Analysis & Reports

Russian engineers modified a Mi-8 helicopter into a flying drone jammer to disrupt Ukrainian long-range strike drones' navigation signals. The system features multiple antennas and is designed for electronic warfare. This development aligns with Russia's plans to expand its Mi-8 fleet, enhancing their capabilities in electronic warfare operations.

Ben Wallace urged the Israeli government to assist Ukraine early in the war, but Israel declined to avoid upsetting Russia. This decision has led to increased Russian-Iranian cooperation in drone attacks against Israel. Wallace criticized Israel's broader economic relationship with Russia, emphasizing the consequences of their refusal to support Ukraine. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, Ukraine, and Russia.

Ukrainian forces conducted a series of strikes against 172 Russian naval and maritime-linked vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov from July 5 to July 19. These operations targeted key logistics assets, including ferries and tankers, significantly disrupting Russian supply routes to Crimea. The attacks are part of a broader campaign to increase the operational costs for Russia in the region.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

A Tu-95MS was reportedly destroyed at Engels airbase on July 19, 2026, indicating vulnerabilities in Russian strategic aviation. This incident reflects Ukraine's expanding operational capabilities to target Russian military infrastructure. The loss of the aircraft may lead to increased security measures at Russian airbases, impacting their operational effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

A satellite image confirmed the destruction of a Tu-95 bomber at Engels air base in Russia on July 16, 2023, following a drone strike. This loss represents a significant reduction in Russia's long-range strike capacity, as the Tu-95 is an aging aircraft that cannot be easily replaced. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense and bomber protection efforts.

Russia intercepted and destroyed 140 Ukrainian drones between 20:00 on the 18th and 08:00 on the 19th in Moscow and Belgorod Oblasts. Ukraine reported that from 18:00 on the 18th to the early morning of the 19th, Russia launched 41 missiles and 125 drones, including 10 Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, targeting Kyiv. Ukraine successfully shot down 126 targets, resulting in 1 death and 16 injuries in Kyiv.

Ukrainian forces struck 172 Russian maritime vessels over 13 days, prompting the withdrawal of up to 200 drone units from the front lines to protect logistics. This operation targeted key maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas, impacting Russian supply chains. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure in occupied territories further strained Russian military logistics.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Russia is testing a new laser system named 'Lightning' designed to counter all types of drones. The system is currently undergoing trials within the country and is intended to protect static targets such as military facilities and critical infrastructure. It features AI technology for target recognition and can operate for up to 15 minutes on battery power, with a range of 5 kilometers.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone strikes on Russian logistics hubs in Tambov and Moscow Oblasts from July 17 to 18, 2023, resulting in 9 deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes targeted key facilities used for military logistics, including an oil facility. In response, Russian air defense claimed to have intercepted 379 drones during the attacks.

Ukrainian drones attacked a logistics center in Moscow Oblast on July 17-18, 2023, resulting in 30 injuries and 1 death. The attack caused significant damage, including a fire at a nearby kindergarten, which was extinguished without casualties. Smoke from the incident was visible from several kilometers away.

Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes on October 18, 2023, targeting logistics facilities in Moscow and Tambov Oblasts, as well as an oil facility. These strikes were aimed at disrupting the transportation of sanctioned components for military production. Additional strikes were reported in the Sea of Azov, Black Sea, and Crimea.

UAV attacks on July 18, 2026, resulted in seven deaths and 25 injuries in Kotovsk, Tambov Oblast, as drones targeted sensitive infrastructure, including an oil depot in Noginsk. The attacks prompted evacuations and highlighted vulnerabilities in Moscow's air defense system, with 28 drones intercepted before reaching their targets. Ukrainian forces continue to focus on disrupting Russian military logistics.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted 19 cluster strikes targeting Ukrainian ports and military infrastructure on the 17th, while Ukrainian forces repelled attacks and shot down 1879 drones. Ukrainian forces also launched long-range strikes against Russian targets, including a successful attack on the Engels Air Base, damaging a Tu-95 strategic bomber. Both sides continue to engage in active military operations across multiple fronts.

The Ukrainian Security Service conducted a drone strike on a Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels military airport in Saratov Oblast, Russia, on July 17. The bomber was severely damaged, with its tail completely detached. This operation aimed to weaken Russian military and economic capabilities, indicating that even remote military installations are no longer safe for Russian forces.

On July 17, 2023, the Ukrainian Security Service destroyed a Tu-95 bomber in Engels, Russia, approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing degradation of Russian strategic aviation capabilities, as the Tu-95 is a rare asset that cannot be quickly replaced. The attack signifies Ukraine's effective long-range strike capabilities against Russian military infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Russia is likely to continue its military operations in Ukraine while managing a strained economy, with plans for an armistice that allows military production to persist. The Kremlin faces challenges reintegrating over a million veterans into a struggling civilian economy, as regional deficits rise and military enlistment remains a key economic driver. Putin's strategies include maintaining high defense spending and utilizing veterans in government roles.

Russia has begun modifying its Molniya attack drones by adding magnetic compasses and onboard cameras to enhance navigation capabilities, particularly in environments where satellite signals are jammed. This development, reported by Ukrainian defense advisor Serhii Beskrestnov, highlights a cost-effective approach to drone technology amidst ongoing electronic warfare. The modifications allow these drones to operate independently of GPS systems, making them more resilient against jamming tactics.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) destroyed a Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels airfield in Russia in July 2025. This operation is part of Ukraine's ongoing long-range strikes against Russian military targets. The Tu-95 had been utilized by Russia for missile strikes against Ukraine, and its destruction represents a significant loss for Russia's strategic bomber fleet.

Russia has unveiled advanced military prototypes, including the T-14 tank and Su-57 fighter, but has produced only a handful due to production challenges. In contrast, it has successfully manufactured tens of thousands of cheap drones, highlighting a significant shift in its military capabilities. The T-14 and Su-57 remain largely unutilized in combat, while the Su-75 Checkmate has yet to fly.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-class battlecruiser, is undergoing modernization to enhance its capabilities as the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet. It features advanced weapon systems, including P-700 Granit and Kalibr missiles, and is powered by nuclear reactors. However, its effectiveness may be challenged by modern warfare tactics involving drones and missile swarms. The ship's significant size and armament raise questions about its vulnerability in contemporary naval engagements.