Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Ukrainian Drones Attack Russia in the 2026 Elections — 350 Devices Change the Logic of War
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...
629 Drones and the Shutdown of the Oil Refinery — Russian Air Defense Enters the War of Attrition in 2026
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...Russian "Shaheds" Use Belarusian LTE Networks — A New Depth of Military Integration in 2026
Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.
Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
Russian jet "Shaheds" accelerate the drone war over Ukraine in 2026
Russia increased its drone operations by launching 102 Shahed drones overnight on September 14, 2026, while Ukraine is developing faster interceptors to counter this threat. The introduction of jet variants of the Shahed drones alters the dynamics of the air war, as they can evade detection and engage Ukrainian defenses more effectively. Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure, including radar systems.
Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 15 2026Loading...Ukrainian Drones Strike Two Russian Refineries — The Depth of the Attack Changes the Oil War of 2026
Ukrainian drones struck two Russian oil refineries in Slavyansk-na-Kubani and Nizhnekamsk on September 13, 2026, testing the capabilities of Russian air defenses. The attacks, occurring 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine, signify a strategic escalation in the conflict, targeting critical logistical infrastructure. Russian officials confirmed air defense activity but did not reveal the damage extent, highlighting vulnerabilities in the defense of industrial sites.
Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 13 2026Loading...
"Flamingo Missiles Strike Saratov and Perm — Russia's Rear Becomes an Industrial Front 2026"
Ukrainian forces attacked the Saratov oil refinery and Uralchem Azot chemical plant on September 10-11, 2026, marking a significant escalation in targeting Russian industrial capabilities. This was the sixth strike on the Saratov facility this year, indicating a systematic effort to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains. The Russian government confirmed damage to these sites but did not disclose the extent of the impact.
Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 2026Loading...
Two Cargo Ships Under Attack in the Black Sea Return Russia's Strategy of Maritime Strangulation of Ukraine
Russian forces attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's maritime logistics. This action is part of a broader strategy to economically isolate Ukraine by making access to its ports increasingly risky. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian port and energy infrastructure, indicating a shift in the conflict towards mutual attacks on logistics. The situation is evolving as both sides adapt their strategies to exert pressure on each other.
Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 04 2026Loading...
Ukrainian Long-Range Drones in September 2026 Close the Sky Over Russia and Break the Logic of the Rear
Ukrainian long-range drones are impacting Russian airspace and logistics in September 2026, creating uncertainty in the rear areas of Russia. President Zelensky has advised airlines to evaluate risks for flights over Russia, while the Russian military is reallocating air defense resources in response to these threats. This shift indicates that the traditional concept of strategic depth for Russia is becoming increasingly costly and uncertain.
Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 02 2026Loading...
"130 UAVs in One Night and Strikes on Yeisk and Kirishi Change the Russian Rear in 2026"
Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on August 30, 2026, targeting Russian military infrastructure in Yeysk, Millerovo, and Kirish. The attacks involved 130 drones and 2 ballistic missiles, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and military operations. Key assets, including radar systems and ammunition depots, were hit, reflecting a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to the conflict.
Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
The launch of "Yars" from Plesetsk to 6700 km — Russia's nuclear ritual in a year of budget crisis
On August 28, 2023, the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces successfully launched an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from Plesetsk, reaching the Kura test range in Kamchatka. This event is part of a series of routine missile tests, occurring amidst heightened tensions with Ukraine and financial constraints within the Russian government. The launch underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining its strategic military readiness despite economic challenges.
Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 30 2026Loading...
The "Wave Dome Guarantee" System Went into Series Production and Exposed the Crisis of Russia's Rear Air Defense
The Russian Armed Forces launched the 'Volna Kupol Garant' electronic warfare system into series production in August 2026 to counter Ukrainian drone operations. This system aims to disrupt Starlink communications by targeting satellites, primarily protecting stationary military assets. However, its effectiveness against mobile targets is limited, reflecting a shift in Russian military strategy in response to increased Ukrainian strikes on critical infrastructure.
Dmitri VolkovSat Aug 29 2026Loading...
Putin's Decree on "Temporary Management" of Oil Refineries — Nationalization Under the Pretext of Protection from Drones
Ukrainian drones attacked the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery on August 28, 2026, marking the eighth strike this year. In response, the Russian government issued a decree allowing temporary management of critical infrastructure due to insufficient protection against drone threats. This decree has raised concerns about its vague criteria and the implications for Russian businesses.
Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...
Tornado-S and FAB-500 Prepare Slavyansk for Siege in Donbas in Autumn 2026
Russian forces are preparing Slavyansk for a siege in autumn 2026, employing Tornado-S systems and FAB-500 bombs to disrupt logistics and exhaust Ukrainian defenses. This strategy aims to weaken the supply routes and morale of Ukrainian forces rather than achieve immediate territorial gains. The focus is on creating a state of logistical distress in the region, indicating a shift in Russian military tactics towards prolonged engagements.
Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 27 2026Loading...
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...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...
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...
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...
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...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 "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...
