Analysis & Reports

Russian forces conducted extensive drone and artillery attacks against Ukrainian positions from May 9 to 11, 2026, resulting in 180 combat engagements and significant losses for both sides. President Putin claimed the war was nearing its end, despite ongoing military operations and a recent three-day ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Trump. Notably, drones from Russian territory crashed in Latvia, highlighting the conflict's regional implications.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 12 2026Loading...

Fighting continued along the front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire from May 9 to May 11. Ukraine reported 180 battlefield clashes and casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, while Russia claimed over 23,802 ceasefire violations by Ukraine. Both sides accused each other of launching drone and artillery strikes, with casualties reported on both sides.

The Russian Aerospace Forces continue to upgrade their Tu-160M strategic bombers, with the first upgraded aircraft, Deynekin, photographed after a five-year modernization process. Currently, only seven of the 18 Tu-160M aircraft are actively engaged in combat missions against Ukraine, while the rest are involved in testing, training, or maintenance. The Kazan Aircraft Production Association is managing the modernization and production efforts, which are reportedly slower than official statements suggest.

Russian forces launched 78 airstrikes and 9,317 kamikaze drones against Ukrainian positions on May 7, 2026. Ukrainian drones struck the Mosfilm Tower in Moscow, while two drones crashed in Latvia, damaging an oil facility. Total Russian military losses reached approximately 1,342,030 personnel. Three ceasefire proposals were made within a week, but combat operations continued unabated.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 11 2026Loading...

On May 11, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 180 battles against Russian forces, resulting in 920 Russian casualties. Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on Russian command posts and artillery systems, while repelling multiple attacks in various locations, including North Slovyansk and Kupiansk. Significant equipment losses for Russian forces included 4 tanks and 76 artillery systems.

Russian President Putin announced that the Ukraine conflict is 'heading towards an end' during a press conference on May 9, 2023. Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary ceasefire and prisoner exchange from May 9 to 11, while both sides are preparing for potential renewed fighting. The May 9 military parade in Moscow was notably smaller than in previous years, with limited military equipment displayed.

Ukraine violated the ceasefire by launching attacks on Russian positions, prompting Russian forces to retaliate with 18 artillery strikes on Donetsk, injuring 4 civilians. Over the past 24 hours, Russia reported 16071 violations of the ceasefire by Ukraine, including drone attacks. In response, local authorities evacuated 421 civilians from the affected areas.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted extensive artillery and drone attacks against Russian positions in Crimea and several Russian regions, violating ceasefire agreements. In the past 24 hours, they executed 676 artillery strikes and 6,331 drone attacks, resulting in approximately 735 Ukrainian casualties. In response, Russian forces launched counterattacks against the Ukrainian positions.

Russian forces continue to engage in relentless combat operations in Ukraine, with personnel losses exceeding 1.3 million. The MIVD reports significant improvements in Russian military capabilities, including enhanced command and control and the effective use of drones. Despite heavy casualties, Russia maintains a robust industrial-scale combat power generation. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for NATO's eastern flank as Russia adapts its military strategy.

Dmitri VolkovSun May 10 2026Loading...

The Russian aerobatic team 'Swifts' celebrated its 35th anniversary on May 6, 2026, at Kubinka Air Base. The team, part of the Russian Air Force, continues to perform over 50 aerial displays annually, showcasing their skills with MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. They have a history of international performances and have been recognized as the 'World's Best Aerobatic Team'.

President Putin stated that the conflict involving Iran complicates Russia's diplomatic position due to its relationships with Iran and Gulf Arab states. He emphasized that any escalation would harm all parties involved and reiterated Russia's stance on Iran's nuclear program, asserting that there are no plans for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Putin also mentioned a past proposal to transfer Iran's enriched uranium to Russia to help resolve the conflict, which was previously rejected by the U.S.

Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 9, 2026, while Ukraine announced its own ceasefire starting May 5. During Ukraine's ceasefire, Russian forces conducted airstrikes, resulting in at least 21 civilian deaths and 82 injuries. The conflict continues to evolve with NATO increasing military exercises in response to the situation.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 09 2026Loading...

On May 9, 2023, a military parade was held in Moscow to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, attended by President Putin. The parade featured a North Korean military unit and included military vehicles and fighter jets. Similar parades occurred in cities such as Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok.

Ukrainian forces successfully struck the NTC Radar research facility in Rostov overnight between May 7 and 8, completely destroying the main building and partially burning another. Two additional drone strikes hit rooftops, likely igniting fires in nearby structures. This operation targets Russia's defense industrial capacity, disrupting military electronics development and production.

Ukrainian forces launched a deep-strike campaign in early May 2026, targeting critical infrastructure in Russia, including the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery and the VNIIR-Progress plant. The strikes involved F-5 Flamingo missiles and resulted in significant damage and operational halts. Concurrently, Russian forces engaged in retaliatory strikes and reported substantial personnel and equipment losses. The conflict's dynamics have shifted, with Ukrainian capabilities reaching deep into Russian territory.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 09 2026Loading...

President Putin announced that the Russian military is currently engaged in special military operations against NATO-supported aggressors during the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.

Russia commissioned its eighth Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile corvette, named Burya, in Baltiysk on May 8, 2026. This event occurred one day after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a similar vessel at a naval base in the Caspian Sea. The new corvette is equipped to launch Kalibr cruise missiles, underscoring its operational significance amid ongoing naval conflicts.

Russia unveiled the Geran-5, a new heavy jet-powered strike drone, during the May 9 Victory Day parade in Oryol. This drone represents a significant advancement in size and capability over previous models, featuring a layered navigation architecture that enhances its resilience against electronic warfare. The design shows similarities to the Iranian Karrar drone, indicating ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Ukrainian forces conducted significant long-range strikes against Russian infrastructure in May 2026, targeting key facilities such as the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery and the VNIIR-Progress plant. These actions exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense systems, prompting airport closures across fifteen cities. The strikes reflect a strategic shift in the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating the capability to reach deep into Russian territory.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 08 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow on May 8, 2026, coinciding with a Russian ceasefire announcement. Ukrainian forces have successfully counterattacked, liberating over 400 square kilometers, while Russian combat losses have reached approximately 1,339,190 personnel. The operational momentum of Russian forces has significantly slowed, prompting a transformation in their military doctrine towards positional warfare and attrition.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 08 2026Loading...