Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces targeted 14 vessels in the Kerch Strait overnight, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries, disrupting Russian military logistics. This operation reflects a strategic effort to undermine the supply routes critical for Russian operations in the region. The attacks are part of a broader campaign against the Russian shadow fleet, which is essential for transporting oil and fuel.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

On July 13, 2023, the Russian Armed Forces reported a drone attack on the Moscow region, with over 350 drones launched. Authorities intercepted 81 drones, resulting in 3 fatalities and 3 injuries in Pionersky. Additionally, a drone struck a residential building in Solenichnogorsk, injuring 2 more individuals.

Ukrainian President Zelensky established a special command on October 10, 2023, to coordinate long-range strikes against Russia. Ukrainian forces attacked the Sezran oil refinery and vessels in the Sea of Azov, while Russian forces intensified their strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure. In response to these attacks, Russia is enhancing the protection of its oil refineries and has reported fuel shortages due to production halts.

Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military facilities from July 11 to 12, 2023, destroying fuel, energy, and transport infrastructure, as well as drone storage and ammunition depots. In the past 24 hours, they reported the destruction of 585 Ukrainian drones and 11 aerial bombs. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces launched over 100 attacks on Belgorod, resulting in one death and seven injuries.

Ukrainian forces attacked the Syzran oil refinery and maritime logistics elements on July 11-12, 2026, while Russian air defense intercepted 178 Ukrainian drones. Reports indicate that ten Russian tankers and four ferries were also struck in the Azov Sea, highlighting a significant impact on Russian logistical capabilities. This marks a strategic shift in Ukrainian operations aimed at disrupting fuel and transport systems supporting Russian military efforts.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Russia has armed four of its naval vessels with the Pereyed-M electronic warfare system to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. This system, which includes the Repeynik radar unit, enhances the vessels' capabilities against small unmanned aircraft. The deployment reflects a strategic shift in response to Ukraine's extended strike campaign against Russian naval assets, particularly in light of recent successful drone strikes on Russian ships.

Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian refinery in Syzran and targeted 10 oil tankers and 4 ferries in the Sea of Azov on July 12. The refinery explosion caused significant damage, and the attacks are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and operational capabilities.

Ukrainian forces struck 76 vessels, including tankers and the Syzran oil refinery, in the Sea of Azov between July 6-11, 2026. This has significantly impacted Russian military logistics, as evidenced by a sharp decline in active AIS signals and rising fuel prices in Russia. The strikes indicate a shift in operational behavior among Russian transporters, affecting supply routes and military operations.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy's 055-class destroyer Anshan participated in a joint naval exercise with the Russian Navy's Slava-class cruiser Varyag as part of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' drills. The event highlighted the collaboration between the two nations' naval forces.

The U.S. Air Force developed and tested the Rusty Dagger cruise missile in record time, with 3,350 units approved for sale to Ukraine by August 2025. The missile, built by Zone 5 Technologies, was designed to meet urgent wartime needs and demonstrated unprecedented speed in its acquisition and integration into military operations. The program's rapid development allowed for combat readiness ahead of schedule, showcasing a significant shift in military procurement processes.

Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries in July 2026 have reduced Russian gasoline production to 65% of domestic demand, causing significant fuel shortages. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have targeted 22 refineries, leading to operational disruptions and prompting Russian authorities to impose restrictions on fuel sales. This situation reflects a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach, aiming to systematically impact Russia's war economy.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

Napoleon's Grande Armée, consisting of 600,000 men, invaded Russia in June 1812 but faced catastrophic starvation due to inadequate supply lines. The misattributed quote 'An army marches on its stomach' highlights the critical logistical failures during this campaign, leading to significant losses before any major battles occurred. The challenges of feeding troops prompted innovations in food preservation, notably the development of canning by Nicolas Appert.

Russian forces conducted intensive strikes on Ukrainian military and energy facilities on October 10, while also intercepting 144 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including the Black Sea. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted multiple sites within Russia and Russian-controlled areas, including oil refineries and 18 ships. Russian troops continue to control 7 settlements and are engaged in demining operations.

On July 9, 2023, Rostec announced the delivery of 2 to 4 new Su-34 and Su-30SM2 combat jets to the Russian military. This delivery comes amid significant losses, with over 60 documented losses of these aircraft types since 2022. The new jets are intended to replace those lost in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and the delivery was notably accepted by naval aviation crews rather than the Aerospace Forces.

On October 10, two oil storage facilities in Rostov Oblast caught fire due to drone attacks. The Krasnodar Krai command reported a fire from drone debris. Ukrainian forces intercepted 376 drones overnight, while 137 Russian drones were used in attacks on Ukraine.

A Russian T-90M tank was sighted on July 4, 2026, equipped with the Arena-M active protection system, suggesting a potential shift towards deployment. The system aims to enhance tank survivability against drone threats, although its effectiveness against swarming FPV drones is debated. Crews have shown distrust in the tank's protection, leading to instances of abandonment during combat.

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces conducted significant strikes on July 6, targeting 47 Russian military assets, including two S-400 launchers in Bryansk and Crimea. The campaign focuses on destroying critical radar systems to blind Russian air defenses, with reports indicating a high rate of attrition against these assets. Despite Russia's ability to produce launchers, the slow replacement of radars poses a challenge for their air defense capabilities.

Ukrainian forces struck nine Russian fuel tankers in the Azov Sea and targeted oil refineries in Saratov and Nizhnekamsk from July 7-8, 2026. These actions disrupted fuel logistics, forcing Russia to rely more on vulnerable maritime transport. The strikes indicate a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to degrading Russian military supply lines, increasing operational costs for the Russian military in Crimea and the southern theater.

Dmitri VolkovThu Jul 09 2026Loading...

Rostec delivered new Su-30SM2 Flanker-C and Su-34 Fullback aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces as part of modernization efforts amid significant losses since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The Su-30SM2 features enhanced radar capabilities for standoff engagements, while the Su-34 serves as a primary strike aircraft. Open-source intelligence has documented substantial losses of these aircraft types, indicating a critical need for replacements.

On July 8, 2023, Russian air defense systems intercepted 415 drones during a large-scale drone attack in Rostov Oblast. Two oil tankers were damaged in Taganrog Bay, resulting in minor injuries to two individuals. The local governor warned residents to remain indoors due to the ongoing drone threat.