Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian military drones attacked the "Dorogobuzh" chemical plant in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, on February 25, resulting in 7 civilian deaths and at least 10 injuries. The attack involved at least 30 drones and caused significant damage to the facility. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while emergency services responded to control the fire and assist the injured.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has not succeeded in breaking the resolve of Ukrainians after four years of conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine has defended its independence despite significant territorial losses, with Russia currently controlling nearly 20% of the country. The U.N. has called for an immediate ceasefire, while Zelenskyy anticipates new U.S.-brokered talks with Russia. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread hardship for civilians.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has not succeeded in breaking the resolve of Ukrainians four years after the invasion began. He emphasized that Ukraine has defended its independence despite significant casualties and territorial losses. The U.N. General Assembly called for an immediate ceasefire, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled. Zelenskyy also highlighted the growing threat of Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil.

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...

Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian transportation and energy infrastructure on April 23, 2023, in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. On April 22, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil station in Tatarstan, while strikes in Voronezh and Belgorod Oblasts caused power outages. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not concede territory for a ceasefire, and President Macron urged for new EU sanctions against Russia. Putin announced plans to enhance military capabilities.

Ukrainian forces recaptured approximately 400 square kilometers of territory in a counteroffensive, while Russian forces conducted large-scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian casualties exceeded 186,000, with significant losses reported in the Novopavlivka sector. The conflict remains characterized by operational stalemate, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched a missile strike on a military factory in Votkinsk on February 21, targeting facilities that produce Yars and Bulava intercontinental missiles and Iskander-M tactical missiles. The strike reportedly caused a fire at the site, indicating a significant military operation aimed at degrading Russian missile production capabilities. The Flamingo cruise missiles used in the attack have a range of 3000 km.

Ukrainian forces have transitioned to a counteroffensive in southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, liberating 168.9 square kilometers since January 1, 2026. They executed a precision strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Russia, demonstrating enhanced deep-strike capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian territorial gains have significantly slowed, reflecting attrition and improved Ukrainian defenses. The evolving military landscape indicates a shift in operational dynamics as Ukraine adapts its strategies.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces struck two Russian patrol ships and two aircraft located in Crimea on the 21st. Additionally, they targeted Russian multiple rocket launcher systems in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian military reported these actions via social media, and as of now, there has been no official response from Russia.

Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed two Russian military helicopters, a Ka-52 and a Mi-8, during a drone strike at Pugachevka airfield in Russia's Oryol region on the evening of February 20, 2026. The attack targeted helicopters involved in countering Ukrainian drone operations, highlighting Ukraine's strategy of striking aviation assets located away from the front line. The Mi-8 was part of the 319th Independent Helicopter Regiment, while the Ka-52 belonged to the 16th Army Aviation Brigade.

Ukrainian forces recaptured 86 square kilometers and 18 settlements in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts from February 20-22, 2026, disrupting Russian offensive operations. Russian claims of territorial gains were found to be inflated, with independent assessments verifying only 572 square kilometers seized. The denial of Starlink access has significantly impacted Russian command and control capabilities, leading to operational challenges. Russian forces continue to conduct strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, despite facing increasing manpower pressures and recruitment issues.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 22 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on February 22, 2023, targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in widespread power outages across Odesa, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Poltava Oblasts. Ukrainian forces retaliated with drone attacks in the Belgorod region, causing civilian casualties. Russian air defense intercepted multiple missiles and drones during the operations.

Ukrainian forces struck the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in the Udmurt Republic on the night of February 21, using FP-5 'Flamingo' cruise missiles. Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage, including a significant breach in the roof of one of the production workshops. Fires were reported at the facility, indicating severe internal damage to this critical missile production site.

Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian military factory in Votkinsk on February 21, causing a fire. The factory is known for producing Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles and Bulava missiles. Additionally, a gas processing plant in Samara Oblast was struck, also resulting in a fire, as it provides energy support to the Russian military.

As of February 2026, the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet has been effectively neutralized and relocated from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk due to sustained attacks from Ukraine. The Naval Infantry has seen personnel numbers drop from 150,000 to 119,000, reflecting a significant decline in operational capability. The sinking of the Moskva in April 2022 exemplifies the fleet's systemic failures and vulnerabilities.

Ukraine conducted a long-range strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Udmurtia, Russia, on February 21, 2023, resulting in explosions and a significant fire. The attack targeted a key facility involved in Russia's ballistic missile production, aiming to disrupt its manufacturing capabilities. Three individuals were hospitalized, and reports suggest the use of long-range strike systems in the operation.

Kazakhstan and Russia are conducting joint air defense military exercises from February 20 to March 10. The exercises focus on improving coordination and combat skills, with activities including the detection and tracking of aerial targets and intercepting unauthorized aircraft. Both the Kazakh and Russian armed forces are involved in this operation.

In February 2026, approximately 8,000 North Korean troops are deployed in Kursk Oblast, Russia, under Russian command, providing fire support. This deployment follows North Korea's significant casualties in recent combat. Concurrently, Russia is enhancing its military support for North Korea while opposing South Korea's nuclear submarine development. The U.S. has initiated a Maritime Action Plan to strengthen shipbuilding cooperation with allies, including Japan and South Korea.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered upgraded Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to the Aerospace Forces, enhancing their capabilities. Approximately 30 to 42 units are active, with some stationed at Dzyomgi air base to protect against drone attacks. The Su-57 can control the S-70 Okhotnik-B drone and is intended to be a key component of Russia's air power, despite production challenges and limited deployment.