Analysis & Reports

Russia continues to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, with elite airborne and naval infantry units redeployed to the southern frontline in March 2026. On March 7, Russia launched a significant strike involving over 400 drones and missiles targeting critical infrastructure across multiple Ukrainian regions. Despite recruitment challenges, the Kremlin maintains a robust defense budget and is actively modernizing its military capabilities, indicating a long-term commitment to the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

The Russian military's planned spring offensive has stalled as Ukrainian forces continue to reclaim territory, with significant redeployments of Russian units from Donetsk to southern Ukraine. President Putin's recent decree increased military personnel to 2,391,770, reflecting ongoing challenges in sustaining force levels. Ukrainian operations have liberated 244 square kilometers since January 2026, while Russian forces face communication disruptions and logistical challenges, forcing a reactive posture.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

In March 2026, President Putin expanded the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel to address recruitment challenges amid high casualties. Despite operational setbacks in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces gained 244 square kilometers, Russia continues to invest heavily in military capabilities, including the development of advanced weaponry like the Shahed-136 loitering munition.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

Russian Armed Forces redeployed approximately 2,000 personnel from the Donetsk region to the southern front near Hulyaipole in March 2026. This movement includes elements of the 68th Army Corps and naval infantry units, aimed at reinforcing operations in response to Ukrainian territorial gains. Concurrently, Russian forces have maintained pressure across multiple fronts, employing significant strike capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

On March 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion reflects Russia's commitment to ongoing military operations in Ukraine and preparation for potential confrontations with NATO. Russian forces have redeployed units to counter Ukrainian advances, while also conducting extensive missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

On March 4, 2026, President Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion coincided with a slowdown in Russian territorial advances in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers. The disruption of Russian access to Starlink satellite communications has degraded their operational capabilities, while Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian military infrastructure. Additionally, Russia's military is adapting its tactics and expanding its capabilities, posing new challenges for NATO.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

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 VolkovFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

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 VolkovThu Mar 05 2026Loading...

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 VolkovTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

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 VolkovSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

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 VolkovSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces executed successful counteroffensives, liberating approximately 183 square kilometers in the Kupyansk area and gaining 165 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts between mid-December 2025 and late February 2026. Russia's military faces increasing vulnerabilities, with casualty rates surpassing recruitment for the first time since 2022, while the Kremlin continues to allocate significant resources to sustain its war effort. Ukraine has also strengthened defense industrial cooperation with European partners.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched successful counterattacks in February 2026, recapturing territory in Kupyansk and Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts. Russian forces faced significant command and control failures, leading to a casualty rate exceeding recruitment for the first time. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial territorial gains for Ukraine, while Russia struggles with manpower shortages and operational effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted massed infantry assaults across eastern Ukraine from February 21-23, 2026, focusing on multiple tactical areas including Kupyansk and Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces executed counteroffensive operations, maintaining control of 97% of Kupyansk and utilizing advanced drone technology to strike deep into Russian territory. The operational tempo reflects ongoing attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides and challenges in Russian force generation.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Russia is laying the groundwork for a potential limited reserve mobilization amid ongoing manpower challenges. Ukrainian forces are advancing in southern Ukraine, particularly near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka, while Russian forces maintain pressure in the Donbas region. Russia has intensified strikes against Ukrainian military targets and is enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for renewed operations as winter transitions to spring.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces recaptured 86 square kilometers and 18 settlements in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts from February 20-22, 2026, disrupting Russian offensive operations. Russian claims of territorial gains were found to be inflated, with independent assessments verifying only 572 square kilometers seized. The denial of Starlink access has significantly impacted Russian command and control capabilities, leading to operational challenges. Russian forces continue to conduct strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, despite facing increasing manpower pressures and recruitment issues.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

Russian forces seized 200 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and 12 settlements in Donetsk Oblast in February 2026, but at a high cost, with the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly operating at 40% strength. Ukrainian forces counterattacked in Zaporizhia Oblast, reclaiming over 200 square kilometers. The operational reality indicates that while Russia can gain territory, it struggles to maintain combat power and achieve strategic objectives.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast from February 12-16, 2026, following the disruption of Russian communications due to the loss of Starlink terminals. This operational failure led to significant challenges in command and control for Russian troops, halting their assault actions in several sectors. The transition to less effective geostationary satellites further complicates Russian military operations.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

On February 5, 2026, SpaceX and Ukrainian authorities blocked Russian access to Starlink terminals in Ukraine, causing severe communication issues for Russian troops. Military bloggers reported that without Starlink, operators lost real-time video transmission capabilities, leading to decreased artillery accuracy. This incident highlights the Russian military's reliance on foreign technology and the systemic vulnerabilities in their communication infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeev survived an assassination attempt outside his home in Moscow on February 6. The Russian Investigative Committee classified the incident as an attempted murder, while Foreign Minister Lavrov described it as a terrorist act by Ukraine. Two suspects were detained in Dubai, raising questions about the security of Russian intelligence services and potential internal conflicts within the GRU and FSB.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 08 2026Loading...