Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Ukraine Hit Russia S-400 Shield Around Kerch in 2026
On 26 June 2026, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted drone strikes on Russian military support vessels and S-400 air-defense systems in Kerch, Crimea. The operation targeted key assets, including the Project 15310 cable ships Volga and Vyatka, causing significant damage and highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia's defense capabilities. This action is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to disrupt Russian military infrastructure in the region.
Alexandra ReevesSat Jun 27 2026Loading...Ukrainian President Claims Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Military Factory
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian military industrial complex in Volgograd on June 27 using Flamingo cruise missiles, causing a fire in the factory area. President Zelensky emphasized that all Russian defense facilities involved in the war against Ukraine are legitimate targets for long-range strikes.
Ukraine strikes Russia’s Iskander launch vehicle maker in Volgograd
Ukrainian forces struck the Titan-Barrikady plant in Volgograd on June 27, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. The attack resulted in at least 10 injuries and targeted a facility critical for the production of Iskander missile systems. This strike is part of a broader campaign utilizing advanced missile technology against Russian military infrastructure.
The World’s Only Nuclear-Powered Warship That Isn’t a Carrier Is Heading to the Arctic to Guard Russia’s Hidden Nuclear Submarines
The Russian Navy's Admiral Nakhimov, a nuclear-powered battlecruiser, is completing sea trials and is set to join the Northern Fleet by 2026. It will operate in Arctic waters to protect Russia's nuclear deterrent submarines. The ship has undergone significant modernization, enhancing its missile capabilities and operational readiness for Arctic missions.
Romania bolsters Black Sea fleet with Turkish-built corvette
Romania received the corvette ROS Contraamiral August Roman, its first new warship in 30 years, enhancing Black Sea security and relations with Turkey. The ship, originally built for Turkey, is equipped with advanced weaponry and systems for various military operations. Romania plans additional procurement to achieve full operational capability by 2026, reflecting increased defense cooperation with Turkey.
America Secretly Tried to Buy a Fleet of Soviet Nuclear Bombers, to Turn Them Into Satellite Launchers
An American company attempted to purchase three Tupolev Tu-160 bombers from Ukraine in the 1990s to convert them into satellite launch platforms. The deal, valued at $20 million, was thwarted by Russian objections and U.S. diplomatic pressure. Ultimately, Ukraine sold eight Tu-160s to Russia, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics following the Soviet Union's collapse.
257 clashes in a day show the new price of Russian pressure near Pokrovsk
On June 26, 2026, Russian forces engaged in 257 combat incidents, with 31 assaults in Pokrovsk and additional attacks in Sloviansk and Huliaipole. Ukrainian reports indicate 1310 Russian personnel losses and significant equipment losses, including 68 artillery systems. The Russian military employed a combination of ground assaults, missile strikes, and drone operations, reflecting a sustained pressure strategy against Ukrainian defenses.
Dmitri VolkovFri Jun 26 2026Loading...Russia claims to have shot down 47 drones heading towards Moscow.
Russian air defense systems shot down 47 drones targeting Moscow on June 26, 2023, between 2:24 AM and 7:23 AM. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a total of 660 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were intercepted and destroyed overnight across multiple locations.
Ukraine’s top strike-drone maker moves into ballistic missile defense
Fire Point is advancing into missile defense by signing a deal to produce the Freyja ballistic missile interceptor system in collaboration with German firms. The company, which produces drones responsible for 60% of Ukraine's strikes inside Russia, aims to mass-produce the FP-7.X interceptor system starting in August 2023. This development positions Fire Point as a key player in both offensive and defensive military capabilities for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s newest strike weapon drifts into Russia on the wind
Ukraine has developed the DART missile, which is launched from balloons to strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow. This new weapon system is designed to evade Russian jamming and has been used in recent military operations. Over 1,000 balloons have been deployed for this purpose, enhancing Ukraine's strike capabilities against Russian defenses.
Russia Designed a Powerful New Warship, Then Couldn’t Build It, Because the Engines Came From the Country It Invaded
The Russian Navy is developing the Gorshkov-class frigates, with three currently operational and plans for up to 30. The program has faced significant delays due to engine supply issues from Ukraine and various technical problems. The frigates are equipped with advanced missile systems and designed for anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack operations, showcasing Russia's efforts to modernize its naval capabilities.
Ukraine sinks three Russian drone boats with Bayraktar strikes
Ukrainian forces destroyed three Russian explosive drone boats in the Black Sea on June 23 at 4:00 a.m. using Bayraktar TB2 combat drones. The operation involved coordinated actions by multiple units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, marking a significant use of the drones in a direct attack role. The destroyed boats were equipped with Starlink satellite terminals, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian maritime drone operations.
Chinese Experts Propose Low-Cost Air Defense Solutions Against Drones
Russian military experts proposed new low-cost air defense solutions to counter increasing drone threats, including utilizing old Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft. In the past week, Russian air defense systems intercepted 4124 Ukrainian drones, with significant activity on June 18 and 20. Experts also suggested establishing specialized anti-drone units and employing passive defense measures such as nets and radar-equipped balloons.
S-400 in the Kerch Strait loses protective dome after strikes on June 24
Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on Russian S-400 air defense systems near the Kerch Strait on June 24, 2026, resulting in the destruction of four systems and two Pantsir-S1 systems. Additionally, the Orenburg gas processing plant was targeted, highlighting a shift in Ukrainian strategy towards critical infrastructure. Reports suggest that Russian air defense assets are being redeployed to Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, indicating a potential crisis in air defense distribution.
Dmitri VolkovWed Jun 24 2026Loading...
In November 1988 the Soviet Union flew its own space shuttle, Buran, into orbit and landed it completely on autopilot with no crew aboard — something NASA’s shuttle never did — and then flew it exactly once, because within three years the country that built it no longer existed.
The Soviet Union launched the Buran space shuttle on November 15, 1988, which successfully landed on autopilot. Designed for military applications, it could carry military payloads and conduct missions. However, the program was halted following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the only Buran used in space was later destroyed due to an accident.
Fleet 2026 – ELVO, Kolskava Verf and Kola Shipyard unveil two new high-speed USV
ELVO Research and Production Enterprise and Kolskaya Verf presented the Vector and Hydrofoil unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) at the Fleet-2026 International Maritime Defense Show in Kronstadt. The Vector USV is designed for cargo transport and can operate autonomously, while the Hydrofoil USV can reach speeds of 48 knots and carry up to 1,300 kg. These developments reflect Russia's ongoing advancements in unmanned maritime technology.
Fleet 2026 – Russia’s new Albatros counter-UAV system
NPO AMB LLC showcased the Albatros mobile counter-UAV system at the Fleet-2026 International Maritime Defence Show in Kronstadt. This system is designed to provide layered defense against unauthorized UAV intrusions, featuring advanced detection and tracking capabilities. It can detect UAVs at ranges up to 10 km and is equipped with a thermal imager and radar station.
70 missiles and 600 drones show the new formula of Russian strikes on Ukraine
Russia executed a series of coordinated strikes against Ukraine in June 2023, deploying over 600 drones and approximately 70 missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv. The attacks involved a mix of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, reflecting a shift in military strategy. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the incoming threats, but the strikes aimed to overwhelm these systems. This new approach indicates a potential strain on Russian missile production capabilities as they adapt their tactics.
Dmitri VolkovTue Jun 23 2026Loading...
Russia Spent Almost 30 Years Rebuilding the Most Heavily Armed Warship on Earth. Its Sister Ship Is About to Be Scrapped
The nuclear battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov of the Russian Navy began its final sea trials in June 2025 after nearly 30 years of modernization. The ship, equipped with 176 vertical launch systems for advanced missile systems, is expected to rejoin the fleet by late 2026 or early 2027. Meanwhile, its sister ship, Pyotr Veliky, is likely to be decommissioned due to high maintenance costs and lack of modernization.
Kyiv’s drone leverage moved the US. Moscow could be next, a top Ukrainian official says.
Ukraine is negotiating military production agreements with the U.S. and Germany while launching drone offensives against Moscow. President Trump expressed openness to allowing Ukraine to produce its own Patriot interceptor missiles. Ukraine's interceptor technology has improved, achieving a 92% interception rate of Russian drones. The country aims to leverage its military capabilities to strengthen its position in peace talks with Russia before a potential ceasefire in September.
