Analysis & Reports

The Finnish Army is transforming its military organization to enhance joint air-ground integration and deep battle capabilities in response to Russian aggression and NATO membership. By 2035, it aims to have over 185,000 personnel, focusing on modernization and integration of advanced systems like the F-35 and upgraded artillery. Key lessons from the Ukraine conflict are being applied, particularly in countering unmanned aerial systems and improving logistics.

Russian forces conducted an assault using captured M113 armored personnel carriers near Hryshyne in eastern Ukraine. The operation occurred in dense fog, allowing them to advance undetected. Ukrainian operators from the 'Panama' unit engaged the Russian column, destroying one M113 while another withdrew. Five Russian soldiers were killed by drone strikes during the engagement.

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the conflict since 2022, with many more reported missing. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates total casualties, including missing personnel, to be between 500,000 and 600,000, with deaths ranging from 100,000 to 140,000.

Ukraine confirmed the shootdown of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and an Su-30SM multirole fighter by a U.S.-made PAC-3 Patriot system. Both aircraft were equipped with advanced Khibiny electronic warfare systems, which failed to counter the Patriot. This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine, with at least 23 Su-34s lost since the conflict began.

M1A2 Abrams tanks from the 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment conducted winter training exercises at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland in January and late last year. The crews, known for their unique tank names, trained to maneuver effectively across restrictive terrain in winter conditions, showcasing their operational readiness.

Babcock International Group and ASELSAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a Surface Electronic Warfare Threat training system for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. This collaboration aims to enhance aircrew training by providing advanced simulations of modern Integrated Air Defence Systems, reflecting the complexities of current military operations. The initiative is part of the UK's Next Generation Operational Training programme, ensuring readiness for evolving military challenges.

NATO is seeking assistance from private companies to develop counter-drone defense systems due to increasing drone incursions affecting airports and military facilities in Europe. Recent incidents have been reported in Poland, Romania, Denmark, Lithuania, Belgium, and the UK, prompting NATO to enhance its defense capabilities. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for increased investment in defense technologies to address these threats.

On February 3, the Russian military attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia, resulting in 2 deaths and 7 injuries. The local military administration reported the incident, but there has been no response from Russian authorities regarding the attack.

Ukraine has effectively neutralized the Russian Black Sea Fleet through targeted drone and missile strikes, resulting in the sinking or damage of approximately one-third of its 74 ships. The flagship Moskva was sunk in April 2022, and the fleet has since been forced to relocate to Novorossiysk due to ongoing threats. As of December 2024, the Russian Navy has shifted to a defensive posture, primarily launching long-range missile strikes from safer distances.

On February 1, Russian forces struck a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, wounding at least six individuals. This attack is part of a broader genocidal agenda against Ukrainians, as outlined by the report. The actions of the Russian military are compared to historical genocides, emphasizing the intent to harm civilians and disrupt living conditions in Ukraine.

Casualty estimates in the Ukraine War indicate nearly 2 million combined losses, with 1.2 million Russian and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. Despite these high numbers, Russia's territorial gains remain minimal, primarily characterized by attrition warfare. North Korean troops are reported to be fighting alongside Russian forces, adding complexity to the conflict. The war continues to strain Russia's economy, reflecting a broader decline in military effectiveness and capability.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment conducted mounted maneuver operations as opposing forces during the NATO Winter Camp exercise near Tapa, Estonia, on January 31, 2026. The training involved coordination with French and British units and focused on enhancing cold-weather readiness and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise emphasized operations in challenging winter conditions.

Russian Armed Forces conducted large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and energy facilities from February 2 to 3, 2023, using over 70 missiles and 450 drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that energy facilities were damaged during the attacks, which were reported to have successfully hit all designated targets.

On February 3, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 450 drones and over 70 missiles, primarily targeting energy facilities. The strikes resulted in damage to residential buildings and energy infrastructure, with nine reported injuries. DTEK confirmed severe damage to a thermal power station during the attacks, while there has been no response from Russia.

Explosion sounds were reported in Kyiv, Ukraine, in the early morning of February 3. This incident may indicate military activity or conflict-related events in the area.

NATO launched its largest military exercise of the year, 'Steadfast Lancer-2026', in Germany, involving around 10,000 soldiers from 11 member countries. The exercise, running from January to March 2026, includes over 1,500 military vehicles, more than 20 aircraft, and 17 naval vessels. The U.S. is absent from this exercise due to pre-planned scheduling, while the operation marks the first deployment of NATO's rapid response force.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was commissioned in 1944 and served in multiple conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. The battleship was modernized in the 1980s and participated in Operation Desert Storm, firing its last combat shots in February 1991. Currently, it serves as a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

Russia's military casualties in Ukraine have exceeded 1.2 million as of January 2026, with daily losses often surpassing 1,000. The Russian Armed Forces are engaged in a war of attrition, relying on older equipment and continuous recruitment to sustain their efforts. The government has invested heavily in compensating families of casualties to maintain domestic support, while military spending has reached 40% of federal expenditures.

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have suffered significant losses in combat aircraft since February 2022, with 361 aircraft lost, including 299 destroyed. In response, the VKS has adapted its tactics, relying on stand-off strikes and glide bombs while reducing airspace penetration. The aging fleet, with many aircraft over 30 years old, faces challenges in maintaining operational capacity. Despite these adaptations, the VKS continues to struggle with high attrition rates and operational effectiveness in Ukraine.

Russia's armored forces in Ukraine have suffered over 4,308 tank losses and 8,735 armored infantry fighting vehicles since the invasion began in 2022. The military is increasingly relying on older models like T-62s and T-54/55 due to significant losses of modern equipment. Design flaws in Russian tanks contribute to catastrophic failures, leading to high casualty rates among crews. The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 1.2 million Russian casualties, indicating a critical situation for the Russian military.