Analysis & Reports

On October 3, 2026, Russia and China conducted joint military exercises named 'Tsentr-2026' involving 47,000 troops. The exercises focused on modern warfare tactics, including the use of Type 99A tanks and drones. The scenario included discussions on establishing a 'security zone' beyond Russian territory, which has implications for Central Asian nations. This collaboration highlights the evolving military relationship between Russia and China.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 03 2026Loading...

Russia conducted strategic exercises Center-2026 in Chelyabinsk in October 2026, involving approximately 700 units of equipment, over 600 drones, and more than 60 ground robotic complexes. The Chinese military actively participated, gaining insights into the integration of drones and robotic systems in warfare. This collaboration marks a shift in military cooperation, with Russia focusing on sharing combat experience rather than traditional weaponry.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 03 2026Loading...

Russia plans to increase its military personnel by 15,000, reaching a total of 1.5 million by 2027, alongside a 27% rise in military budget. The autumn draft will call up approximately 120,000 conscripts. This expansion reflects ongoing military operations and the challenges of maintaining a capable force amid rising costs and personnel shortages.

Dmitri VolkovThu Oct 01 2026Loading...

The Russian Armed Forces are expanding their personnel structure by 15,500 new positions amid ongoing military operations and support from North Korea. This expansion reflects a total increase of 47,860 positions since March 2026, indicating a shift towards a prolonged military mobilization. Reports suggest that North Korea is sending an additional 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia, which is facing significant personnel losses in the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

On September 29, 2026, President Putin announced an increase in the Russian Armed Forces to 1.55 million personnel, marking the fourth adjustment in 2026. This decision coincides with plans to raise defense spending by about 27% in 2027. Reports also suggest North Korea may prepare to send 10,000 troops to assist Russia, highlighting the ongoing personnel challenges faced by the Russian military.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...

On September 28, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the military personnel by 15,500, raising the total to 2,441,630. This marks the fourth expansion of military personnel in 2026, reflecting ongoing military needs amid a protracted conflict. The increase is part of a strategy to manage personnel shortages and maintain military readiness, while also indicating a shift in Russia's approach to the war.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones attacked the Iskra plant in Ulyanovsk on September 25, 2026, impacting the production of X-59 missiles. This strike is part of a strategy to disrupt Russian military production capabilities, particularly in electronics and missile systems. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Russia's defense industry and its reliance on specialized manufacturing.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces conducted airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv on September 23, 2026, using 514 drones. This operation follows a diplomatic meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and U.S. President Trump, signaling Russia's intent to maintain pressure despite negotiations. Ukrainian forces reported neutralizing over 350,000 Russian drones since early 2026, highlighting a significant shift in the air war dynamics.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries in Moscow and Samara in September 2026, disrupting production and logistics. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to target Russian fuel infrastructure, increasing operational challenges for the Russian military. The effectiveness of Russian air defenses is questioned as they struggle to protect multiple facilities simultaneously.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Russia is expanding its drone production capabilities by planning to manufacture 28,000 new 'Geran' drones annually by 2026 at Alabuga in Tatarstan. The construction of underground facilities aims to protect these production sites from Ukrainian strikes. Additionally, China is supplying materials necessary for this production, indicating a reliance on external sources for key components. This strategy reflects Russia's intent to maintain a sustained military campaign despite ongoing Ukrainian attacks.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Russia is transitioning to underground production of Geran drones at the Alabuga facility, aiming to increase output by 28,000 units by 2029. This expansion is a response to Ukraine's capability to strike Russian targets and involves significant enhancements in drone technology and production methods. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in Russia's military capabilities, focusing on sustaining drone warfare over time.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Over 1000 Ukrainian drones attacked Russian targets in Moscow and Moscow Oblast during the State Duma elections on September 19-20, 2026. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian air defense systems, which struggled to manage the simultaneous threat posed by numerous drones. This operation aimed to exert psychological pressure on the Russian government during a significant political event, demonstrating a shift in the dynamics of drone warfare and air defense effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched over 1000 drones at targets in Russia, resulting in interceptions and three reported casualties in the Moscow region. This operation coincided with parliamentary elections, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian air defense. The scale of the attack signifies a strategic shift in Ukraine's military approach, aiming to pressure Russian defenses and disrupt political stability.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

CSTO members Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan conducted military exercises on September 19, 2026, in Koktal, Kazakhstan, to enhance their defensive capabilities against potential threats from Afghanistan. The exercises involved 1500 troops and 115 drones, focusing on countering illegal armed formations. Tajikistan's strategic position, sharing a 1357 km border with Afghanistan, underscores the importance of these maneuvers in regional security.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Russian air defense claimed the destruction of 249 drones over Moscow on September 20, 2026, amid heightened tensions and expanded strikes on Ukraine. This incident coincided with the first parliamentary elections since the onset of the full-scale war, prompting Poland to raise its aviation alert level. The reported number highlights the challenges faced by Russian air defense in managing multiple threats.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces struck the control point of the Orion drone in Crimea on September 18, 2026, targeting associated launch sites and storage facilities. This operation aims to disrupt Russian military command and control capabilities in the region, reflecting a strategic shift in Ukrainian tactics. The effectiveness of the strike and the extent of damage remain to be independently verified.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

Russia is denying plans for mobilization while facing high casualty rates that exceed recruitment, particularly after the parliamentary elections in September 2026. The Kremlin aims to maintain a sense of control as the front lines demand more personnel. Poland has increased its air patrols in response to potential drone threats from Russia, indicating heightened military readiness in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

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...