Analysis & Reports

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...

Iranian engineers are collaborating with Russian military technology sectors, focusing on UAVs and navigation systems as of 2026. Nearly 10,000 Iranian specialists are being trained in Russia, enhancing Iran's military capabilities. This partnership allows Iran to access advanced technologies while providing Russia with expertise in circumventing sanctions. The collaboration emphasizes dual-use technologies and the evolution of military systems.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 10 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Russia rejected Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire regarding attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea on August 13-14, 2023. This rejection indicates that Russia considers the grain corridor a military tool rather than a humanitarian initiative, leading to a 76% drop in Ukrainian grain exports. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that there are no grounds for temporary measures, reflecting a strategic approach to the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

Internal Russian documents indicate a planned mobilization of hundreds of thousands of troops after the parliamentary elections on September 20, 2026. Current recruitment efforts are insufficient to cover significant losses, with estimates suggesting over 1.2 million casualties. The Kremlin's strategy appears to involve mobilization as a political tool to demonstrate support for the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted military exercises involving over 13,000 personnel and 60 ships in the Pacific Ocean, signaling readiness to engage Western commercial vessels. President Putin threatened mirror seizures of Western ships in response to sanctions, emphasizing that Russia would act in any waters deemed necessary. The exercises included inspections of 'unfriendly' vessels, and Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands reinforced Russia's territorial claims.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

On August 12, 2026, Putin announced from the cruiser Varyag that Russia would respond symmetrically to any European attempts to seize Russian vessels, signaling a potential escalation of maritime conflict beyond the Black Sea. Ukrainian drones had previously attacked tankers in Novorossiysk, prompting U.S. intervention to stabilize oil markets. The Russian Navy is actively monitoring maritime traffic in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dmitri VolkovWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

On August 3, 2026, Russia confirmed the potential use of nuclear weapons to protect its allies, as stated by its representative in Moscow. This announcement follows extensive military exercises involving 64,000 troops and various missile tests. The statement reflects a strategic shift in Russia's nuclear doctrine amid evolving European security dynamics, particularly concerning NATO's expansion and Finland's recent legislative changes regarding nuclear weapons.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

North Korea is preparing to send 30,000 soldiers to Russia, as reported by Ukrainian intelligence in July 2026. This move indicates a significant shift in Russia's military strategy, reflecting challenges in domestic recruitment and the need for foreign troops. The North Korean contingent is expected to support various military operations in the region, particularly in Voronezh Oblast.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 26 2026Loading...

In July 2026, Ukraine and nine European nations announced the formation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, aiming to enhance missile defense capabilities against Russian threats. Following this announcement, Russia launched 134 long-range drones and three guided missiles targeting Ukraine. The coalition seeks to leverage Ukraine's combat experience to develop a more cost-effective missile defense system, addressing the challenges posed by Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

Russian military expenditures reached 5.9 trillion rubles in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for nearly two-thirds of federal revenue. The increase in spending, primarily on military operations and procurement, reflects a significant shift in budget priorities, with classified military expenditures rising sharply. The federal budget is facing a deficit of 6.01 trillion rubles, indicating economic strain as civilian sectors decline under the weight of military funding demands.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jun 14 2026Loading...

On May 26, 2026, the State Duma passed a law enabling the Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Rosinkas to independently suppress drone operations at protected sites. This legislative change reflects the inadequacies of centralized air defense in Russia and shifts some military responsibilities to civilian banks, which can now engage in electronic warfare against drones. The law aims to enhance the coverage of drone defense across various locations in Russia, particularly in urban areas.

Dmitri VolkovWed May 27 2026Loading...

Russia conducted nuclear exercises involving 64,000 troops in May 2026, signaling to NATO and European capitals. The exercises included over 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, and 13 submarines, demonstrating military readiness. This event is framed as a response to Western support for Ukraine and coincides with President Putin's visit to China, emphasizing strategic partnerships.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 19 2026Loading...

In 2026, the Russian military faces significant economic challenges as 400 oil wells have been closed, leading to a 10% reduction in oil processing. This decline is contributing to a federal budget deficit nearing $80 billion and labor shortages impacting military production. Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure are altering the cost dynamics of the ongoing conflict, indicating that the sustainability of the Russian military economy is under pressure.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 19 2026Loading...