Analysis & Reports

Rostec is launching a defense marketplace in September 2026 to enhance drone protection for Russian infrastructure. This initiative aims to connect manufacturers with defense needs, particularly in response to vulnerabilities exposed by Ukrainian strikes. The marketplace will feature anti-drone systems and related equipment, with a significant portion of applications coming from Russian corporations. The move reflects budgetary pressures and a shift towards more cost-effective defense solutions.

Dmitri VolkovThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Russia allocated 44% of its federal budget to military needs in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This allocation represents 10.5% of GDP and 57.3% of federal revenues, indicating a shift in economic priorities towards defense. The report highlights concerns over the sustainability of such spending amid declining energy revenues and the implications for the civilian economy.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

Russia's military spending reached a record 44% of its federal budget in the first half of 2026, totaling 10.7 trillion rubles ($125 billion). This marks a 30% increase from the previous year, largely driven by classified spending. The military's share of the budget has risen significantly since the invasion of Ukraine, with classified expenditures making up a substantial portion of military needs. Oil and gas revenue has declined, further straining the budget.

The Russian army is depriving contract soldiers of bonuses for legal violations, tightening recruitment policies for 2026. This change aims to control soldier behavior outside combat and reflects a shift in military recruitment strategy. The new policy is intended to reduce budgetary risks and combat issues like desertion and misconduct. The Russian military continues to face challenges in maintaining troop quality amid ongoing conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 08 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on September 8, 2023, targeting military logistics centers and defense industry facilities in Kyiv and Odesa. The strikes involved precision weapons and drones, marking a resumption of attacks after a three-day pause. Explosions were reported in Kyiv as part of this large-scale military operation.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian logistics infrastructure and drone storage points, while Ukrainian forces targeted a railway bridge in Crimea and Russian command posts in Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. The Russian military also intercepted Ukrainian precision-guided bombs and drones. These actions occurred over a 24-hour period, indicating ongoing military operations between the two sides.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army is participating in a humanitarian demining exercise in Russia from the 7th to the 12th. The exercise focuses on clearing mixed explosive contamination areas and includes activities such as battlefield area clearance and the use of explosive detection dogs. This initiative aims to enhance demining experience exchange and capability building among participating nations.

Russia continues to produce Su-34 fighter-bombers at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant, with 212 units delivered by early 2026. During the Viva Avia air festival on August 1-2, 2024, a newly built Su-34 was spotted, highlighting ongoing production despite the war in Ukraine. The aircraft has been used extensively in combat, with 43 confirmed losses since the invasion began in February 2022.

Russian forces attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's maritime logistics. This action is part of a broader strategy to economically isolate Ukraine by making access to its ports increasingly risky. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian port and energy infrastructure, indicating a shift in the conflict towards mutual attacks on logistics. The situation is evolving as both sides adapt their strategies to exert pressure on each other.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed on Sakhalin Island on September 2 after both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion. The helicopter attempted to land on a highway but ended up in a roadside ditch, with the crew avoiding vehicles on the road. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fuel shortage, amid reports of a broader aviation fuel crisis in Russia.

Ukrainian long-range drones are impacting Russian airspace and logistics in September 2026, creating uncertainty in the rear areas of Russia. President Zelensky has advised airlines to evaluate risks for flights over Russia, while the Russian military is reallocating air defense resources in response to these threats. This shift indicates that the traditional concept of strategic depth for Russia is becoming increasingly costly and uncertain.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

HMS Daring underwent extensive repairs in Portsmouth from 2017 to 2023 due to propulsion issues and a lack of trained crew. The Royal Navy faced significant manpower shortages, leading to the deactivation of smaller vessels to prioritize larger ships. Despite the completion of repairs, Daring remained inactive until recently when a new crew was trained, allowing her to prepare for rejoining the fleet.

HMS Daring underwent extensive repairs in Portsmouth from 2017 to 2023 due to propulsion issues and a lack of trained personnel. The Royal Navy faced significant logistical challenges, resulting in the destroyer being out of service for eight years. Despite the completion of repairs, Daring could not return to active duty until a new crew was trained. The Royal Navy's operational readiness has been severely impacted by mechanical issues and manpower shortages.

On August 27, the Russian Navy laid down the Lada-class submarine Maloyaroslavets in St. Petersburg. This submarine is designed to be quieter and more automated than its predecessors, capable of various missions including land-attack. Russia intends to build at least nine of these submarines, highlighting their commitment to enhancing their naval capabilities.

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on August 30, 2026, targeting Russian military infrastructure in Yeysk, Millerovo, and Kirish. The attacks involved 130 drones and 2 ballistic missiles, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics and military operations. Key assets, including radar systems and ammunition depots, were hit, reflecting a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 31 2026Loading...

In late April 1945, the US 2nd Cavalry Group conducted Operation Cowboy to rescue over 1,200 horses from Hostau, Czechoslovakia, as Soviet forces advanced. Under General Patton's orders, American and surrendered German soldiers fought together against Waffen-SS units to secure the horses, including valuable Lipizzaners. The operation exemplified a rare collaboration between American and German forces during WWII.

Russian forces struck military warehouses in Kyiv and Odesa using attack drones on August 28, 2023, while Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl and targeted Russian assets in the Black Sea. Over the past week, Russian troops gained control of 7 settlements in Sumy, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia, and also engaged a Ukrainian naval patrol boat and other vessels.

Ukrainian drones attacked the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery on August 28, 2026, marking the eighth strike this year. In response, the Russian government issued a decree allowing temporary management of critical infrastructure due to insufficient protection against drone threats. This decree has raised concerns about its vague criteria and the implications for Russian businesses.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

Russia is experiencing a financial crisis due to its war spending, with the federal treasury balance falling to minus 5.5 trillion rubles. Austerity measures have been implemented, cutting non-military spending by 35% and federal staffing by 15%. The federal deficit for January through April reached 5.8-5.9 trillion rubles, prompting warnings from Finance Minister Anton Siluanov about insufficient funds for scheduled payments.

Russian forces captured a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region and struck 145 targets, including logistics centers and military facilities. On the same days, Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on multiple Russian command posts in Donetsk and targeted support units in Kherson and Crimea.