Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
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...Russia claims to strike Ukrainian energy facilities, Ukraine claims to strike Russian munitions depots.
On the 12th, Russian forces launched large-scale strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone production sites. In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a military ammunition depot in Volgograd Oblast and a military-industrial enterprise in Tambov Oblast using Flamingo missiles.
Ukrainian cruise missiles hit major Russian arsenal
Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a major Russian ammunition storage site in Kotluban, Volgograd Region, on February 12 using FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missiles. The attack resulted in powerful explosions and secondary detonations, despite Russian claims of interception. Local reports confirmed significant damage and a fire at the facility, which is vital for Russian military logistics.
Ukraine claims multiple areas hit by Russian airstrikes, 300,000 without water and electricity
Russia conducted a large-scale airstrike on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, on February 11-12, 2023. The attack involved 25 missiles and 219 drones, resulting in 2 fatalities and over 10 injuries. Significant damage occurred to energy infrastructure, particularly in Odesa, leaving approximately 300,000 people without water and electricity. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept most of the incoming threats.
Ukrainian Army Attacks Russian Armory
Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian military ammunition depot in Kotluban on February 12, causing an explosion and fire. The Russian governor reported the incident, indicating a risk of further explosions, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents.
Russia claims to strike Ukrainian military deployment points; Ukraine claims to strike Russian oil refineries.
On November 11, Russian forces conducted strikes on 141 Ukrainian military targets, including energy and transportation infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery in Volgograd and military supply depots in Crimea and Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, Russian air defense systems reported the downing of 458 drones.
Ukraine's DeepStrike Campaign Is Bleeding Russia's Oil Industry Dry
Ukrainian forces conducted 48 fire missions in January 2026 targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure as part of the DeepStrike campaign. This resulted in a 19% reduction in Russian oil refining output, with direct losses exceeding $1.3 billion in 2025. The campaign has significantly impacted Russia's ability to sustain its military operations, as 42% of its refining infrastructure has been under attack.
Alexandra ReevesTue Feb 10 2026Loading...Russia claims to strike Ukrainian energy facilities; Ukraine claims to attack Russian military warehouses.
Russian forces attacked energy and transportation infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops and controlled two settlements in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian forces reported 123 battles, primarily in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian air defense intercepted multiple HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, and drones during this period.
