Russian forces have launched large-scale mechanized attacks in the Lyman direction. The goal of the operation is to break through the main defensive line of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and capture cities.
The Kremlin tried to exchange intelligence on Iran for an end to US support for Ukraine. The Trump administration rejected the Russian proposals.
The occupiers have activated armored vehicles in three directions in preparation for the summer campaign. ISW predicts attacks on the "fortress belt" and an increase in enemy losses.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are successfully attacking enemy artillery and radars to disrupt the spring offensive. Dozens of Russian air defense systems were hit during the winter and early spring of 2026.
ISW analysts believe that the temporary US permission to buy Russian oil will strengthen Russia's war economy. Rising oil prices and the US decision will provide Russia with greater flexibility, support the Russian domestic economy, and finance the Russian armed forces.
Russian propaganda created a fake video about weapons from Ukraine allegedly ending up in the Middle East. ISW and partners do not confirm any facts of theft.
Ukrainian experts will teach Persian Gulf countries how to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles. Three states plan to purchase Ukrainian UAV interception systems.
The General Staff updated data on enemy losses: 930 occupiers and 2558 UAVs were eliminated in a day. The total number of destroyed tanks reached 11,742 units.
The occupiers increased the share of ballistic missiles in their salvos to 50 percent. ISW attributes this to the depletion of interceptor stockpiles in Ukraine due to the conflict in the Middle East.
The Russian command has redeployed elite units from the Pokrovsk direction due to the successes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russia has previously used the redeployment of elements of the 76th Airborne Division to respond to critical situations on the front.
Russian forces have intensified strikes on Ukraine's railway infrastructure since July 2025, and are also increasing their use of Shahed drones both on the front lines and for attacks on critical infrastructure. This is leading to civilian deaths and injuries.
The US and Israel are striking Iranian drone and missile production facilities. At the same time, the US is limiting Ukraine's capabilities by refusing to provide Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Kent Smetters, director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, stated that US strikes on Iran could cost the American economy up to $210 billion. The lowest damage figure is $40 billion.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is trying to position himself as a mediator between Iran and the Persian Gulf states. This is happening against the backdrop of a US-Israeli operation against Iran.
Russia refuses to support Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Putin expressed condolences but did not mention the US or Israel.
Ukraine is considering the possibility of creating consortia with allies to develop air defense systems capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. This will also help overcome the shortage of ammunition for Patriot systems.
The Kremlin manipulates international law to create a false legal justification for aggression and to absolve itself of responsibility for violating Ukraine's borders in 2014 and 2022.
Russia has de facto annexed Belarus and uses its infrastructure to attack Ukraine and destabilize NATO. Belarus has lost its sovereignty and is an accomplice in the aggression.
American financier Gentry Beach, linked to the Trump family, has struck a deal with Russia's Novatek to develop a gas project in Alaska. This cooperation comes amid Russia's war against Ukraine and Western sanctions.
Russia is likely using "temporary accommodation centers" to forcibly displace Ukrainians in the occupied territories or deport them to Russia. This is being done under the guise of "humanitarian evacuation."
Last week, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated 201 square kilometers of territory, taking advantage of the Russians' loss of Starlink. This is the largest recaptured territory since June 2023.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Russia will continue strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure in February 2026. The aggressor country does not intend to stop the war.
In 2025, Russians killed at least 2,919 civilians and wounded 17,775, an increase of 12% and 25% respectively compared to 2024. Drone strikes caused the majority of civilian casualties.
Russia is blocking WhatsApp and other Western platforms to regain control over the information space. The Kremlin aims to transfer Russians to the state messenger Max.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the actions of the Russians at the front indicate their readiness to fight until autumn. President Zelenskyy noted that the end of the war by summer depends on the United States.
Vladimir Putin signed a decree subordinating Rosgvardia to the General Staff of the Russian Federation, headed by Valery Gerasimov. This will strengthen Gerasimov's control over security forces, rewarding his loyalty.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, commented on Die Welt's publication about a possible large-scale Russian offensive in the spring-summer of 2026. Kovalenko noted that the enemy's plans are known, and Ukraine's Defense Forces are doing everything to thwart them.
According to analysts, Russia used a temporary "moratorium" on strikes against energy targets to accumulate drones and missiles. After that, it launched devastating attacks on Ukraine.
The Kremlin continues to reject security guarantees for Ukraine, citing the 2022 "Istanbul Protocol. " This document would leave Ukraine defenseless against aggression.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has simplified the procedure for verifying Starlink terminals in the DELTA system for military personnel. Now, every DELTA user can independently enter information about the terminal, which will speed up equipment confirmation.
