Analysis & Reports

On November 11, Russian forces conducted strikes on various military and infrastructure targets in Ukraine, including drone storage facilities. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces attacked Russian personnel and equipment gathering areas, downing 2014 Russian drones. Additionally, Ukrainian forces targeted an oil depot and a pipeline station within Russia.

Ukrainian drones attacked a gas station in Lihov, Kursk Oblast, on April 11, injuring three people, including a one-year-old baby. In a separate incident, drones struck Belgorod Oblast, resulting in two civilian injuries. These attacks occurred during the Orthodox Easter ceasefire, with no response from Ukrainian officials.

On April 11, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported the exchange of 175 captured soldiers with Ukraine. The Russian soldiers have arrived in Belarus for necessary psychological and medical assistance before being sent back to Russia. Additionally, seven residents from Kursk Oblast were released by Ukraine during this exchange.

Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked two drilling platforms in the northern Caspian Sea on the night of April 9 to April 10, 2023. These platforms were reportedly used to supply Russian forces and are located nearly 1,000 kilometers from the front line. In response, Russian President Putin announced a ceasefire coinciding with Orthodox Easter.

President Putin announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, effective from April 11 at 16:00 to April 12 at 24:00 in Moscow. The Russian Armed Forces have been instructed to cease all combat operations during this period. Ukraine is encouraged to reciprocate the ceasefire. The announcement follows a statement from Ukrainian President Zelensky, indicating Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire during the holiday.

On April 9, 2023, Russia transferred 1000 deceased military personnel to Ukraine, while Ukraine transferred 41 deceased personnel to Russia. This exchange was confirmed by Shamsail Saraliyev, the Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the State Duma of Russia.

The Russian Navy is modernizing two Kirov-class battlecruisers, including the Admiral Nakhimov, which will be equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles and S-400 air-defense systems. This modernization follows the sinking of the Moskva in 2022 and reflects a desire to restore national pride and military capability. The Kirov-class ships, originally commissioned during the Cold War, are among the largest surface combatants globally.

Ukrainian drones struck the Russian rail ferry Slavyanin on April 6, 2023, targeting a key logistical asset used to transport military supplies across the Kerch Strait into Crimea. This operation aimed to disrupt Russian military logistics, as the Slavyanin was the last ferry actively facilitating these movements. The strike follows previous damage to the ferry and highlights ongoing efforts by Ukraine to target Russian supply routes.

The Secure World Foundation reports that 13 nations are developing counterspace capabilities, with increasing jamming of GPS and satellite communications. Germany is notably expanding its military space program, while Russia and North Korea are actively jamming GPS signals. The US, Russia, and China possess significant electronic warfare capabilities, and there is a trend towards developing 'bodyguard' satellites to protect military assets.

Russian forces intensified their offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk, during April 2026, seizing multiple settlements. Ukrainian defenders executed precision strikes against Russian logistics and command posts, resulting in significant Russian casualties, including 1,230 personnel lost in a single day. The conflict has escalated, with both sides employing advanced military strategies and equipment.

Dmitri VolkovWed Apr 08 2026Loading...

Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) are redeploying elite units to Donetsk Oblast as of April 2026, reflecting a shift in military strategy due to significant personnel losses. The VDV's role has evolved from a strategic reserve to frontline infantry, while military cooperation with Belarus has intensified, including joint exercises and potential permanent basing. Ukrainian forces have regained territory, indicating improved operational capabilities, while Russia plans to target critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

Dmitri VolkovTue Apr 07 2026Loading...

A newly identified Ukrainian sea drone was spotted during a strike attempt on Russia’s naval base at Novorossiysk. The drone, equipped with a remotely operated machine-gun mount, was destroyed by a Russian Lancet loitering munition before it could reach the port. This incident highlights the ongoing adaptation of Ukraine's naval drone capabilities in response to threats in contested waters.

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Colombia on March 23, 2023, resulting in at least 66 fatalities among the 128 people on board. This incident is the third significant crash of the C-130 model in five months, following similar accidents in Bolivia and Georgia. The aircraft, known for its durability, has been in service for over 60 years.

Russia has tested the Kuryer unmanned ground combat system equipped with the Bagunlnik-82 automated mortar module. The system features an automatic loading mechanism that allows for rapid firing without personnel exposure. This development is part of Russia's unmanned ground robotics program, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities while reducing crew vulnerability. The footage indicates that the system has reached a functional prototype stage capable of live fire.

Ukrainian defense forces struck the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk on April 6, 2026, using drones to hit multiple locations within the facility. The attack has effectively halted export operations at this key Russian petroleum hub, causing significant damage to critical infrastructure, including Pier No. 1 and the SIKN control system. This operation targets Russia's revenue stream from oil exports, impacting its war funding.

Russian forces continued military operations in April 2026, claiming control over 99.84% of Luhansk Oblast while facing significant Ukrainian resistance. Ukrainian forces achieved an 89.9% success rate in intercepting Russian missiles and drones, undermining Russian strategic capabilities. NATO has increased its defensive measures along the eastern flank in response to the evolving security situation, while diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

On April 1-2, 2026, Russian forces launched 172 drones in a large-scale assault on Ukrainian territory, targeting civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 147 drones, but 22 struck various targets. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces executed precision strikes in Crimea, destroying key military assets. The Kremlin also intensified its crackdown on VPNs to control information amid the escalating conflict.

Dmitri VolkovSun Apr 05 2026Loading...

On April 4, 2023, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) evacuated 198 personnel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant following an attack in the vicinity. The evacuation involved transporting staff by bus to the Iran-Armenia border, with plans to return to Russia from Yerevan. The incident resulted in the death of one Iranian citizen and raised concerns about the increasing risk of a nuclear accident.

NATO suspects Russian forces are behind recent attacks on Ukrainian grain ships in the Black Sea, prompting the deployment of a Maritime Task Force to secure shipping lanes. The MV Golden Horizon was damaged by an underwater explosion and ran aground in Romania. NATO is utilizing UUVs and drones to investigate the incidents and counter potential threats from hybrid UUV-mines. The situation poses significant risks to Ukraine's agricultural exports and global food supply.

A Russian Su-30 fighter jet crashed in Crimea around 11:00 a.m. Moscow time during a scheduled training flight. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by a ground search-and-rescue team. The aircraft was flying without ammunition, and the incident contributes to the losses of Russia's Su-30 fleet amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine.