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
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...
Storm Shadow for Ukraine in 2026 and Threats to British Factories Highlight the Crisis of Russian Deterrence
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...
Four Ozon Warehouses and the Kamensky Plant Expose a New Vulnerability in the Russian Rear
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 VolkovMon Aug 24 2026Loading...
300,000 New Soldiers for Donbas Show the Limits of the Russian Mobilization Model in 2026
Russia is preparing to mobilize 300,000 new soldiers for the Donbas region by the end of 2026 in response to significant personnel losses. This move aims to maintain military pressure on the front lines while avoiding public panic associated with formal mobilization. The Kremlin's strategy reflects a need for additional infantry to sustain operations, particularly in light of ongoing losses and the challenges of maintaining troop morale and effectiveness.
Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 24 2026Loading...Only 28 percent of Russian gas stations with gasoline in August 2026 show the price of the rear war
In August 2026, only 28% of Russian gas stations had gasoline available, indicating a significant shortage. The Russian government is importing gasoline from India to address this issue, which is affecting military logistics and political stability. President Putin acknowledged the impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, linking it to the ongoing gasoline crisis. This shortage coincides with an election cycle, raising concerns for the Kremlin regarding public dissatisfaction.
Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 23 2026Loading...
Eight CSTO Exercises in 2026 — A Ritual of Unity Amid the Ukrainian War
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 VolkovFri Aug 21 2026Loading...
"Not Planned, But We'll See" — Nebenzya and the Ritual of Denying Mobilization Before the State Duma Elections
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, stated on August 20, 2026, that mass mobilization is not currently planned but hinted at potential future actions. This statement comes ahead of the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, where mobilization could be announced post-election. Ukrainian President Zelensky indicated that Russia might mobilize several hundred thousand troops by the end of the year, suggesting a strategic approach to manage public perception and political stability during the election period.
Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 21 2026Loading...
A Second Blow to TANEKO — 726 Intercepted Drones Did Not Save Russia's Oil Treasury
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 VolkovThu Aug 20 2026Loading...
Massive Strike on Kyiv on August 20 — 44 Cruise Missiles, 168 Drones, and Silence on Ballistics
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 Conducts Surprise Exercises Near Kaliningrad — 25 Aircraft Test Russian A2/AD for Resilience
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...
Record 637 Drones Over Moscow — Capital Air Defense at the Limit of Its Capabilities
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...
270 Drones After Washington Show Kremlin's Double Game Before Putin and Zelensky Meeting
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 VolkovTue Aug 18 2026Loading...
Russian "Geranium-4/5" reaches 3,000 per month, while drone debris is already falling in Moldova
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...
Grain War in the Black Sea — Strikes on Izmail and Novorossiysk Reshape Export Logistics
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 VolkovMon Aug 17 2026Loading...
The S-400s Strike the Ground — 198 Missiles in July and the New Ersatz Ballistic RM-48U
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...
The Book Market of Pochaiv and ArcelorMittal Show the Logic of Russian Revenge
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 VolkovSun Aug 16 2026Loading...
The "Kamensky" Combine is on Fire After the Fourth Strike — Key Fuel for MLRS and "Iskanders"
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 VolkovSun Aug 16 2026Loading...
A-50U Transitioned to Daily Duty — Ukrainian Missiles Forced the VKS "Eyes" into Deep Rear
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 VolkovSun Aug 16 2026Loading...
"Flamingo" vs "Dagger" — Ukrainian missile reaches Savasleyka airbase at a distance of 700 kilometers
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...
More than 20 Wildberries warehouses in a month — drones are bringing the war to the economy of the Russian rear
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 VolkovSat Aug 15 2026Loading...
