prepares Spring Offensive as Strategic Landscape Shifts Across Eastern Europe

Military OperationsTactical

Russia is preparing for a spring offensive as the strategic landscape shifts across Eastern Europe. This preparation suggests an increase in military activity and potential operations in the region during Spring 2024.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Mar 05 2026

Ukraine's February Reversal: Territorial Gains Shift Momentum Amid Russia's Strategic Recalibration

Military OperationsForce MovementLogisticsHybrid

Ukrainian forces captured approximately 300 square kilometers of territory in February 2026, marking a significant counteroffensive against Russian advances. This operation primarily occurred in the southern front, particularly between Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Despite these gains, Russian forces continue to threaten areas in Donetsk Oblast, and intercepted documents reveal Russia's long-term military objectives to seize additional territories, including Odesa Oblast.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Mar 05 2026
Russia's Adaptive Strategy in 2026: From Positional Warfare to Systemic Pressure on European Security

Russia's Adaptive Strategy in 2026: From Positional Warfare to Systemic Pressure on European Security

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentInformation OperationsHybrid

Ukrainian forces captured more territory in February 2026, reversing previous Russian gains. Russia is adapting its military strategy, shifting targeting from energy to logistics and water infrastructure. The development of a modernized Shahed-136 drone enhances Russia's long-range strike capabilities. European security architecture is evolving to address these multifaceted threats, with Ukraine integrating into European defense systems.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Mar 04 2026
Russia's Spring 2026 Offensive Stalls: Moscow Records Slowest Advance Since 2024 Amid Starlink Disruption and Ukrainian Counteroffensives

Russia's Spring 2026 Offensive Stalls: Moscow Records Slowest Advance Since 2024 Amid Starlink Disruption and Ukrainian Counteroffensives

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Russian military advances in Ukraine slowed dramatically in February 2026, with only 123 square kilometers gained. Ukrainian forces executed successful counteroffensives, reclaiming significant territory, particularly in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia Oblasts. The disruption of Starlink communications severely impacted Russian tactical operations, while Ukraine demonstrated its deep-strike capabilities with an attack on a key oil terminal. Despite these setbacks, Russian forces continue to advance toward strategic urban centers.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Mar 04 2026
Russia's Evolving Military Strategy: Sustained Operations Through 2026 and Implications for European Security

Russia's Evolving Military Strategy: Sustained Operations Through 2026 and Implications for European Security

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentLogisticsHybrid

Russia is shifting its long-range strike campaign towards logistics and water infrastructure as of March 2026. Ukrainian forces have conducted successful mid-range strikes against Russian air defense systems, while Russia has made incremental territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Army is preparing for sustained military operations through 2026, supported by significant investments in modernized equipment, including over 2,000 tanks and advanced submarines. NATO is reinforcing its eastern defenses in response to these developments.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovTue Mar 03 2026

Russia's War Economy and NATO's Eastern Dilemma: Assessing the Strategic Balance in Early 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesForce MovementHybrid

Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, launching drone attacks and advancing in regions like Slovyansk and Bilytske as of March 2026. The Russian Army has over 600,000 troops engaged, despite significant casualties. NATO is responding to potential threats in the Nordic-Baltic region, with preparations underway to counter Russian aggression. Recent military assessments indicate that Russia's defense spending has increased significantly, enabling sustained military operations.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovTue Mar 03 2026

Russia's War Machine Grinds On: Military Sustainability and Evolving Doctrine in 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2026, recruiting 30,000 to 35,000 personnel monthly while facing significant casualties exceeding 1.2 million since February 2022. The Kremlin has increased defense spending to at least $186 billion in 2025, adapting military strategies to sustain operations across multiple fronts, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia. Despite demographic challenges, Russian forces are enhancing their capabilities with all-terrain vehicles and sleeper drones.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Mar 02 2026

Attrition and Adaptation: The Russia-Ukraine War at the Four-Year Mark

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsLogisticsHybrid

Ukrainian forces advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area while Russian forces made incremental gains in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka corridor as of March 1, 2026. Total Russian casualties since the invasion reached approximately 1,266,770, with 870 reported in the last 24 hours. Russia's artillery production has surged to about 7 million shells annually, reflecting its war economy's growth. EU military aid to Ukraine increased by 67 percent in 2025.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Mar 02 2026
Russia's War Economy and Military Adaptation: Analysis of Sustainability Through 2026

Russia's War Economy and Military Adaptation: Analysis of Sustainability Through 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

Russia continues its offensive operations in Ukraine as of March 2026, adapting to a war of attrition while facing significant recruitment shortfalls and high casualties. The Russian Armed Forces maintain a recruitment rate of 30,000 to 35,000 personnel monthly, but casualties have reached nearly 40,000 per month. The military employs various equipment, including attack drones and all-terrain vehicles, to sustain operations across multiple fronts in eastern Ukraine. The ongoing conflict is characterized by incremental territorial gains and hybrid threats to European security.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Mar 02 2026

Russia's Pyrrhic Advance: The Hidden Cost of Moscow's 2026 War of Attrition

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsStrategic AssessmentHybrid

Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, facing staggering casualties of nearly 1.2 million since 2022, with 415,000 in 2025 alone. Despite significant defense spending, territorial gains remain minimal, with only 0.6% of Ukraine captured in 2024 and 0.8% in 2025. The conflict's attritional nature is evident as Russian forces struggle with high losses and slow advances, particularly in Donetsk Oblast.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Mar 01 2026
Russia's Strategic Endurance: Military Reconstitution and the Evolving Eastern European Security Architecture in 2026

Russia's Strategic Endurance: Military Reconstitution and the Evolving Eastern European Security Architecture in 2026

Military OperationsForce MovementWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

Russian Armed Forces are sustaining high-intensity military operations in Ukraine as of March 2026, capturing territory and preparing for further offensives. The military is undergoing a significant reconstitution program, requiring 25,000 to 30,000 new personnel monthly. Russian defense industries are producing equipment at unprecedented rates, supported by foreign allies. The ongoing air campaign has severely impacted Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Mar 01 2026

Russia Strategic Endurance Test

Strategic AssessmentStrategic

Russia conducted a strategic endurance test to assess military capabilities. Specific details regarding troop numbers, locations, and equipment involved were not disclosed. The source of this information is considered to have moderate reliability.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Mar 01 2026
Russia's War Economy and AI-Enabled Command: Sustaining the Ukraine Conflict Through 2026

Russia's War Economy and AI-Enabled Command: Sustaining the Ukraine Conflict Through 2026

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesCommand & ControlHybrid

Russia continues high-intensity combat operations in Ukraine as of 2026, with monthly recruitment of 30,000 to 35,000 personnel potentially insufficient to replace approximately 40,000 casualties. The Kremlin's defense spending reached $186 billion in 2025, supporting ongoing military efforts despite economic pressures. Adaptations in command and control, including the deployment of Glaz/Groza systems, enhance operational capabilities, while targeting of critical infrastructure persists.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSat Feb 28 2026
Russian Spring Offensive Preparations Meet Mounting Casualties: Assessing Moscow's Strategic Dilemma in Eastern Ukraine

Russian Spring Offensive Preparations Meet Mounting Casualties: Assessing Moscow's Strategic Dilemma in Eastern Ukraine

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

Russian forces are preparing for a major spring offensive against Ukraine's Fortress Belt, conducting artillery and drone operations in February 2026. However, they face significant personnel losses, with battlefield casualties exceeding recruitment targets for the first time since the invasion began. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated resilience, launching successful counterattacks and maintaining control over key positions despite Russian pressure. The situation is further complicated by logistical challenges and reliance on foreign fighters.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSat Feb 28 2026

Strategic Fracture: How the US-Israel Strike on Iran Reshapes the Moscow-Tehran Axis and the Ukrainian Battlefield

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

On February 28, 2026, US and Israeli forces conducted joint airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, targeting regime facilities and officials. This operation threatens Iran's ability to supply drones to Russia, impacting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia condemned the strikes but is unlikely to intervene militarily, while China expressed support for Iran without direct military involvement.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSat Feb 28 2026
Starlink Cutoff Exposes Russian Artillery Vulnerabilities as Moscow Intensifies Strikes

Starlink Cutoff Exposes Russian Artillery Vulnerabilities as Moscow Intensifies Strikes

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

SpaceX enforced stricter verification for Starlink terminals, disrupting Russian artillery operations in February 2026. This loss of connectivity led to confusion among Russian units and allowed Ukrainian forces to exploit communication gaps in Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Russian forces launched a significant strike operation involving 420 drones and 39 missiles targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The situation reflects ongoing adaptations by both sides in the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Feb 27 2026