Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Russia's Force Expansion and Operational Pivots: Strategic Realignments in March 2026
In March 2026, Russia expanded its military personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed units to the Hulyaipole direction in response to Ukrainian advances. Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers while conducting deep-strike operations against Russian logistics. The conflict continues to evolve, with NATO enhancing its military readiness along its eastern flank.
Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...
Putin’s $2.5 trillion gambit
The Russian Armed Forces have suffered approximately 325,000 military fatalities and 875,000 wounded since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The total economic cost of the war for Russia is estimated at $2.5 trillion, including significant equipment losses and operational expenses. Additionally, Russia has experienced a cumulative GDP loss of $1.124 trillion due to the conflict.
North Korea's Military Support to Russia: 33,000 Containers and Its Strategic Impact on the Korean Peninsula and Japan
North Korea transported 33,000 containers of military supplies to Russia in support of its invasion of Ukraine as of March 2, 2026. This transfer marks the largest military supply exchange between the two nations, indicating a deepening political-military alliance. The supplies include artillery shells, missiles, and ammunition, which could significantly impact regional security dynamics in East Asia.
Tanaka TakashiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...![A multipurpose Impuls-KPTM UGV in mine laying configuration. [Source: Alexey Tarasov]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.hiwars.com%2Fassets%2F1dda37c7-213e-4f93-a9d3-4d28be0ca491.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
The Emerging Role of UGVs
Ukraine plans to deliver over 15,000 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) by the end of 2025, significantly increasing its military capabilities. Russia is also ramping up UGV production, focusing on logistics and combat support roles. The military UGV market is expected to grow substantially, reflecting a global trend towards autonomous ground systems. Both nations are adapting UGVs for various roles, including logistics, CASEVAC, and electronic warfare support.

Russia shows Khishchnik armored vehicle production line
Russia revealed the production process of the Khishchnik 4×4 armored vehicles at the Remdiesel facility in Naberezhnye Chelny during a visit by elite military units and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The vehicles are designed with advanced radio monitoring systems to enhance survivability against drone threats, and testing preparations for the new model are currently underway.

Military Quote of the Day by Napoleon Bonaparte: ‘In war, you see your own troubles; those of the enemy you cannot see. You must…’
Napoleon's Grande Armée, consisting of around 600,000 men, faced significant logistical challenges during his military campaigns from 1812 to 1815. Key defeats at the Battle of Leipzig and the Battle of Waterloo led to the collapse of his empire. The retreat from Russia was catastrophic, with severe losses due to hunger and disease. Ultimately, coalition forces and strategic miscalculations contributed to his downfall.

Ukraine strikes Russian fertilizer plant tied to military production
Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a drone strike against an ammonium nitrate production plant in Dorogobuzh, Russia, destroying key industrial infrastructure. The attack targeted areas associated with ammonium nitrate manufacturing, crucial for both civilian and military applications. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage, including secondary explosions that affected surrounding logistics and storage areas. This facility represented about 10 percent of Russia's ammonium nitrate production capacity for 2024.

Russia's Fifth Year of War: Mounting Pressures and Unfulfilled Objectives
Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains in February 2026, liberating around 200 square kilometers and disrupting Russian military preparations. Russia's casualty rate exceeded its recruitment rate for the first time, with approximately 35,000 casualties reported in December 2025. The ongoing conflict has strained Russia's military and economy, as evidenced by the Kremlin's increased defense spending and deteriorating recruitment quality.
Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 26 2026Loading...Russia’s defense-spending surge tapers off in 2025, analysts find
Russia's defense spending growth slowed to 3% in 2025, the lowest since its invasion of Ukraine, amid economic struggles and Western sanctions. The defense budget reached $186 billion in 2024, with 7.3% of GDP allocated to defense. Ukraine increased its defense spending to 21% of GDP, reflecting the ongoing conflict.
On the 4th Anniversary of the Conflict, Russia and Ukraine Continue to Clash
Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian transportation and energy infrastructure on April 23, 2023, in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. On April 22, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil station in Tatarstan, while strikes in Voronezh and Belgorod Oblasts caused power outages. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not concede territory for a ceasefire, and President Macron urged for new EU sanctions against Russia. Putin announced plans to enhance military capabilities.

Four Years of War: Divergent Trajectories on Ukraine's Eastern Front
Ukrainian forces recaptured approximately 400 square kilometers of territory in a counteroffensive, while Russian forces conducted large-scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian casualties exceeded 186,000, with significant losses reported in the Novopavlivka sector. The conflict remains characterized by operational stalemate, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.
Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...
Ukraine's Strategic Counteroffensive Gains Momentum as Russian Offensive Tempo Slows
Ukrainian forces have transitioned to a counteroffensive in southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, liberating 168.9 square kilometers since January 1, 2026. They executed a precision strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Russia, demonstrating enhanced deep-strike capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian territorial gains have significantly slowed, reflecting attrition and improved Ukrainian defenses. The evolving military landscape indicates a shift in operational dynamics as Ukraine adapts its strategies.
Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...
Strategic Realignment in the Indo-Pacific: US Navigates Three-Front Competition Amid Cyber Warfare and Defense Innovation
India is solidifying its role as a strategic swing power in the Indo-Pacific following a defense agreement with the US. China is executing a cyber offensive against the Philippines, testing US responses to non-traditional aggression. The US is revolutionizing its defense industrial base with investments in 3D printing and AI to enhance military logistics and readiness.
Marcus ChenSun Feb 22 2026Loading...CSG group to supply tens of thousands of artillery and mortar ammunition to European NATO member country
Excalibur International signed a contract on February 20, 2026, to supply tens of thousands of artillery and mortar ammunition to a NATO member country in Western Europe. The contract, valued in the low hundreds of millions of euros, was awarded due to urgent needs for replenishing ammunition stocks. The ammunition will be produced by companies within the MSM Group, which is part of the CSG group, highlighting their commitment to supporting NATO's defense capabilities.
Kalashnikov showcases electric military motorcycles
Kalashnikov Concern showcased electric military motorcycles and other equipment at a defense exhibition in Russia. The Izh-Enduro motorcycle, designed for cargo delivery and battlefield evacuation, can reach speeds of 100-150 km/h and carry up to 200 kg. These vehicles are intended for use in challenging terrains and are part of efforts to enhance frontline logistics.
Ukraine attacks Russian missile production hub
Ukraine conducted a long-range strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Udmurtia, Russia, on February 21, 2023, resulting in explosions and a significant fire. The attack targeted a key facility involved in Russia's ballistic missile production, aiming to disrupt its manufacturing capabilities. Three individuals were hospitalized, and reports suggest the use of long-range strike systems in the operation.
Mediocre MiG: Russia’s MiG-35 ‘Zombie’ Fighter Is Now Circling the Drain and Won’t Ever Beat the F-22 or F-35
The MiG-35 Fulcrum-F program is struggling, with fewer than 10 aircraft in active service as of February 20, 2026. The Russian Air Force has not prioritized the aircraft, and production is hindered by sanctions and supply chain issues. The MiG-35's international sales have been poor, and its lack of stealth capabilities limits its effectiveness in combat.
Russia’s Troubled T-14 Main Battle Tank Has a Message for the U.S Army
The Russian Army's T-14 Armata tank, intended to revolutionize armored warfare, has failed to see combat and has only produced fewer than 20 units due to sanctions and manufacturing issues. Despite its advanced features, the tank has been deemed an expensive failure, with production hampered by systemic problems in Russia's defense industry.
Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Campaign: Striking Russia Where It Hurts Most
Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai on February 16-17, 2026, targeting a key facility for Russian military operations. This attack is part of a broader campaign to undermine Russia's energy export infrastructure, aiming to create economic pressure and force a revision of Moscow's demands in negotiations. Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities have evolved, enabling these operations deep within Russian territory.
Li MinghuiThu Feb 19 2026Loading...The Ukraine War Could Mean the Russian Economy Collapses
Russia faces significant economic challenges as high inflation and government spending threaten its defense industrial sector. The Central Bank's strict fiscal measures have resulted in record-high interest rates, jeopardizing the production of military weaponry. Experts warn that the current economic strategy may lead to irreparable damage to Russia's military capabilities.



