Analysis & Reports

On May 28, a Turkish cargo ship was attacked by a drone while traveling from Odessa, Ukraine to Turkey in the Black Sea. Two Turkish crew members were injured in the incident. The Turkish government is monitoring the situation closely and has expressed concerns about escalating tensions in the region, emphasizing the need for measures to ensure maritime safety and prevent further conflict.

Russian Su-57 stealth fighters resumed high-tempo cruise missile operations along the Ukrainian front in May 2026, launching Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles from standoff positions. More than ten confirmed missile launches were recorded, particularly in the Kursk Oblast, Azov Sea, and near Mariupol. This uptick in operations follows a period of reduced activity after a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airfields, indicating a recalibration of threat assessment by Russian forces.

Armenia unveiled the DDS-10K, a homemade jet-powered drone interceptor, during its Republic Day military parade on May 28, 2025. Developed by Davaro Defence Systems, the DDS-10K is designed for air defense against drones and missiles, capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 70 kilometers. This marks a significant step in Armenia's efforts to enhance its domestic defense capabilities following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

A Rocket Force unit conducted a military medical training competition in X Area, emphasizing rapid treatment of battlefield injuries. Participants quickly assessed and treated various injuries, including an open fracture. The exercise aimed to enhance emergency medical skills and ensure effective collaboration during surgical procedures. Following the event, the unit plans to address identified weaknesses in their training.

On May 24, 2023, Russian forces launched a mixed package of 90 missiles and 600 drones against Ukraine, targeting areas including Kyiv and Belaya Tserkov. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. The Oreshnik missile, identified as containing outdated Russian and Belarusian components, raised concerns about its effectiveness as a strategic weapon.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 28 2026Loading...

Russia launched an RS-26 Rubezh missile at Bila Tserkva on May 24, 2026, as part of a larger strike package that included 690 aerial weapons. The missile carried inert warheads, and Ukrainian investigators confirmed the presence of components from Russian and Belarusian manufacturers. The strike marks the third confirmed use of the Oreshnik system, following previous strikes in Dnipro and Lviv.

Armenia displayed Iranian-made Majid AD-08 air defense systems during its Republic Day parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2023. This marks the first known export of the Majid system to a foreign military. The systems, mounted on Iveco Daily vehicles, enhance Armenia's air defense capabilities amid ongoing security concerns following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

A Russian Mi-26 helicopter deployed a Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system onto a rooftop in Moscow, reflecting a strategic shift in response to Ukraine's drone campaign. This deployment is part of a broader effort, with over 100 air defense systems added around the capital since 2023, indicating an increased focus on urban air defense capabilities.

On May 25, 2026, Iranian military jamming of GNSS systems affected approximately 1100 ships in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing vulnerabilities in maritime defense. This electronic warfare tactic complicates navigation and raises operational risks for vessels in the region. Concurrently, U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes against Iranian missile launch sites, indicating ongoing military tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...

Russia has begun utilizing the 'Dawn' satellite communication system to support drones in military operations, marking its first military application. This system, similar to the U.S. 'Starlink', employs laser communication for data exchange. The initial batch of satellites was launched on March 24, 2023, with plans for full deployment by 2027 to enhance military communication capabilities.

A Russian IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft conducted flights over the Sea of Japan, Okhotsk Sea, and Pacific Ocean on May 21 and 22, 2026, prompting the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force to scramble fighters. These flights are part of Russia's ongoing military reconnaissance efforts, highlighting the need for Japan to maintain vigilance in its northern defense posture amid shifting military focus towards the southwest.

Tanaka TakashiThu May 28 2026Loading...

The Sukhoi Design Bureau developed the Su-47 Berkut, a prototype stealth fighter, in 1997 in Russia. Only one prototype was built due to structural issues with its forward-swept wings, which posed risks at high speeds. The aircraft served as a testbed for advanced technologies that later influenced the Su-57. The program was ultimately limited by the collapse of the Soviet Union and funding challenges.

Latvia is deploying mobile drone-interceptor units to its eastern border within days to counter drone incursions from Russia. The units will consist of teams of four soldiers operating 4x4 vehicles equipped with interceptor drones. This initiative aims to enhance Latvia's low-altitude drone defense capabilities, which have been identified as a critical security gap.

Ukraine conducted a series of airstrikes on May 27, 2026, targeting Russian military installations including the Baltimor Air Base near Voronezh, the naval headquarters in Sevastopol, the 325th Aviation Repair Plant in Taganrog, and the Tuapse oil terminal. This operation represents one of Ukraine's most ambitious deep-strike campaigns, utilizing Storm Shadow missiles and drones to hit multiple locations simultaneously, thereby complicating Russian military logistics and operations.

Russia has conducted three strikes using the 'Hazel' missile against Ukraine, with the latest occurring on May 23, 2026. This missile, capable of high speeds and designed for nuclear payloads, was first revealed in November 2024. It can target locations within a range of 3000 to 5500 kilometers and is reported to have multiple warheads, enhancing its strike capabilities.

Ukrainian special operations forces attacked a fuel pumping station in Vladimir Oblast, Russia, on May 24, 2023. The station was responsible for supplying fuel to major airports around Moscow. The attack resulted in a significant fire, covering over 800 square meters, but no injuries were reported.

Ukrainian drones attacked 13 major Russian oil facilities in May 2026, including the Sheskharis terminal in Novorossiysk, causing significant operational disruptions. The strikes resulted in a fire and injuries, highlighting vulnerabilities in Russian logistical infrastructure. Reports indicate that six of the ten largest Russian oil refineries halted operations following these attacks, marking a strategic shift in Ukraine's military approach.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 24 2026Loading...

Russian President Putin announced the completion of joint nuclear exercises with Belarus on May 21, 2023. The exercises, which began on May 19, involved 64,000 troops and included the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Key locations included Plesetsk Cosmodrome and Kapustin Yar, with naval forces also participating. The drills emphasized nuclear readiness in response to potential threats.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military industrial enterprises and energy facilities on the 23rd, while Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian facilities along the Black Sea coast and in the Perm region. The Russian air defense reported the downing of 8 guided bombs and 800 fixed-wing drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a strike on a significant chemical enterprise in Russia.

Russia is preparing to launch Oreshnik hypersonic missiles against Ukraine, with potential targets including Kyiv and Lviv, as part of a combined strike. This warning follows recent drone attacks on Russian positions in Starobilsk, prompting a call for retaliation from President Putin. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has also issued alerts about possible significant airstrikes within the next 24 hours, indicating a high-risk situation for Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 23 2026Loading...