Analysis & Reports

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.

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.

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...

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 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.

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.

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...

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...