Analysis & Reports

Russia is modernizing its armored forces and command architecture, focusing on AI and unmanned systems, while refurbishing existing tanks. The Russian Armed Forces plan to produce over 2,000 advanced main battle tanks by 2036, with significant increases in T-90 production. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its command capabilities through the Glaz/Groza software and integrating UAVs into military operations. These efforts indicate preparations for extended military confrontation with NATO.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched a Spring 2026 offensive in eastern Ukraine on March 19, employing battalion-sized mechanized assaults in the Lyman direction. Despite initial attacks being repelled by Ukrainian forces, Russia is redeploying elite units to bolster its operations. Concurrently, Ukrainian counteroffensives have disrupted Russian plans, leading to significant territorial gains. The air campaign has intensified, with numerous drone strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

A KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2023, prompting calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the aircraft's communication systems. The crash, which was not caused by enemy fire, highlighted the need for improved situational awareness and connectivity for aircrews. The U.S. Air Force has requested significant funding for these upgrades to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in contested environments.

Russian forces are adapting their drone operations and redeploying units in response to Ukrainian advances and communication challenges across the eastern and southern fronts. The 40th Naval Infantry Brigade and 120th Naval Infantry Division have been redeployed to the Oleksandrivka direction, while over 100 Molniya drones were destroyed by Ukrainian forces. Russia plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid ongoing operational setbacks.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Russian forces resumed offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk axis and advancing towards Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief reported that Russia plans to recruit 409,000 servicemen by 2026, indicating preparations for sustained military activity. The increase in operations coincides with improved weather conditions, allowing for more consistent offensive actions after months of positional fighting.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts since late January 2026, significantly disrupting Russian operations. Russian forces, including the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are likely withdrawing to defensive positions. The 656th Motorized Rifle Regiment was observed engaging Ukrainian forces after months in reserve. Russian command has redeployed several units to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive, indicating a shift from offensive to defensive operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces advanced in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, liberating over 400 square kilometers and forcing Russian units to shift to defensive operations. Elements of the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade and other units are redeploying to respond to the Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Russian military is also expanding its drone capabilities amid ongoing operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

In mid-March 2026, the U.S. military deployed the amphibious assault ship Tripoli and over 2000 Marines from Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions with Iran. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is involved in this deployment, which raises security concerns for U.S. allies in Northeast Asia, particularly regarding missile defense systems being relocated from South Korea. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly increasing military cooperation with Russia.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

North Korea deployed over 20,000 military personnel to Russia and exported military equipment, generating an estimated $14.4 billion in revenue from August 2023 to December 2024. The deployments began in October 2024, with confirmed compensation payments amounting to approximately $620 million. Equipment supplied included artillery shells and ballistic missiles, with the majority of compensation likely involving sensitive military technologies.

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Russia redeployed the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 40th Naval Infantry Brigade to the Zaporizhia sector from January to March 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards defense. Concurrently, Russia expanded its drone warfare capabilities, launching 99 drones against Ukrainian targets, including civilian infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine liberate 244 square kilometers in the Zaporizhia area, while Russia's economic situation has improved due to rising oil prices, enabling continued military operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

The USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. Navy's amphibious command ships, are actively engaged in naval operations and diplomatic missions in the Black Sea, Italy, and Japan. They are set to achieve operational milestones in Libya and New Zealand by 2025. Both ships play critical roles as flagships for their respective fleets and have been extended in service until 2039 due to their advanced command and control capabilities.

Russian military command redeployed elements of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 68th Army Corps from Pokrovsk to the Zaporizhia direction in March 2026. This strategic shift reflects Moscow's response to Ukrainian counteroffensives, with significant territorial gains reported by Ukrainian forces. The redeployment indicates a transition from offensive to defensive priorities for Russian forces in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Russian elite airborne forces, including the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, were redeployed to Zaporizhia from Donetsk Oblast between January and February 2026 to prepare for intensified operations. This strategic shift aims to counter Ukrainian advances, as Ukrainian forces have liberated significant territory in the region. The redeployment reflects a broader Russian military strategy emphasizing elite units capable of complex operations.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in March 2026, disrupting Russian offensive preparations. The Russian military command redeployed elite units to counter these gains, reflecting operational vulnerabilities. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes against Russian logistics and command infrastructure have intensified, further degrading Russian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

In March 2026, Russia expanded its military personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed units to the Hulyaipole direction in response to Ukrainian advances. Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers while conducting deep-strike operations against Russian logistics. The conflict continues to evolve, with NATO enhancing its military readiness along its eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

On March 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion reflects Russia's commitment to ongoing military operations in Ukraine and preparation for potential confrontations with NATO. Russian forces have redeployed units to counter Ukrainian advances, while also conducting extensive missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted massed infantry assaults across eastern Ukraine from February 21-23, 2026, focusing on multiple tactical areas including Kupyansk and Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces executed counteroffensive operations, maintaining control of 97% of Kupyansk and utilizing advanced drone technology to strike deep into Russian territory. The operational tempo reflects ongoing attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides and challenges in Russian force generation.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

Russia is laying the groundwork for a potential limited reserve mobilization amid ongoing manpower challenges. Ukrainian forces are advancing in southern Ukraine, particularly near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka, while Russian forces maintain pressure in the Donbas region. Russia has intensified strikes against Ukrainian military targets and is enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for renewed operations as winter transitions to spring.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...