Analysis & Reports

The Russian submarine Dmitry Donskoy conducted a successful underwater test launch of a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile in the Okhotsk Sea on October 28, 2023. The missile's warhead reached the designated target area as planned, confirming the submarine's combat readiness. The Dmitry Donskoy is part of the Pacific Fleet and can carry 16 Bulava missiles.

Two Rassvet-3 satellites from Russia are expected to fall back into the atmosphere and burn up within the next day or two after failing to raise their orbits. Most of the other satellites in the constellation are stable at 500 km. The failing satellites were launched on July 19, 2026, and their loss would increase the total number of Rassvet satellites lost to three out of 32 since the program began.

On October 27, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces launched a mass attack involving 280 drones and 2 ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine, primarily Kyiv. Ukrainian forces reported neutralizing 257 aerial threats, including both missiles and drones. The operation aimed to test and overwhelm Ukrainian air defense systems, particularly through the use of jet-powered drones that reduce interception time.

Dmitri VolkovTue Oct 27 2026Loading...

Increased cooperation between Russian and Chinese military industries is evident through 86 joint publications on drone technology from 2022 to 2026. The Russian Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute conducted tests on Chinese aircraft models, while Norinco developed the Feilong 60A drone. Russia is transferring critical manufacturing operations to China, and a joint educational institute has been established to enhance collaboration in military technology.

Dmitri VolkovTue Oct 27 2026Loading...

In the summer of 1984, the SR-71 Blackbird experienced a double engine failure at 83,000 feet off Murmansk, falling 65,000 feet toward the Barents Sea. Pilot Major Joseph Matthews relit the engines at 18,000 feet, and the aircraft was refueled by a KC-135Q tanker with less than 10 minutes of fuel remaining. Despite being tracked by Soviet radars, no missiles were fired as the incident occurred in international airspace.

On October 26, 2023, Ukrainian drones attacked Voronezh, resulting in three fatalities and thirty-nine injuries. Local authorities reported that over 250 vehicles and numerous residential buildings were damaged. Russian forces claimed to have shot down 113 drones in the region, with more than 70 intercepted over the city of Voronezh.

On August 14, 2025, a Ukrainian sniper team from the Pryvyd unit killed two Russian soldiers with a single 14.5mm Snipex Alligator round at a distance of 4,000 meters on the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad line. The shot was facilitated by drone and AI technology, marking a significant achievement in sniper capabilities for Ukraine.

Ukrainian drones struck a titanium production facility in Perm Krai, Russia, on October 25-26, 2026, traveling approximately 1500 kilometers. This attack targets a critical component of Russia's military supply chain, potentially disrupting the production of materials essential for aviation and missile systems. Concurrently, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 112 Russian drones and 3 missiles during a separate attack.

Dmitri VolkovMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

A new Il-78 aerial refueling tanker was spotted leaving the factory in Ulyanovsk in early October 2023, reviving speculation about a potential sale to China. The tanker features markings resembling the Chinese air force insignia, although neither Russia nor China has confirmed the deal. Analysts suggest this could be part of a previously rumored contract for 20 Il-78MK-90A tankers.

On October 26, a drone attack in Voronezh Oblast, Russia, resulted in 2 deaths and 17 injuries. The governor reported that 113 drones were shot down, with significant damage to local infrastructure, including businesses and residential buildings. The attack also affected train services, injuring 5 passengers on a train.

On October 25, 2023, reports emerged regarding the potential deployment of the Russian Filin cruise missile, which has a range of approximately 1200 kilometers. This missile could necessitate a shift in Ukraine's air defense strategy, requiring broader coverage of critical infrastructure. The existence and operational status of the Filin missile remain unconfirmed, with implications for military resource allocation in Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted 52 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction on October 25, 2026, deploying 5707 drones and engaging in 141 combat encounters across the front. The strategy focuses on attrition, utilizing drones and artillery to pressure Ukrainian defenses without achieving rapid breakthroughs. Ukrainian forces reported significant air and artillery activity in response.

Dmitri VolkovSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Russia launched the multipurpose corvette Grozny at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur on October 23, 2023. This is the fifth Project 20380 warship for the Pacific Fleet, with the crew beginning training on October 5. The corvette is expected to join the fleet in the coming years, enhancing Russia's naval capabilities in the region.

On October 24, 2023, Russian forces attacked a Ukrainian power plant while Ukrainian forces reported drone strikes reaching 2,500 km into Russian territory, targeting facilities in Omsk and Togliatti. The attacks resulted in at least 4 deaths and 78 injuries. Ukrainian strikes also disrupted water and electricity supply in Crimea, indicating ongoing military operations and escalating tensions between the two nations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

On October 24, 2023, Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on missile production facilities in Oryol and Tolyatti, as well as a military airfield in Yeysk. Russian sources confirmed the attacks and reported damage in Tolyatti, although the extent remains undisclosed. These strikes target critical components of the Russian missile supply chain, aiming to disrupt production and increase operational costs.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Russia and Ukraine confirmed a ceasefire starting January 27 in Alekseevka, aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are planning trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland to discuss security arrangements post-ceasefire. Approximately 1700 to 2000 civilians remain in Alekseevka, with efforts underway to ensure their safe evacuation.

On October 23, 2026, Russia launched a significant drone attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, impacting power supply and causing blackouts for over 500,000 people across several regions, including Zhytomyr and Volyn. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted or destroyed 443 Ukrainian drones during this operation, highlighting the ongoing military escalation despite diplomatic efforts for peace talks.

Alexandra ReevesSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The European Parliament urged the EU to consider a maritime operation in the Black Sea on October 23, 2026, following recent attacks on shipping near Romania and Bulgaria. This call highlights the EU's lack of a unified maritime strategy and operational capabilities. Ukraine's Foreign Minister has also called for a coordinated response from Black Sea nations. The Montreux Convention poses challenges for military operations in the region, complicating the EU's response to maritime threats.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The Russian army launched 2597 drones against Ukraine over a week, with Ukrainian air defense neutralizing over 87% of them. On October 22-23, 176 drones were launched, including 92 reactive Shahids. Ukrainian sources reported a fire at a synthetic rubber plant in Samara following a drone attack, and power outages in occupied Crimea due to damage to energy infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

A missile strike likely hit the Proton plant in Orel, Russia, which manufactures components for Iskander-M ballistic missiles and Pantsir-S1 air defense systems. Local authorities declared an aviation and missile danger alert during the attack. The extent of the damage and the type of weapon used are still being clarified, but this incident reflects Ukraine's ongoing strategy to target Russian military production facilities.