Analysis & Reports

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

Another 8,500 North Koreans for Russia show how Moscow is buying not only people but also military skills 2026

Another 8,500 North Koreans for Russia show how Moscow is buying not only people but also military skills 2026

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsWeapons & EquipmentStrategic

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovTue Aug 25 2026
Four Ozon Warehouses and the Kamensky Plant Expose a New Vulnerability in the Russian Rear

Four Ozon Warehouses and the Kamensky Plant Expose a New Vulnerability in the Russian Rear

LogisticsMilitary OperationsOperational

Ukrainian drones targeted at least four Ozon logistics facilities and a chemical plant in Kamen, Rostov Oblast, on August 23-24, 2023. Ozon confirmed the incapacitation of its logistics hubs, impacting supply chains. The strikes are part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, with reports of civilian casualties complicating the situation for Moscow.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Aug 24 2026
Eight CSTO Exercises in 2026 — A Ritual of Unity Amid the Ukrainian War

Eight CSTO Exercises in 2026 — A Ritual of Unity Amid the Ukrainian War

Military OperationsPolitical-MilitaryOperational

The CSTO has scheduled eight joint military exercises for 2026, with key events planned in Chebarkul and Belarus during September and October. Notably, Armenia will not participate, raising concerns about the alliance's cohesion. These exercises are closely tied to Russia's military strategy and serve as a political signal amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Aug 21 2026
A Second Blow to TANEKO — 726 Intercepted Drones Did Not Save Russia's Oil Treasury

A Second Blow to TANEKO — 726 Intercepted Drones Did Not Save Russia's Oil Treasury

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on the TANeko oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk on August 19-20, 2023, resulting in significant damage and at least 12 fatalities. Despite intercepting 726 drones, Russian air defenses were unable to prevent the attack, highlighting vulnerabilities in protecting critical infrastructure. This incident marks the second strike on TANeko within ten days, indicating a systematic targeting of Russian energy assets.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Aug 20 2026
Massive Strike on Kyiv on August 20 — 44 Cruise Missiles, 168 Drones, and Silence on Ballistics

Massive Strike on Kyiv on August 20 — 44 Cruise Missiles, 168 Drones, and Silence on Ballistics

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Aug 20 2026
NATO Conducts Surprise Exercises Near Kaliningrad — 25 Aircraft Test Russian A2/AD for Resilience

NATO Conducts Surprise Exercises Near Kaliningrad — 25 Aircraft Test Russian A2/AD for Resilience

Military OperationsISR ActivityWeapons & EquipmentHybrid

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Aug 19 2026
Record 637 Drones Over Moscow — Capital Air Defense at the Limit of Its Capabilities

Record 637 Drones Over Moscow — Capital Air Defense at the Limit of Its Capabilities

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Aug 19 2026
270 Drones After Washington Show Kremlin's Double Game Before Putin and Zelensky Meeting

270 Drones After Washington Show Kremlin's Double Game Before Putin and Zelensky Meeting

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

On August 19, 2023, Russian Armed Forces launched 270 drones and 10 missiles targeting regions in Ukraine, including Kharkiv and Donetsk. The strikes resulted in 15 fatalities and 76 injuries, with significant infrastructure damage reported. This military action coincided with ongoing diplomatic discussions regarding a potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelensky, highlighting the Kremlin's dual approach to negotiations and military pressure.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovTue Aug 18 2026
Russian "Geranium-4/5" reaches 3,000 per month, while drone debris is already falling in Moldova

Russian "Geranium-4/5" reaches 3,000 per month, while drone debris is already falling in Moldova

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovTue Aug 18 2026
Grain War in the Black Sea — Strikes on Izmail and Novorossiysk Reshape Export Logistics

Grain War in the Black Sea — Strikes on Izmail and Novorossiysk Reshape Export Logistics

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on Novorossiysk, damaging four warships and grain terminals on August 12. In retaliation, Russian strikes hit Izmail and Odesa, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. This mutual targeting of grain ports marks a significant escalation in the conflict, impacting both military operations and logistics.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Aug 17 2026
The S-400s Strike the Ground — 198 Missiles in July and the New Ersatz Ballistic RM-48U

The S-400s Strike the Ground — 198 Missiles in July and the New Ersatz Ballistic RM-48U

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovMon Aug 17 2026
The Book Market of Pochaiv and ArcelorMittal Show the Logic of Russian Revenge

The Book Market of Pochaiv and ArcelorMittal Show the Logic of Russian Revenge

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

Russian Armed Forces conducted missile strikes on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih on August 15-16, 2026, resulting in 2 deaths and 13 injuries. The strikes targeted the book market in Kyiv and the ArcelorMittal plant, causing significant damage. This action reflects a strategy of targeting civilian sites to undermine societal stability and retaliate against Ukrainian military actions.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Aug 16 2026
The "Kamensky" Combine is on Fire After the Fourth Strike — Key Fuel for MLRS and "Iskanders"

The "Kamensky" Combine is on Fire After the Fourth Strike — Key Fuel for MLRS and "Iskanders"

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Ukrainian forces struck the Kamensky plant in Rostov Oblast on August 16, 2026, causing a significant fire after the fourth attack on this strategic facility. The plant is vital for producing solid rocket fuel for Russian artillery systems, including the Iskander missile. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strike, and NASA FIRMS reported a thermal anomaly at the site. Additionally, 150 drones were reportedly shot down over the region during the operation.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Aug 16 2026
A-50U Transitioned to Daily Duty — Ukrainian Missiles Forced the VKS "Eyes" into Deep Rear

A-50U Transitioned to Daily Duty — Ukrainian Missiles Forced the VKS "Eyes" into Deep Rear

ISR ActivityMilitary OperationsInformational

A-50U aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces transitioned to daily operational duty in response to increased Ukrainian missile threats, conducting reconnaissance over Ulyanovsk and Samara from June 23, 2023. Significant activity included a crucial role in countering a missile attack on July 4, with four aircraft simultaneously deployed on July 7. The operational fleet is limited to about 10 aircraft, highlighting the strategic importance and vulnerability of these assets.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSun Aug 16 2026
"Flamingo" vs "Dagger" — Ukrainian missile reaches Savasleyka airbase at a distance of 700 kilometers

"Flamingo" vs "Dagger" — Ukrainian missile reaches Savasleyka airbase at a distance of 700 kilometers

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

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 VolkovDmitri VolkovSat Aug 15 2026
More than 20 Wildberries warehouses in a month — drones are bringing the war to the economy of the Russian rear

More than 20 Wildberries warehouses in a month — drones are bringing the war to the economy of the Russian rear

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Ukrainian drones targeted and struck over 20 logistics centers of Wildberries from July 7 to August 14, 2026, causing significant damage and casualties. The strikes incapacitated eight major hubs and resulted in the destruction of approximately 1.18 million square meters of warehouse space. At least 13 employees were killed, and the company's turnover fell by about 25% due to the loss of logistics capacity.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovSat Aug 15 2026
Sheshkaris Stood Up After the Blow — 700 Thousand Barrels and a New Price of the Oil War

Sheshkaris Stood Up After the Blow — 700 Thousand Barrels and a New Price of the Oil War

Military OperationsLogisticsOperational

Ukraine conducted strikes on the Sheskharis terminal and a naval base in Novorossiysk on August 14, 2023, disrupting Russian oil exports and military logistics. The Sheskharis terminal, processing 700,000 barrels of oil daily, ceased operations, leading to fuel rationing in several Russian regions. President Zelensky emphasized the connection between sanctions and military operations, indicating a strategic approach to weaken Russia's military capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Aug 14 2026
Moscow rejected the "pause" in the Black Sea — Ukrainian grain exports collapsed by 76 percent

Moscow rejected the "pause" in the Black Sea — Ukrainian grain exports collapsed by 76 percent

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Russia rejected Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire regarding attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea on August 13-14, 2023. This rejection indicates that Russia considers the grain corridor a military tool rather than a humanitarian initiative, leading to a 76% drop in Ukrainian grain exports. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that there are no grounds for temporary measures, reflecting a strategic approach to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovFri Aug 14 2026
"Varyag" Against the Shadow Fleet — Putin Promised Mirror Seizures of Western Ships Worldwide

"Varyag" Against the Shadow Fleet — Putin Promised Mirror Seizures of Western Ships Worldwide

Military OperationsPolitical-MilitaryOperational

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted military exercises involving over 13,000 personnel and 60 ships in the Pacific Ocean, signaling readiness to engage Western commercial vessels. President Putin threatened mirror seizures of Western ships in response to sanctions, emphasizing that Russia would act in any waters deemed necessary. The exercises included inspections of 'unfriendly' vessels, and Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands reinforced Russia's territorial claims.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Aug 13 2026
4 Black Sea Fleet ships damaged in Novorossiysk and the base is no longer a rear area

4 Black Sea Fleet ships damaged in Novorossiysk and the base is no longer a rear area

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesLogisticsHybrid

Ukrainian Armed Forces struck four ships of the Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk on August 12, causing significant damage to naval vessels and military infrastructure. The operation utilized Palianytsia drones and Neptune missiles, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. This attack disrupted operations at major grain terminals, indicating a shift in the operational capacity of the Black Sea Fleet.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovWed Aug 12 2026