Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Putin’s Giant Gamble: Another Ukraine War Mobilization Is Filled with Unknown Risks and An Angry Russia Simmering
Putin's United Russia party secured 355 seats in the Duma amid allegations of electoral manipulation. Increasing public anger over the war's impact raises concerns about a potential new military mobilization, which could face significant resistance. The Russian armed forces are reportedly suffering 30,000 casualties monthly, and North Korea is providing some manpower, but this is insufficient for sustaining the war effort.
The Frontier 2026 Turns the CSTO into Russia's Southern Shield Against the Afghan Threat
CSTO members Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan conducted military exercises on September 19, 2026, in Koktal, Kazakhstan, to enhance their defensive capabilities against potential threats from Afghanistan. The exercises involved 1500 troops and 115 drones, focusing on countering illegal armed formations. Tajikistan's strategic position, sharing a 1357 km border with Afghanistan, underscores the importance of these maneuvers in regional security.
Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 20 2026Loading...
Geraniums and Mobilization in Russia After the 2026 Elections — War Approaches NATO's Borders
Russia is denying plans for mobilization while facing high casualty rates that exceed recruitment, particularly after the parliamentary elections in September 2026. The Kremlin aims to maintain a sense of control as the front lines demand more personnel. Poland has increased its air patrols in response to potential drone threats from Russia, indicating heightened military readiness in the region.
Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 19 2026Loading...
Putin Is Using Russia’s Election to Recruit for the War in Ukraine
Putin is using the upcoming elections in Russia, scheduled for 18-20 September, to recruit military personnel by promoting over 200 veterans as candidates. This strategy aims to bolster support for the war in Ukraine and mitigate potential backlash from the public. The Kremlin is managing the election narrative to project legitimacy and encourage military enlistment among the youth.
Russian "Shaheds" Use Belarusian LTE Networks — A New Depth of Military Integration in 2026
Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.
Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
Multinational Joint Training: He Discovered and Intercepted the Target from a Long Distance, Hitting the "Enemy Aircraft" on the First Attempt
Air Force Aviation Brigade conducted joint training exercises at the Air Force Training Ground, where multiple fighter jets engaged enemy targets. Pilot Bu Jiawen successfully identified and struck enemy aircraft, demonstrating effective command and tactical skills. The training emphasized operating under challenging conditions to prepare pilots for real combat scenarios.
The Russian Army Attracts Foreigners from 40 Countries Amid Recruitment Crisis
The Russian Army is recruiting foreign nationals from approximately 40 countries to address personnel shortages, as reported by Amnesty International. This recruitment process has been linked to human trafficking practices, with around 28,000 foreign nationals currently serving in the military. The methods used include misleading job offers and coercion, leading to significant challenges for the recruits on the battlefield.
Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 11 2026Loading...
The Houthis control Al-Mokha in 2026 and open a new front to pressure Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia.
Houthi forces captured the coastal city of Al-Mokha on September 10, 2026, following the withdrawal of Saudi-backed forces. This strategic gain allows the Houthis to exert pressure on Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia, amidst rising tensions and attacks on maritime shipping in the region. The situation indicates a significant shift in control and potential escalation in the conflict.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 10 2026Loading...Russia claims to strike Ukrainian military facilities and ports, Ukraine claims to carry out deep strikes.
On September 9, Russian forces targeted Ukrainian military facilities, ports, and logistics centers, while Ukrainian forces executed deep strikes in Krasnodar, hitting a naval base and gas processing plants. Russian drones destroyed a MiG-29 at an airport in Kyiv region. Additionally, Russian troops advanced in Kharkiv and continued operations in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Britain Sends a Carrier Because NATO Still Needs Floating Command
HMS Queen Elizabeth deployed from Portsmouth on 5 September, serving as NATO's command platform for the Allied Reaction Force Maritime. The carrier, with over 800 sailors, will conduct a three-month mission in British and northern European waters, enhancing NATO's maritime command capabilities amid rising tensions with Russia.
Alexandra ReevesSat Sep 05 2026Loading...
The normalization of the Chinese Navy's Type 055 and 054A approach towards Japan, with maritime surveillance pressure entering a new phase in autumn 2026.
Chinese naval vessels, including Type 055 destroyers and 054A frigates, are increasingly approaching Japan through the Soya and Miyako Straits, indicating a shift towards regular naval operations. This pattern is expected to escalate by autumn 2026, placing pressure on Japan's Self-Defense Forces to maintain surveillance and readiness in response to these activities. The operational focus is on normalizing these approaches rather than conducting isolated demonstrations.
Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 04 2026Loading...
‘This Is No Assault Helicopter’: China Just Deployed New Z-20K for Exercises Right on NATO’s Borders in Belarus
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted a joint airborne exercise with Belarusian forces in Hubei Province, China, in August 2023. The exercise, named 'Swift Eagle 2026', involved the Z-20K helicopter and focused on counter-terrorism and airborne assault skills. This marks a significant demonstration of the Z-20K's operational capabilities and readiness for international military collaboration.
Russian Chief of Staff: Russian Army's Operations in Donetsk Region Have Been Successful
Russian forces are successfully advancing in the Donetsk region, with the Southern Group of Forces breaking through Ukrainian defenses. They are approximately 4 km from Slavyansk and 1.5 km from Druzhkivka, having controlled over 100 square kilometers in the past two months. Ukrainian forces are focused on maintaining control over the remaining areas of Donbas.
The Russian Pacific Fleet conducts anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan and other waters.
The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan on August 25, 2023, simulating attacks on enemy submarines. Approximately 60 naval vessels and 30 aircraft participated in the operation, which lasted about 5 hours. The exercises are part of larger military drills that began on August 4, involving significant military assets in the region.
A U.S. military transport plane lands in Moscow, Russia.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow on the morning of October 25th. The aircraft had previously departed from Andrews Joint Base in Maryland and made a stop in Riga, Latvia on October 23rd.
The Chinese Air Force's multinational and intercontinental exercises attract attention; experts say: enhancing various practical combat capabilities, showcasing China's responsible great power role.
The Chinese Air Force participated in joint military exercises with Belarus, Thailand, Egypt, and the UAE throughout August 2023, showcasing various aircraft types and enhancing operational capabilities. These exercises included intercontinental deployments and aimed to improve joint counter-terrorism operations and regional stability. Military experts emphasized the importance of these activities for fostering international military cooperation and demonstrating China's responsible global role.
Three Russian Navy Varangian and Steregushchy-class ships pass through the Soya Strait consecutively, raising concerns about the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's northern surveillance burden.
Three Russian Navy vessels, including the Slava-class cruiser 'Varyag' and three Steregushchiy-class corvettes, passed through the Soya Strait on August 20 and 21, 2023. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force monitored these movements, highlighting ongoing military operations in the region. This activity suggests a deliberate show of force by the Russian Pacific Fleet, increasing the surveillance burden on Japan's defense forces.
Tanaka TakashiSun Aug 23 2026Loading...
The North Korea Deal Donald Trump Should Actually Want
A North Korean missile unit is deploying to Russia's Voronezh region, with plans for up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers. This deployment follows the transfer of approximately 150 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia since late 2023. Ukrainian military intelligence indicates that North Korean missiles have been used in recent strikes, enhancing the effectiveness of Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict.
"Not Planned, But We'll See" — Nebenzya and the Ritual of Denying Mobilization Before the State Duma Elections
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, stated on August 20, 2026, that mass mobilization is not currently planned but hinted at potential future actions. This statement comes ahead of the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, where mobilization could be announced post-election. Ukrainian President Zelensky indicated that Russia might mobilize several hundred thousand troops by the end of the year, suggesting a strategic approach to manage public perception and political stability during the election period.
Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 21 2026Loading...
Hundreds of Thousands After September 20 — What "Internal Documents" Show About Mobilization
Internal Russian documents indicate a planned mobilization of hundreds of thousands of troops after the parliamentary elections on September 20, 2026. Current recruitment efforts are insufficient to cover significant losses, with estimates suggesting over 1.2 million casualties. The Kremlin's strategy appears to involve mobilization as a political tool to demonstrate support for the ongoing conflict.
Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 13 2026Loading...
