Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Ukraine Has 80 ‘New’ M1A1 Abrams ‘Frankenstein’ Tanks and America Isn’t Happy
Ukrainian forces are actively employing 80 modified M1A1 Abrams tanks in combat against Russian troops as of February 2026. These tanks have been upgraded with reactive armor and anti-drone measures to improve their effectiveness in high-intensity areas like Pokrovsk. Despite initial challenges in combat performance, the modifications have significantly enhanced crew survivability and operational capabilities.
The Evolution of the Russian Counter-Drone Doctrine: From Defensive Measures to Technological Export
On February 17, 2026, Russian air defense systems destroyed over 150 Ukrainian drones in a single night, with a total of approximately 300 UAVs intercepted within 24 hours. The attacks focused on strategic sites in the Black Sea, Azov Sea, Crimea, and Krasnodar Krai. Concurrently, Russia presented new air defense technologies at the World Defense Show 2026, indicating a shift towards enhanced counter-drone capabilities.
Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 20 2026Loading...Experts worry about nuclear quid pro quo in Russia-North Korea alliance against Ukraine
North Korea is actively supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, suffering 6,000 casualties while supplying artillery shells and missiles. In exchange, Russia may provide North Korea with nuclear submarine expertise, marking a significant military collaboration between the two nations. This relationship reflects a growing military alliance as both countries seek to enhance their capabilities amid ongoing tensions.
Belarus launches rapid reserve mobilization
Belarus has initiated a rapid reserve mobilization, with reports of sudden call-ups for military duty in Grodno, Slonim, and Baranki. Men are receiving summonses with minimal notice, often requiring immediate reporting to military units. This mobilization is characterized by its speed and lack of typical deferments, raising concerns about its implications near NATO borders.
152mm Monster: Russia’s T-95 Main Battle Tank Summed Up in 2 Words
Russia's Uralvagonzavod developed the T-95 main battle tank in the early 2000s, featuring a 152mm smoothbore gun and advanced protection systems. The program was canceled in 2010 due to high costs and complexity, despite its revolutionary design aimed at enhancing armored warfare. The T-14 Armata, unveiled later, incorporated some of the T-95's technology but with a smaller caliber weapon.
Strategic Realignment: NATO's European Shift, Russia's Slowing Offensive, and the Iran-Israel Powder Keg
NATO commenced its Steadfast Dart 2026 military exercise in Central Europe on February 5, 2026, amid a backdrop of declining Russian offensive momentum in Ukraine. The U.S. is deploying additional military assets to the Middle East in response to rising tensions with Iran, while Ukraine continues its long-range strike campaign against Russian targets. Concurrently, Iranian officials have issued stark warnings regarding potential U.S. military actions.
Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Campaign: Striking Russia Where It Hurts Most
Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai on February 16-17, 2026, targeting a key facility for Russian military operations. This attack is part of a broader campaign to undermine Russia's energy export infrastructure, aiming to create economic pressure and force a revision of Moscow's demands in negotiations. Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities have evolved, enabling these operations deep within Russian territory.
Li MinghuiThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Russia's February Gains: 200 Square Kilometers and the Illusion of Momentum
Russian forces seized 200 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and 12 settlements in Donetsk Oblast in February 2026, but at a high cost, with the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly operating at 40% strength. Ukrainian forces counterattacked in Zaporizhia Oblast, reclaiming over 200 square kilometers. The operational reality indicates that while Russia can gain territory, it struggles to maintain combat power and achieve strategic objectives.
Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Starlink Shutdown: The Tactical Turning Point That Shifted Ukraine's Battlefield Momentum
Elon Musk's decision to cut off Russian forces' access to Starlink on February 5, 2026, led to significant operational challenges for the Russian Army, resulting in Ukrainian forces reclaiming over 200 square kilometers of territory. The communication breakdown severely impacted Russian military coordination, with reports of scrambling for alternative satellite systems. Ukrainian counterattacks advanced rapidly, exploiting the disruption in Russian command and control capabilities.
Marcus ChenThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Iran and Russia Hold Joint Naval Exercises
Iran and Russia commenced a joint naval exercise on February 19, involving the Iranian military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Russian Navy special forces. The exercise included a drill focused on the rescue of hijacked vessels.
Minus 9000 for January — the limit of the Russian voluntary recruitment system
In January 2026, Russian losses on the battlefield exceeded recruitment by 9000 personnel, marking a significant failure of the voluntary recruitment system. This situation has prompted the Russian government to prepare legislative measures for potential forced conscription, as the current model of 'war without mobilization' has reached its limits. The inability to replace personnel threatens the ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Envoys signal no breakthrough on bridging Russia and Ukraine’s military, political differences
U.S.-brokered talks in Geneva between Russian and Ukrainian envoys ended without a breakthrough, with both sides acknowledging the difficulty of negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging discussions while continuing military actions. Despite some constructive military discussions, significant political differences remain, particularly regarding territorial issues in eastern Ukraine. A new round of talks is anticipated, with European leaders participating in the process.
B-52 Stratofortress vs Tu-95 Bear vs B-2 Spirit: Cold War Giants and Stealth Revolution
The B-52H Stratofortress, Tu-95MS Bear, and B-2 Spirit are actively utilized in military operations as of 2026, with the B-52H serving as a versatile platform for standoff strikes. The Tu-95MS has been employed in Russia's strategic air campaign against Ukraine, launching Kh-101 missiles from a distance. The B-2 Spirit remains the only aircraft capable of penetrating advanced air defenses, underscoring its critical role in nuclear deterrence.
Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II vs J-20 vs Su-57: The Fifth Generation Fighter Showdown
The F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon, and Su-57 Felon represent the forefront of fifth-generation fighter technology. The F-22 excels in stealth and air superiority, while the F-35 emphasizes networked capabilities. The J-20 boasts impressive range and production rates, and the Su-57, despite its agility, faces production challenges. Each aircraft's design reflects different strategic priorities and operational doctrines, shaping future air combat dynamics.
Marcus ChenWed Feb 18 2026Loading...Collapse of a Military and Police Office Building in Russia, 3 Dead
On October 17, a military police office building collapsed in Shyrokyne, Leningrad Oblast, resulting in three fatalities. Rescue teams discovered the bodies of the victims in the debris. The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation, and a criminal case has been initiated by the Russian Federal Investigative Committee.
The Russian and Ukrainian Armies Continue to Launch Attacks Against Each Other
On October 17, Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, impacting 12 regions. Ukrainian forces responded by destroying a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in Crimea and targeting a chemical plant in Krasnodar Krai. Russia's air defense intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones and precision-guided bombs during these operations.
On the Eve of a New Round of Trilateral Talks, Russian and Ukrainian Forces Continue to Strike Each Other
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian energy facilities on February 16-17, 2023, using 400 drones and 29 missiles, resulting in 9 injuries. Ukrainian forces reported mutual engagements with Russian troops, including the capture of three villages by Russia. The attacks prompted calls from Ukrainian President Zelensky for increased sanctions against Russia and continued military support from allies.
Russia Goes to Geneva with an Exhausted Army — What Lies Behind the Kremlin's Negotiating Position
Russia is advancing with a depleted 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment in Zybyne, Kharkiv Oblast, as of February 2026. The Kremlin announced that Vladimir Medinsky will lead negotiations in Geneva starting February 17, aiming for terms that suggest the capitulation of Ukraine. Despite capturing territory, the Russian army operates at only 40% personnel strength, indicating systemic exhaustion. Concurrently, Ukraine has reported extensive damage to its energy infrastructure.
Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...
The F-35 Stealth Fighter Isn’t Worth $2,000,000,000,000
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) deployed its F-35I Adir fleet to conduct airstrikes against Iranian targets during a 12-day conflict. The operations involved beyond-visual-range strikes and drone swarms, highlighting a shift towards distributed and unmanned warfare. Despite the F-35I's use, critics argue that it was not the decisive weapon and emphasize the need for a focus on drone technology instead of costly manned aircraft.
219 Drones and 24 Missiles in One Night — Russia's Massive Attacks on Ukraine's Energy as a System of Depleting Air Defense
On February 12, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive combined strike involving 219 drones and 24 ballistic missiles against energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Odessa, and Dnipro. This operation aimed to exhaust Ukrainian air defense capabilities while targeting civilian heating during extreme cold. The cost-effectiveness of the Russian strategy highlights a significant disparity in military expenditure between the two sides.
Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 13 2026Loading...
