Analysis & Reports

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu in Russia on April 24. They discussed military relations and international issues, agreeing to enhance strategic communication and cooperation. A welcome ceremony was held before the meeting, highlighting the importance of their bilateral defense ties.

Defense Minister Dong Jun will visit Russia and Kyrgyzstan from April 23 to 28 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek. During the meeting, he will deliver a speech and engage in discussions with representatives from other nations regarding international and regional situations and defense security cooperation.

U.S. Navy leaders emphasize the necessity for specialized unmanned systems tailored to different maritime regions during discussions at the Sea-Air-Space mega-conference. They highlight the importance of adapting strategies based on lessons learned from operations in the Gulf and Black Sea, noting that capabilities effective in one area may not translate to others. The Navy plans to diversify its unmanned vessel capabilities and improve industrial partnerships to meet these needs.

Russia launched extensive drone and missile attacks against Ukraine in February 2026, while the US extended sanctions waivers for Russian oil, frustrating Kyiv. Ukraine signed a strategic defense partnership with Germany, enhancing its military capabilities. The situation reflects a complex interplay of military operations and shifting diplomatic priorities amid the ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Apr 21 2026Loading...

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) convened a council meeting in Moscow on April 20, 2023, to address security threats to member states. The organization emphasized the importance of joint legislative efforts in defense and military cooperation, particularly in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Plans were announced to develop 45 model laws aimed at enhancing military capabilities from 2026 to 2030.

Russia announced plans for the Project 23000 Shtorm nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in May 2015, but the keel has yet to be laid. The carrier, designed for operations in remote areas, faces delays and budget constraints due to ongoing military operations in Ukraine and economic sanctions. The expected cost is $5.84 billion, with concerns about potential overruns and the project's overall feasibility.

On April 17, 2026, Russia executed a massive airstrike on Ukraine, deploying 659 drones and 44 missiles, resulting in at least 18 fatalities across multiple cities, including Kyiv and Odessa. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a significant number of these threats, but many locations were still struck. The attack follows a brief ceasefire and highlights Ukraine's urgent need for air defense systems. Additionally, a political shift in Hungary could lead to increased EU support for Ukraine.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Apr 18 2026Loading...

Ukraine conducted extensive drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure across various locations, significantly disrupting Russia's oil exports. In retaliation, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties. Concurrently, European nations have increased military support for Ukraine, leading to heightened tensions and threats from Russia against these countries.

Dmitri VolkovSat Apr 18 2026Loading...

Russia has struggled for decades to develop functional aircraft carriers, with historical decisions by leaders like Stalin significantly impacting naval capabilities. The Soviet Navy's attempts to build carriers were hampered by political skepticism and budgetary constraints, leading to the incomplete realization of Admiral Kuznetsov's vision. The only completed carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is now plagued by defects and unlikely to return to service.

On October 16, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized Japan for its diplomatic blue book, which allegedly contains unacceptable statements regarding Russia. The ministry accused Japan of denying the results of World War II and blamed it for the unprecedented deterioration of bilateral relations. Russia expressed concerns over Japan's military expansion and its implications for regional stability.

Russia is developing the Amur-class submarine, intended for export to countries like India and China. This new class aims to replace the older Kilo-class and features advanced stealth and air-independent propulsion. However, no operational units have been built, and the project faces significant delays due to the ongoing Ukraine War, making it a low priority for the Russian defense industry.

Russia proposed the Project 23000 Shtorm aircraft carrier, aiming to rival U.S. supercarriers, with plans for construction between 2025 and 2030. The carrier would feature nuclear propulsion and advanced launch systems. However, there is skepticism within the Russian Navy about the necessity of such a vessel, given current military priorities and budget constraints.

The U.S. and Israel are engaged in airstrikes against Iran, impacting global power dynamics and military resource allocation. This conflict is providing financial benefits to Russia and strategic advantages to China, as both nations monitor U.S. military effectiveness. The ongoing situation risks escalating into a broader conflict, affecting regional stability and U.S. military commitments elsewhere.

The Russian Air Force operates approximately 32 to 40 Su-57 Felon fighters, which are considered inferior to Western aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 due to their lack of stealth and advanced technology. The Su-57's radar cross-section is significantly larger than that of its Western counterparts, and production delays have hindered its deployment. Recent analyses highlight the superiority of Western fighter jets in modern combat scenarios, particularly in air superiority operations.

Russia declared an Orthodox Easter ceasefire from April 11 to April 12, 2026, amid a significant shift in battlefield dynamics favoring Ukraine. Ukrainian forces executed over 11,000 combat missions daily, striking more than 150,000 targets in March 2026 and destroying nine Russian air defense systems. The operational picture shows Ukraine clearing approximately 400 square kilometers of territory, while Russian forces face challenges in maintaining their objectives in the Donetsk Oblast.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 12 2026Loading...

NATO's European allies and Canada increased their defense spending by nearly 20% in 2025, totaling approximately $574 billion. This marks a significant shift in European defense policy, driven by concerns over Russian aggression and perceived American unreliability. Poland leads in defense spending, while the EU is moving towards establishing a common military force. A recent survey indicates strong public support for enhanced European defense capabilities, reflecting a changing sentiment towards U.S. relations.

Alexandra ReevesSat Apr 11 2026Loading...

Russian President's special representative Dmitryev visited the United States on April 10, 2023, to discuss economic cooperation, clarifying that this does not indicate a resumption of negotiations regarding Ukraine. Russia proposed a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter from April 11 to April 12 for humanitarian reasons, which is not linked to negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine would reciprocate the ceasefire.

President Putin announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, effective from April 11 at 16:00 to April 12 at 24:00 in Moscow. The Russian Armed Forces have been instructed to cease all combat operations during this period. Ukraine is encouraged to reciprocate the ceasefire. The announcement follows a statement from Ukrainian President Zelensky, indicating Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire during the holiday.

Researchers propose defensive rewilding in Europe to create natural barriers against enemy forces, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness compared to concrete defenses. They highlight historical examples where terrain impeded military operations, advocating for the integration of environmental restoration into national defense strategies. The initiative aims to enhance military resilience while contributing to climate goals.

Russia is developing the MiG-41 stealth fighter, intended to replace the MiG-31 and capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. Reports indicate that development has begun, with operational capabilities expected by the late 2020s or 2030s. However, Russia's history of production challenges with advanced aircraft raises questions about the feasibility of producing the MiG-41 at scale.