Analysis & Reports

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...

The Fujian aircraft carrier has been stationed in Sanya, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The Liaoning is conducting training in the Western Pacific, while the Shandong operates in the South China Sea. This deployment reflects a strategic shift in China's naval operations, focusing on logistical support and multi-carrier operations.

Li MinghuiMon May 25 2026Loading...

The number of military personnel engaged in UN peacekeeping operations fell to 78,633 by the end of December 2025, a 17% decrease from the previous year, primarily due to a funding crisis. The UN peacekeeping budget faced a $2 billion shortfall, impacting operations and leading to significant personnel reductions. Sub-Saharan Africa hosted the majority of these personnel, while geopolitical tensions and funding issues threaten the viability of multilateral peacekeeping efforts.

On October 24, 2023, Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale retaliatory strike against Ukraine, utilizing Zircon, Dagger, and Iskander missiles, as well as drones. The attacks targeted military command facilities and resulted in at least 83 casualties. This operation followed a previous drone attack on a school in Luhansk that killed 21 people, escalating tensions between the two nations.

On May 24, 2023, the Russian military launched a large-scale airstrike against Ukraine, resulting in 4 deaths and 83 injuries. The attack targeted military command facilities, air bases, and defense industry sites. Ukrainian officials reported minor damage to the Foreign Ministry building due to the strikes.

Russian airstrikes on Ukraine resulted in 4 deaths and approximately 100 injuries on May 24. In Kyiv alone, 30 residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. President Zelensky urged international partners to enhance military support, emphasizing the need for improved air defense systems.

On May 19, 2026, a Romanian F-16 shot down a drone over Estonia, likely a Ukrainian UAV disrupted by Russian electronic warfare. This incident prompted the presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to demand stronger NATO air defense and counter-drone capabilities. The event underscored the inadequacies of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission and the need for a more robust air defense system in the region.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun May 24 2026Loading...

The British Army is advancing the development trials of the Challenger 3 tank, an upgrade of the Challenger 2, through battlefield mission serials. This program involves modernizing 148 tanks to enhance firepower and digital integration, addressing interoperability issues with NATO allies. The trials are designed to validate the upgraded platform before formal acceptance.

In March 2025, the French Navy's Charles de Gaulle conducted cross-deck landings with U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornets in the Pacific Ocean, enhancing interoperability between the two navies. This deployment aimed to promote freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region and included a strike group with multiple vessels. The Charles de Gaulle operates 40 aircraft, primarily Dassault Rafale Ms.

Russia launched a mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv on May 24, utilizing the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile among others. The assault involved 90 missiles and 600 drones, resulting in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. This operation targeted command facilities and air bases, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining various missile types to overwhelm air defenses. The deployment of Oreshnik systems in Belarus further complicates NATO's defense posture in Eastern Europe.

Alexandra ReevesSun May 24 2026Loading...

On May 24, 2023, the Russian military launched large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military command structures, air bases, and defense industry facilities in response to attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. The strikes involved various missile systems, including Iskander and Dagger missiles, and resulted in at least 83 injuries and significant damage to infrastructure in Ukraine.

Ukrainian paratroopers of the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade are operating the B1 Centauro wheeled tank destroyers, assessing their performance in combat training exercises. The Centauro, while praised for its speed and fire control system, is criticized for its inadequate armor against modern threats like FPV drones. The brigade has implemented improvised armor solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities. Visual confirmation of the Centauro's use in Ukraine first appeared in November 2025.

Russia fired the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile at Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast on the night of May 23-24, 2026. This marks the third use of the missile, which is nuclear-capable and travels at over Mach 10. The strike was intended to demonstrate the missile's capabilities without causing civilian casualties, as the warhead carried concrete simulators.

Ukrainian air defense intercepted multiple missile and drone attacks in Kyiv early on the 24th, with reports indicating dozens of missiles launched from various directions by Russian forces. The attacks resulted in damage to buildings and injuries among civilians. The Ukrainian military has raised concerns about the suspected use of Zircon missiles by Russia, which has not yet responded to these claims.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least 1 death and 13 injuries. The attack targeted an office area in the Shevchenkivskyi district, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Thick smoke was reported in the area as rescue vehicles arrived.

Ukrainian drones attacked the transport workshop of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant on the 23rd, damaging 8 buses. No casualties were reported. The Ukrainian government has not issued a response to the incident.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military industrial enterprises and energy facilities on the 23rd, while Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian facilities along the Black Sea coast and in the Perm region. The Russian air defense reported the downing of 8 guided bombs and 800 fixed-wing drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a strike on a significant chemical enterprise in Russia.

Kyiv was subjected to a massive ballistic missile attack on May 24, 2023, resulting in at least three injuries. Buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi, Podilskyi, Darnytskyi, and Solomianskyi districts were struck, causing fires. Ukrainian air defense forces engaged in intercepting incoming missiles during the attack, which began around 1 AM and was ongoing as of 2 AM.

Explosions were reported in Kyiv on the 24th due to a ballistic missile attack. Air raid sirens were activated prior to the explosions, indicating an imminent threat. The military official Tkachenk confirmed the missile strike on the capital.

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Starobilsk Vocational College on May 22, 2023, resulting in 21 fatalities, including minors. Russian authorities confirmed that 86 individuals were present during the attack, and rescue operations have since concluded. Russian President Putin emphasized the absence of military facilities in the vicinity and has called for a retaliatory response from the Russian Defense Ministry.