Analysis & Reports

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...

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...

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...

The Russian army is depriving contract soldiers of bonuses for legal violations, tightening recruitment policies for 2026. This change aims to control soldier behavior outside combat and reflects a shift in military recruitment strategy. The new policy is intended to reduce budgetary risks and combat issues like desertion and misconduct. The Russian military continues to face challenges in maintaining troop quality amid ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 08 2026Loading...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 VolkovFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

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 VolkovWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones attacked the ZapSibNeftekhim complex in Tobolsk and the Lukoil refinery in Uhta on August 10, 2023, marking a significant escalation in the conflict by striking over 2000 kilometers behind Russian lines. The operations targeted critical infrastructure, including military supply chains, and were executed by Ukrainian special operations units in coordination with internal resistance movements. This represents a shift in the operational landscape, challenging traditional notions of Russia's strategic depth.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones destroyed an S-400 air defense system in Gelendzhik on the night of August 9, along with four other Russian air defense systems and three vessels in the Black Sea. This operation marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's campaign against Russian air defenses, targeting critical military assets deep within Russian-held territory. The attacks included the destruction of radar systems essential for the operation of the S-400, indicating a strategic shift in Ukraine's military capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

Rostec Corporation reported a 42% decline in net profit in 2026, limiting its production of Iskander missiles and T-90M tanks. The company, which produces around 80% of military equipment used in the Ukraine conflict, is facing significant financial challenges, impacting its ability to meet defense orders. Various subsidiaries have also reported losses, indicating a broader issue within the Russian defense industry regarding production costs and profitability.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 03 2026Loading...