Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts since late January 2026, significantly disrupting Russian operations. Russian forces, including the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are likely withdrawing to defensive positions. The 656th Motorized Rifle Regiment was observed engaging Ukrainian forces after months in reserve. Russian command has redeployed several units to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive, indicating a shift from offensive to defensive operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

Ukrainian forces advanced in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, liberating over 400 square kilometers and forcing Russian units to shift to defensive operations. Elements of the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade and other units are redeploying to respond to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian military is also expanding its drone capabilities amid ongoing operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Systematic introduced new capabilities in SitaWare Maritime for coordinating submarine operations and mine countermeasures. The PMI Planning Capability enhances safe coordination among coalition forces, while the Mine Countermeasures Planning capability aids in clearing mined waters. These updates are part of the 2026 SitaWare suite update cycle, aimed at improving interoperability in contested environments such as the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic.

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto left a tube of classified maps on a train in Ukraine on April 4, 2024, leading to a 24-hour loss of sensitive material. Following a night of heavy drinking in Kiev, he sustained a concussion, affecting his performance in subsequent briefings. The investigation revealed issues within the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, including a toxic work environment and mishandling of classified information.

Russia redeployed the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 40th Naval Infantry Brigade to the Zaporizhia sector from January to March 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards defense. Concurrently, Russia expanded its drone warfare capabilities, launching 99 drones against Ukrainian targets, including civilian infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine liberate 244 square kilometers in the Zaporizhia area, while Russia's economic situation has improved due to rising oil prices, enabling continued military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Guo Tiantian, a female major, serves as an instructor in the male soldier battalion of the Sanya Detachment of the Armed Police Hainan Corps. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational effectiveness, leading her unit to significant achievements and recognition. Guo emphasizes high standards and gender equality in her command, earning multiple awards for her contributions to military training and performance.

In March 2026, President Putin expanded the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel and redeployed elite units from Donbas to Zaporizhia to counter Ukrainian territorial gains. This strategic shift indicates a long-term operational intent to maintain high-intensity operations in Ukraine. Concurrently, Russian military modernization efforts are underway, focusing on enhancing capabilities against NATO's eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. Navy's amphibious command ships, are actively engaged in naval operations and diplomatic missions in the Black Sea, Italy, and Japan. They are set to achieve operational milestones in Libya and New Zealand by 2025. Both ships play critical roles as flagships for their respective fleets and have been extended in service until 2039 due to their advanced command and control capabilities.

Burkinabè and Malian forces conducted successful military operations against terrorist groups in February and March 2026, regaining control of key towns and neutralizing over 100 militants. The operations included airstrikes and ground assaults, reflecting a coordinated effort by the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the JNIM continues to pose a significant threat, having conducted over 500 attacks in 2025 and controlling substantial territory in Burkina Faso. The situation remains precarious as terrorist groups adapt and maintain operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Russian military command redeployed elements of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 68th Army Corps from Pokrovsk to the Zaporizhia direction in March 2026. This strategic shift reflects Moscow's response to Ukrainian counteroffensives, with significant territorial gains reported by Ukrainian forces. The redeployment indicates a transition from offensive to defensive priorities for Russian forces in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Russian elite airborne forces, including the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, were redeployed to Zaporizhia from Donetsk Oblast between January and February 2026 to prepare for intensified operations. This strategic shift aims to counter Ukrainian advances, as Ukrainian forces have liberated significant territory in the region. The redeployment reflects a broader Russian military strategy emphasizing elite units capable of complex operations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's Blue Ridge-class command ships, USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, serve as vital command-and-control platforms for fleet commanders in the Western Pacific and Mediterranean. These ships, equipped with advanced communications systems, are set to remain in service until 2039, reflecting their unique operational capabilities. They play a crucial role in directing large-scale naval operations, despite their age.

In March 2026, the Russian Armed Forces increased personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed elite units from Donbas to southern Ukraine, particularly Zaporizhia and Hulyaipole. This strategic shift responds to successful Ukrainian counteroffensives, with Ukraine regaining territory. Concurrently, Russia is adapting its targeting priorities to focus on Ukrainian logistics, while NATO eastern states ramp up defense spending in response to perceived threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Several NATO member nations withdrew military hardware from the Cold Response 2026 exercise in Hamnvik, Norway, amid rising tensions from the Iran conflict. The Italian destroyer Andrea Doria and a squadron of U.S. F-35B Joint Strike Fighters were notably absent. Additionally, the French Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean instead of participating in the exercise.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in March 2026, disrupting Russian offensive preparations. The Russian military command redeployed elite units to counter these gains, reflecting operational vulnerabilities. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes against Russian logistics and command infrastructure have intensified, further degrading Russian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

NATO conducted the 'Cold Response' military exercise from March 9 to March 20, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 member countries in Norway and Finland. The alliance confirmed the establishment of a permanent joint air operations center in the Arctic. Concurrently, Russia is increasing its military capabilities in the region, aiming to deter NATO activities, particularly in light of U.S. interests in Greenland.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Central Command area in February 2026 to support Operation Epic Fury and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford. This deployment follows a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise, enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational readiness. The carrier, capable of launching over 90 aircraft, aims to deter threats from Houthi forces in the region.