Analysis & Reports

Russian drones attacked three commercial ships in the Black Sea from June 21 to 22, resulting in the death of one Egyptian crew member. The Ukrainian Navy reported that a Panama-flagged cargo ship caught fire, while two other vessels sustained damage but no casualties occurred. Eight crew members were successfully rescued and evacuated.

Ukraine struck the Sborka plant in Voronezh in March 2026, damaging a key facility in Russia's missile supply chain. This plant supplies critical components for the Kh-101 cruise missile, Iskander-K missile, and Pantsir-S1 air defense system. The operation highlights Ukraine's strategy of targeting specific military production nodes to degrade Russian capabilities.

Chinese naval vessels Qi Jiguang and Kunlunshan are set to visit Vladivostok, Russia, in late June at the invitation of the Russian Navy. The visit aims to strengthen military cooperation between China and Russia, reflecting their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on maritime logistics and oil infrastructure in Crimea on June 21, 2023, targeting seven ferries and air defense systems. The attacks significantly impacted Russian supply routes, particularly affecting the port of Kavkaz and oil facilities. Russian authorities confirmed the strikes, indicating a reduction in logistical capacity for their military operations in the region.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jun 22 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on Russian logistics and military infrastructure in Kerch and Chongar on June 21, 2026. The strikes targeted oil facilities and S-400 air defense systems, aiming to disrupt Russian supply lines. Damage to key transport routes, including bridges, has been reported, complicating logistics for Russian forces. In response, Russia claimed to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones and conducted retaliatory strikes.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jun 21 2026Loading...

Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 239 Ukrainian drones in Astrakhan and Belgorod Oblasts during the night of the 20th to the 21st. Ukrainian forces reported downing 96 Russian drones and launched missile strikes, including Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, against targets in Ukraine. A drone attack in Crimea resulted in casualties, while a ferry in Krasnodar Krai was also targeted.

Ukrainian forces launched a record number of drone attacks against Russia on June 18, prompting Russian air defense to intercept and destroy 555 drones, with 190 shot down near Moscow. Despite the high interception rate, some civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries, sustained damage. Military experts highlighted the advanced capabilities of the Russian air defense system in countering these attacks.

Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on the Genichesk Bridge and air defense systems on June 20, 2026, targeting logistics in Crimea. The strikes also hit UAV control points in Zaporizhia Oblast, aiming to disrupt Russian supply routes. This operation reflects a strategic shift in Ukraine's approach to managing Russian military operations in the region.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jun 20 2026Loading...

A unit of female soldiers from the Rocket Force conducted live-fire training exercises in a mountainous area. They demonstrated their skills in missile operations under challenging conditions, completing tasks with zero errors. The unit, averaging under 22 years of age, has successfully participated in joint exercises and competitions, showcasing their capabilities and dedication to military service.

Russia laid the keel of the Murmansk, a new Yasen-M nuclear-powered attack submarine, at Sevmash in Severodvinsk on June 17, 2026. This marks the first submarine of its class to be constructed in six years, reflecting Russia's ongoing investment in its undersea capabilities despite challenges from the war in Ukraine. The Yasen-M class is known for its advanced weapon systems, including the Kalibr and Zircon missiles, enhancing Russia's naval power.

The MiG 1.44 prototype flew once on February 29, 2000, for 18 minutes before being grounded due to funding issues following the Soviet Union's collapse. Designed to compete with the F-22 Raptor, it featured advanced technologies but ultimately failed to mature into a viable aircraft. Despite its failure, lessons from the MiG 1.44 influenced future Russian fighter development, including the Su-57.

Russia is preparing a new mobilization wave for autumn 2026, conducting drills in Volzhsky and mass roundups in Penza to recruit military personnel. A member of the State Duma publicly acknowledged the need for fresh manpower due to ongoing battlefield challenges. These actions indicate a coordinated effort to bolster military forces amid significant losses in the conflict.

Russian military drones attacked two foreign-flagged civilian ships in the Black Sea on June 19, resulting in one death and five injuries. Additionally, a minibus in Kherson Oblast was struck, injuring four people. The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Kuleba reported these incidents on social media.

Ukrainian drones attacked the Kapotnya oil refinery in Moscow on June 18, 2023, successfully breaching Russian air defenses. The strike targeted a facility that supplies a significant portion of Moscow's fuel, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Russia's air defense systems. Following the attack, all four Moscow airports suspended operations, and regional authorities reported multiple injuries. This incident underscores the changing dynamics of the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating the ability to threaten critical infrastructure within Russia.

Alexandra ReevesFri Jun 19 2026Loading...

Fire Point showcased its new FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles at Eurosatory following a successful night attack on the Moscow Oil Refinery on June 17-18. The FP-1 drones were involved in the attack, which caused significant damage. The FP-7 is nearing completion as an interceptor missile, while the FP-9 is being developed to carry an 800 kg payload.

On June 19, 2026, Russian drones attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, resulting in one death and five injuries among the crew. The vessels, flagged from Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis, were targeted as part of Russia's strategy to disrupt maritime operations and exert control over shipping routes. This incident follows a significant Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow, indicating escalating tensions in the region.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jun 19 2026Loading...

Russia has developed a new engine, the Product 177, for its Su-57 Felon aircraft, enhancing its thrust and stealth capabilities. However, the aircraft remains largely grounded in Russian airspace, launching air-to-ground missiles from a distance due to concerns over potential losses in combat over Ukraine. Currently, only about 24 Su-57s are operational, limiting their impact in the ongoing conflict.

Chinese investors acquired stakes in SpaceX through a U.S. middleman firm, Tomales Bay Capital, between 2018 and 2021. The investments, ranging from $800,000 to $40 million, raised national security concerns due to SpaceX's ties to sensitive U.S. government work. SpaceX subsequently barred Chinese and Hong Kong investors from its IPO due to regulatory risks.

Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow, targeting an oil refinery and causing injuries. This was the second such attack in a week, following damage to a monastery in Kyiv. Russia reported shooting down 555 drones nationwide, with 180 intercepted near Moscow. The conflict escalated as both sides exchanged strikes, with Ukraine intensifying its campaign against Russian logistics and energy infrastructure.

Embraer is ramping up production of the KC-390 Millennium airlifter, expecting to build six aircraft in 2023. Deliveries are planned for the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, and South Korea. The company aims to double production by the end of the decade and is exploring a partnership with Northrop Grumman to enhance the aircraft's capabilities.