Analysis & Reports

Russian forces advanced westward in Kramatorsk, capturing 5 strongpoints and 59 buildings on the 28th. Ukrainian forces retaliated with long-range strikes on Russian military and energy infrastructure, targeting oil refineries and a railway bridge. A fire occurred at the Slavyansk oil refinery following an attack. Operations are ongoing in several regions including Sumy and Kharkiv.

On June 28, Russian President Putin suggested that both Russia and Ukraine cease attacks on each other's deep targets, warning of more severe consequences if they do not comply. He stated that Ukraine's attacks would not impact the frontline situation and expressed willingness to continue discussions with the U.S. regarding the Anchorage talks, although no agreements were reached previously.

Germany is acquiring a 40% stake in KNDS by 2026, aiming to address ownership and governance issues in European defense alongside France. This strategic move is intended to enhance Germany's influence in military procurement and ensure parity in governance rights. KNDS reported significant revenue and growth projections, but the acquisition does not automatically translate to increased production capacity.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted over 60 drone strikes against the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Enerhodar within the past 24 hours. The attacks are intended to impact the morale of local residents and nuclear plant personnel. The facility, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, has been under Russian control since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022.

France and Germany are jointly developing a new main battle tank, with Spain excluded from the project. The initiative involves KNDS, which is acquiring shares to enhance its role as a leading European arms manufacturer. The new CAPINT medium tank will integrate advanced systems, including a 120mm cannon and drone capabilities, building on existing models like the Leopard-2 and Leclerc.

Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine from June 27 to 28, 2023, targeting Kyiv and specifically the Darnytskyi District. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 7 missiles and 125 drones, while 1 missile and 14 drones struck 11 locations, resulting in injuries to 2 individuals. Fires broke out in several areas due to the attacks.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted six Iskander-M missiles and one anti-ship missile during a Russian strike on June 28, resulting in 36 injuries across Kyiv, Sumy, Kherson, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. The attack involved a total of 150 aerial weapons, including 142 drones, with debris causing additional damage. This incident highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense capabilities against a mixed missile and drone assault.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

The Nigerian Army inaugurated a wargaming center in Abuja on June 26, 2023, to enhance military planning against Boko Haram and ISWAP. This center aims to improve coordination across land, maritime, air, cyber, and informational dimensions. Despite claims of neutralizing over 13,000 terrorists, challenges remain in controlling rural areas and ensuring effective military responses. The center is expected to facilitate better strategic assessments and logistical planning for future operations.

Marie DuboisSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

The Air Force Aviation Corps conducted multi-purpose realistic flight training with multiple Yun-20 aircraft at the airport during the summer. This training is part of their strategic airlift capabilities, showcasing their operational readiness and commitment to national defense. The unit emphasizes innovation and has successfully completed various significant missions, enhancing their logistics and operational effectiveness.

NATO navies conducted counter-unmanned surface vessel training using Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft during BALTOPS 2026 in the Baltic Sea. The U.S. Navy's Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 (USVDIV-32) played a key role in this exercise, focusing on improving detection and response capabilities against unmanned threats. The training highlights the strategic importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations.

Alexandra ReevesSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

NATO conducted the Arctic Sentry 2026 exercise with 30,000 soldiers in Northern Norway to enhance its military presence in the Arctic. The exercise highlights logistical challenges, including the need for icebreakers and winterized logistics. Russia has been strengthening its military infrastructure in the region, creating a strategic challenge for NATO. The exercise also serves a political purpose, demonstrating European and Canadian commitment to Arctic security.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

Ukraine is preparing to test-launch the FP-9 ballistic missile, designed to strike Moscow, with the first test flight expected soon after the validation of its solid-fuel engine. The missile can deliver an 800 kg warhead at speeds exceeding Mach 7, making it a significant addition to Ukraine's military capabilities. Fire Point, the company behind the missile, has rapidly developed this technology despite lacking prior military experience.

The Ukrainian Air Force lost two MiG-29 fighters on June 27, 2026, one due to a Geran-4 kamikaze drone strike at an airfield in southern Ukraine and the other during a combat mission over Poltava, where the pilot ejected safely. The Geran-4 drone, which entered service in May 2026, poses a significant threat to Ukrainian aircraft on the ground.

A Ukrainian robotic ground vehicle, the Protector, successfully delivered supplies to front-line positions despite being hit by an enemy FPV drone. However, it was later lost after striking a mine during its return trip. The vehicle is operated by the 429th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems (Achilles) and is part of Ukraine's efforts to enhance logistics and combat capabilities through robotic systems.

On 26 June 2026, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted drone strikes on Russian military support vessels and S-400 air-defense systems in Kerch, Crimea. The operation targeted key assets, including the Project 15310 cable ships Volga and Vyatka, causing significant damage and highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's defense capabilities. This action is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to disrupt Russian military infrastructure in the region.

Alexandra ReevesSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

Tytan Technologies is set to produce 3000 autonomous counter-drones per month starting in August 2026 in Munich, addressing European defense procurement challenges. The systems will be deployed in Ukraine and have potential customers in Germany and the Baltics. This production rate signifies a strategic shift in European air defense, emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation in military procurement processes.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched 129 drones at Ukraine on the night of June 26-27, 2026, with 113 intercepted or suppressed by Ukrainian defenses. The attacks targeted multiple locations, creating pressure on Ukrainian air defense systems and resulting in civilian casualties. This operation reflects a strategic shift in Russian tactics, focusing on overwhelming Ukrainian defenses with mass drone attacks.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The Russian military employed Pelargonium-2 Seekers drones to destroy five locomotives in Ukraine on June 27, 2023. These drones are capable of autonomously locating and tracking targets, even in conditions of electronic warfare. This marks a significant development in the use of drone technology by Russian forces.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group successfully completed over 40 days of training in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, showcasing the upgraded J-15T fighter jets. The exercises included air combat, joint operations with amphibious assault ships, and various tactical drills. The J-15T, an enhanced version of the J-15, features significant improvements in avionics and weaponry, bolstering the carrier group's operational capabilities.

The Yancheng Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire exercises in the South Yellow Sea from June 28 to July 8, prohibiting access to the area during this period. The exercises will involve live ammunition.