Analysis & Reports

Russian forces occupied only 14 additional square kilometers in Ukraine during May 2026, reflecting a drastic decline in territorial gains. From December 2025 to May 2026, they advanced just 40.64 square kilometers, compared to over 500 square kilometers in the same timeframe the previous year. The report highlights a shift in tactics towards infiltration amid increasing Ukrainian counterattacks and logistical challenges.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jun 03 2026Loading...

On June 1-2, 2023, Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale attack against Ukraine, deploying 73 missiles and 656 drones targeting military and civilian infrastructure in cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv. The operation involved 33 Iskander-M and 8 Zircon missiles, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have intercepted 11 Iskander-M missiles. The assault resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

On June 2, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine, deploying 729 aerial attack vehicles, including 73 missiles and 656 drones. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting or suppressing 40 missiles and 602 drones. This operation reflects a shift in Russian military strategy, emphasizing the use of drones to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces have expanded their strikes on Russian logistics, targeting key nodes in Luhansk and disrupting supply routes. The 3rd Army Corps has taken control of areas such as Izvarino, significantly impacting Russian operational capabilities. This strategy, termed 'Logistical Lockdown', aims to weaken Russian supply chains and has already led to confirmed losses in personnel and equipment for Russian forces.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jun 01 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched 229 drones in a coordinated attack on the night of May 30-31, 2026, targeting Ukraine from multiple locations including Oryol and Crimea. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 212 of these drones, indicating a significant engagement. This operation reflects a shift in Russian tactics towards mass drone deployment to exert pressure on Ukrainian defenses.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 31 2026Loading...

On May 30, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched a night attack involving 290 drones and missiles against Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 279 of these threats, including 1 Iskander-M ballistic missile and 6 X-101 cruise missiles. This operation highlights a shift in Russian tactics towards saturation attacks, aiming to pressure Ukrainian defenses and maintain operational tempo.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 30 2026Loading...

On May 29, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched 232 drones over Ukraine, with some entering Romanian airspace and causing injuries in Galați. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 217 drones, showcasing a high interception rate. The incident raised concerns about NATO's security, as it highlighted the potential for Russian drones to threaten alliance territory.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 29 2026Loading...

On May 23-29, 2026, the Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 549 drones and 55 missiles during a massive airstrike by Russian forces on Kyiv and Luhansk Oblast. Russia confirmed the use of the 'Oreshnik' missile, indicating a shift in their military strategy towards demonstrating political pressure. The attack involved a total of 690 aerial assets, including drones and missiles, and prompted warnings to foreign diplomats in Kyiv about potential risks.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 29 2026Loading...

On May 24, 2023, Russian forces launched a mixed package of 90 missiles and 600 drones against Ukraine, targeting areas including Kyiv and Belaya Tserkov. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. The Oreshnik missile, identified as containing outdated Russian and Belarusian components, raised concerns about its effectiveness as a strategic weapon.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 28 2026Loading...

Russia conducted a significant strike involving 600 drones and 90 missiles against Ukraine on May 23-24, 2026, primarily targeting Kyiv and Belaya Tserkov. The operation aimed to create a political and psychological impact, with Ukrainian air defenses claiming to intercept a large number of the attacking drones and missiles. The strike included the use of the Oreshnik missile, raising concerns about its reliability after a reported failure.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 27 2026Loading...

On May 22, 2026, an airstrike targeted the Rubicon command center in Starobilsk, resulting in at least 21 reported casualties. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strike aimed at military infrastructure, while Russia claimed it hit a civilian dormitory. This incident has escalated tensions, with Russia threatening further military action against Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 26 2026Loading...

On May 24, 2026, Russian forces launched a large-scale airstrike against Kyiv, utilizing the 'Oreshnik' missile system and targeting military command points. The Ukrainian Air Forces reported 690 aerial targets, including 90 missiles and 600 drones, with significant destruction of enemy assets. This operation reflects a strategic shift in Russian military tactics, emphasizing logistics and mass drone deployment.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 26 2026Loading...

On the night of May 24, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive airstrike against Ukraine, deploying 690 aerial targets, including 600 drones and 90 missiles. The primary target areas included Kyiv and Bila Tserkva, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have intercepted a significant number of these threats. This operation reflects a shift in Russian military strategy towards overwhelming air defenses with mass attacks.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 25 2026Loading...

On May 23-24, 2026, Russian Armed Forces conducted a massive strike on Kyiv, deploying 600 drones and 90 missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik missile. This marked the third use of the Oreshnik since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The attack is noted as one of the heaviest on Kyiv throughout the conflict, aiming to demonstrate Russia's military capabilities and send a political message to Ukraine and its allies.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 25 2026Loading...

Russia is preparing to launch Oreshnik hypersonic missiles against Ukraine, with potential targets including Kyiv and Lviv, as part of a combined strike. This warning follows recent drone attacks on Russian positions in Starobilsk, prompting a call for retaliation from President Putin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has also issued alerts about possible significant airstrikes within the next 24 hours, indicating a high-risk situation for Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces regained approximately 590 square kilometers of territory since the beginning of 2026, indicating a slowdown in Russian military operations. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has effectively targeted Russian logistics, leading to operational challenges for the Russian army. Reports suggest that the Russian military is struggling to maintain momentum and is facing significant losses in territory and resources.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...

Four hangars are being constructed at the Chkalovsk naval air base in Kaliningrad Oblast since late April 2026, reflecting a shift in Russian military strategy towards enhancing aircraft protection. This move is in response to increased threats from Ukrainian strikes, indicating a recognition of vulnerabilities in Russian aviation infrastructure. The hangars aim to provide passive defense against drone attacks and other threats, showcasing a change in resource allocation within the Russian Armed Forces.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 22 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces captured two Russian soldiers near Kupiansk on May 20, 2026, who were tasked with displaying the Russian flag for media purposes. This incident reflects a shift in Russian military tactics towards smaller groups operating in the area, which are being targeted by Ukrainian drones. The report indicates that the Russian military is increasingly focused on visual confirmation of control rather than actual territorial gains.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 21 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) discovered R-60 missile fragments with depleted uranium elements near Kamka, Chernihiv Oblast, following an attack on April 7, 2026. The SBU reports that these missiles are being used by Russian forces to target Ukrainian aircraft and helicopters. This adaptation highlights the ongoing evolution of Russian military tactics in response to Ukrainian air defense capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 20 2026Loading...

Russian forces maintain control over Pokrovsk and Mirnograd, employing drones and artillery to suppress Ukrainian positions and logistics. A 25-kilometer kill zone has been established, complicating Ukrainian operations. The report highlights the effective coordination of Russian infantry, drones, and artillery, indicating a shift in tactics. Logistical challenges are significant for both sides, particularly affecting Ukrainian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 19 2026Loading...