Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian military airfield in Rostov-on-Don overnight into Sept. 17, destroying one An-12, two An-26 transport aircraft, and three helicopters. The operation, conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and military intelligence, also targeted an oil refinery in Yaroslavl. A fire was reported at the airfield, but no casualties occurred.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.

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...

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Poland-Ukraine border on the 13th, potentially targeting a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European leaders. The attack occurred shortly after the train departed, prompting emergency evacuations of passengers, including former CIA Director David Petraeus. Officials from Poland and Ukraine condemned the strike as an escalation of Russian aggression.

The Admiral Nakhimov battlecruiser of the Russian Navy, equipped with 176 vertical launch cells and advanced weaponry, is undergoing a significant refurbishment after 25 years and $5 billion in investment. In contrast, the proposed Trump-Class battleship of the U.S. Navy, which would feature 128 Mk 41 cells and advanced systems, has not yet been funded or constructed. This comparison underscores the ongoing naval arms race between the U.S. and Russia, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics.

Ukraine proposed to pause attacks on Russian critical infrastructure if Russia ceases its strikes on Ukrainian energy systems. This offer aims to mitigate civilian suffering as winter approaches, while maintaining military options. The proposal raises questions about Russia's strategic objectives and the complexities of verifying any potential agreement.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

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...

The Russian Navy completed the modernization of the nuclear battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov in 2025 after 26 years in dock. The refurbishment cost around $5 billion, enhancing its capabilities with new weapon systems, including up to 80 anti-ship missiles. The ship is now equipped with advanced radar and communication systems, allowing it to operate effectively in modern naval warfare. Following its trials, Admiral Nakhimov is set to rejoin the Northern Fleet.

On September 14, 2026, a Russian drone struck a passenger train locomotive near Yahodyn, Ukraine, close to the Polish border. The attack occurred shortly after a diplomatic train crossed into Poland, prompting evacuation of passengers due to ongoing threats. This incident highlights the ongoing Russian campaign against Ukrainian transport infrastructure and raises concerns about potential escalation into Polish territory.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

A Russian Navy corvette at the Leningrad Naval Base was painted to resemble a waterfront building and fitted with anti-drone netting on August 22, 2026. This modification follows recent Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian naval vessels, aiming to confuse drone operators. The ship is part of the Baltic Fleet, which has seen similar adaptations to enhance its defenses against aerial threats.

In 1986, an SR-71 Blackbird piloted by Ed Yeilding conducted a reconnaissance mission over the Barents Sea when it was approached by a Soviet MiG-31 fighter. The Blackbird, flying at 75,000 feet, spotted the MiG-31, which attempted to intercept but could not reach the high-flying aircraft. The encounter highlighted the SR-71's capabilities in evading enemy interceptors during Cold War operations.

Russia launched a massive barrage of 863 Geran-2 attack drones at western Ukraine early Sunday, with some drones reaching the Polish border. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down or jam 409 of the drones. A drone strike hit a passenger train locomotive in the Volyn region, while separate strikes in Odesa resulted in injuries. The operation was conducted under heavy cloud cover, complicating Ukrainian air defense efforts.

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...

Germany developed the Panzer VIII Maus tank between 1942 and 1944, completing only two prototypes that never saw combat. Hitler ordered five tanks before the design was finalized, aiming for mass production. The Maus featured heavy armor and powerful armament but was ultimately deemed impractical for warfare. Both prototypes were destroyed by German forces as Soviet troops advanced, with one later displayed in the Kubinka Tank Museum.

Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Volgogradpromproekt chemical plant in Volgograd on September 10-11, 2026, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, causing significant damage. The attack targeted a facility known for producing components used in Russian missile systems. Fire Point confirmed the direct hit, which ignited a large fire at the site, while Russian officials provided a more limited account of the incident.

The Ukrainian Sargan-3000 destroyed a Russian drone in the Black Sea on September 12, 2026. This incident is noted as a potential first in naval drone combat, with Ukrainian military intelligence detecting the target before the Sargan-3000 executed the attack using a remote-controlled weapon system. The engagement highlights the evolving nature of naval warfare, emphasizing unmanned operations.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 13 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces are actively developing and deploying unmanned combat systems, including ground vehicles and boats, to enhance their military capabilities. The 3rd Army Corps is establishing workshops for experimental robots along the front lines. Unmanned boats have been reported to strike targets up to 700 kilometers away, significantly impacting the Black Sea operational environment. The Ukrainian defense industry is rapidly expanding, producing hundreds of drones daily.

The Ukrainian Navy's Sargan-3000 destroyed a Russian drone boat in the Black Sea, marking the first-ever battle between uncrewed naval vessels. The engagement involved a remote-controlled 12.7mm machine gun turret and was supported by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence. This incident highlights ongoing military operations in the region, with Ukraine successfully targeting Russian naval assets.

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...