Analysis & Reports

The Ukrainian Navy sank the Russian border guard ship Izumrud near Novorossiysk using the Sargan-3000 unmanned strike platform. This operation resulted in casualties among the ship's crew. The Izumrud was previously involved in the 2018 Kerch Strait incident, highlighting its significance in the ongoing conflict. This action is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to target Russian naval assets in the Black Sea.

In July 2026, Ukraine and nine European nations announced the formation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris, aiming to enhance missile defense capabilities against Russian threats. Following this announcement, Russia launched 134 long-range drones and three guided missiles targeting Ukraine. The coalition seeks to leverage Ukraine's combat experience to develop a more cost-effective missile defense system, addressing the challenges posed by Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

Russian Federal Security Service foiled a Ukrainian attempt to attack military airports in Bryansk Oblast and Amur Region using drones on July 13, 2023. The operation involved 24 FPV drones and mobile ground control stations, which were intercepted before they could be deployed. This incident is reminiscent of a previous operation known as 'Web', where Ukrainian forces successfully attacked Russian strategic airports.

The Kilo-class submarines, integral to the Russian Navy, have faced significant vulnerabilities from modern drone technology, with incidents in 2023 and 2025 resulting in severe damage and sinking. Despite their historical success and ongoing production, these submarines are now at risk from inexpensive drone strikes while still being utilized by various navies worldwide. Russia continues to enhance their capabilities, but the design's limitations are becoming apparent as more advanced alternatives emerge.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, returned to the White Sea for final trials on June 1, 2026, after a 27-year modernization costing around $5 billion. It is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and will serve as the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet. However, its operational effectiveness is challenged by difficulties in target acquisition and vulnerabilities highlighted by recent naval conflicts.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt by fitting counter-drone cages on its Kilo-class submarines in Novorossiysk due to significant losses inflicted by Ukrainian naval drones. Approximately one-third of the fleet has been destroyed or rendered inactive, leading to a retreat from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost naval drones has changed naval warfare dynamics, prompting global naval powers to reassess their strategies.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, resulting in the closure of the maritime corridor by Russia. Over a recent eight-day period, Ukraine reportedly struck 105 vessels, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries. The attacks have raised concerns in Russia regarding their naval defense capabilities and have impacted logistics in occupied Crimea.

Ukrainian drone strikes recently killed three and wounded five in Pionersky, Moscow region. The strikes also caused a fire in Stavropol and temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow airports. Ukrainian drones flew 1,500 miles to hit an oil refinery in Omsk, marking the longest-range strike of the war. These actions are testing Russian air defenses and have led to significant operational disruptions.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike against over ten Russian military targets on July 13, including an airbase in Crimea and oil storage facilities. In retaliation, Russian forces struck Ukrainian infrastructure in Chernomorsk, destroying facilities used for military supplies. Both sides utilized drones and precision weapons in their operations.

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on 22 Russian oil refineries and related infrastructure from January to June 2026, impacting fuel logistics. The strikes targeted facilities in Tver, Stavropol Krai, Ufa, Rostov Oblast, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, and Omsk. As a result, fuel shortages have emerged in 78 of 83 Russian regions, complicating military supply chains and operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Ukraine's military conducted a mass simultaneous strike using at least ten modified light aircraft to target an underground logistics hub in Armyansk, Crimea. The aircraft, converted from ultralight models, were equipped with Soviet-designed high-explosive bombs. This operation represents a significant evolution in Ukraine's military capabilities, showcasing their ability to utilize civilian technology for military purposes.

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.