Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian drones attacked the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery on August 28, 2026, marking the eighth strike this year. In response, the Russian government issued a decree allowing temporary management of critical infrastructure due to insufficient protection against drone threats. This decree has raised concerns about its vague criteria and the implications for Russian businesses.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Security Service struck a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber at Engels-2 airbase overnight Friday. This marks the second attack on a Tu-95 at the same location in six weeks, with significant damage reported to the aircraft's right wing. The base is known for launching Kh-101 cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets and also stores munitions and fuel.

Ukrainian forces attacked a large oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia, on August 28, using an FP-1 drone. The refinery is one of Russia's largest, with a refining capacity of approximately 15 million tons per year, and the attack resulted in a significant fire at the site. This strike is part of a broader campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure.

Russian forces captured a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region and struck 145 targets, including logistics centers and military facilities. On the same days, Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on multiple Russian command posts in Donetsk and targeted support units in Kherson and Crimea.

Russia delivered a third batch of Su-35S fighters to its Aerospace Forces on August 27, 2026, although the exact number of aircraft in this batch remains undisclosed. Currently, 114 Su-35S fighters are in service, with an additional 30 on order. The aircraft were produced at the Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and have been operational since their first deployment in Syria in 2016.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted a joint airborne exercise with Belarusian forces in Hubei Province, China, in August 2023. The exercise, named 'Swift Eagle 2026', involved the Z-20K helicopter and focused on counter-terrorism and airborne assault skills. This marks a significant demonstration of the Z-20K's operational capabilities and readiness for international military collaboration.

Russian forces are successfully advancing in the Donetsk region, with the Southern Group of Forces breaking through Ukrainian defenses. They are approximately 4 km from Slavyansk and 1.5 km from Druzhkivka, having controlled over 100 square kilometers in the past two months. Ukrainian forces are focused on maintaining control over the remaining areas of Donbas.

A Russian soldier was killed in a car explosion in Saint Petersburg on August 27. The incident has been reported by multiple sources, confirming the casualty.

Russian forces are preparing Slavyansk for a siege in autumn 2026, employing Tornado-S systems and FAB-500 bombs to disrupt logistics and exhaust Ukrainian defenses. This strategy aims to weaken the supply routes and morale of Ukrainian forces rather than achieve immediate territorial gains. The focus is on creating a state of logistical distress in the region, indicating a shift in Russian military tactics towards prolonged engagements.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

Rostec delivered a new batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in 2026. This marks the third delivery of Su-35S fighters this year, with the exact number unspecified but confirmed to be at least two. The aircraft completed factory testing and are intended for various operational roles, including air superiority and precision strikes against ground targets.

Russia is establishing and upgrading ten drone bases near the borders of Belarus and Ukraine, potentially for attacks on NATO member states. These bases include around 60 new launch pads for drones capable of striking targets hundreds of miles away, posing a new threat to NATO's eastern flank. NATO is closely monitoring these developments and investing in counter-drone systems to mitigate risks.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted strikes on multiple Russian military targets from August 24 to 25, 2023. The attacks included the Millerovo Air Base, laser weapon systems in Luhansk, and satellite communication jamming stations in Crimea. Damage reported includes a MiG-29 aircraft and various military facilities. Ukrainian forces intend to persist in targeting critical Russian military objectives.

Ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned that Ukraine is gradually losing the war against Russia and needs urgent strategic changes. He highlighted the lack of innovation and a cohesive military plan, while Russia continues to launch ballistic missile attacks. Fedorov also called for wartime elections, which has sparked controversy, and emphasized the importance of developing advanced military technologies to improve Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The Russian Baltic Fleet fitted several warships with improvised netting and camouflage to protect against drone strikes following a confirmed attack on the corvette Boikiy at Kronstadt on June 3. The measures include various visual countermeasures and are not part of a standardized protection program. This incident marks the first confirmed Ukrainian drone strike on a Baltic Fleet installation.

North Korea is preparing to send 8500 personnel, including 400 drone operators, to Russia in August 2026. This military exchange signifies a strategic partnership, allowing North Korea to gain modern warfare skills while providing Russia with needed manpower. The presence of drone operators indicates a shift in the nature of military cooperation, moving beyond mere supply of artillery to a more integrated military training and operational collaboration.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 25 2026Loading...

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan on August 25, 2023, simulating attacks on enemy submarines. Approximately 60 naval vessels and 30 aircraft participated in the operation, which lasted about 5 hours. The exercises are part of larger military drills that began on August 4, involving significant military assets in the region.

Russia launched a classified military satellite from Plesetsk on August 24, using a Soyuz-2-1b rocket. This occurred a day after Ukrainian drones reached the Arkhangelsk region in an attempt to disrupt the launch, leading to the downing of 40 drones by Russian forces. The satellite's payload, designated 'Kosmos', successfully reached orbit as planned.

Ukrainian drones targeted at least four Ozon logistics facilities and a chemical plant in Kamen, Rostov Oblast, on August 23-24, 2023. Ozon confirmed the incapacitation of its logistics hubs, impacting supply chains. The strikes are part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, with reports of civilian casualties complicating the situation for Moscow.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

Ukraine is producing dozens of Behemoth kamikaze drones, which have been used in strikes against the Chonhar Bridge and other targets in occupied territories. The drone, developed by GLEFA and Culver Aerospace, has a range of 300 km and carries a payload of 75 kg. Reports indicate that the Behemoth is already in operational use by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Ukraine held the world’s first military parade composed entirely of unmanned systems in Kyiv on August 24, 2026, showcasing various ground, naval, and aerial drones. The event marked Ukraine’s Independence Day and highlighted the formal establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces as a dedicated military branch. This parade featured dozens of ground robotic systems and naval kamikaze drones, emphasizing Ukraine's advancements in drone warfare.