General Oleg Salyukov has been relieved of his duties as commander-in-chief of the Russian Ground Forces after eight years in the position. He has been appointed to a deputy role within the Security Council. No replacement has yet been named. The dismissal follows revelations that Salyukov’s family profited from military-related events organized by his daughter-in-law’s firm.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted Russia’s capacity for a WWII-scale mobilization, citing millions already supporting the military effort in Ukraine through aid and supplies. Despite avoiding another large-scale draft following the unpopular 2022 mobilization, Russia currently recruits 30,000-40,000 soldiers monthly via incentives and aggressive campaigns. This recruitment rate reportedly offsets estimated daily frontline losses, though some Russian officials advocate for broader mobilization in anticipation of future conflicts. Ukraine’s military estimates Russia could mobilize up to 5 million trained reservists.
Zelenskiy’s praise for the “liquidation” of top Russian military figures underscores a significant shift in the Ukrainian approach to the conflict. The reported elimination of these high-ranking officers represents a strategic blow to the Russian war effort, potentially disrupting command structures and undermining morale. It’s a clear indication that Ukraine is actively targeting key individuals within the Russian military hierarchy, rather than focusing solely on broader battlefield objectives.
The timing of these reported events, following a declared (and swiftly broken) Russian ceasefire, suggests a potential retaliatory measure by Ukraine. The alleged immediate bombing of Kyiv after the ceasefire announcement likely served as a catalyst, prompting a response aimed at those deemed responsible for the attack.… Continue reading
A Russian Baltic Fleet helicopter briefly violated Polish airspace on April 25th, confirmed by Polish military and civilian radar systems. The Polish Armed Forces believe this incident, along with previous airspace intrusions by Russian aircraft, constitutes a test of Polish air defenses. These actions follow a pattern of Russian airspace violations since the start of the Ukraine war, prompting repeated Polish jet scrambles. Poland has consistently accused Russia of intentionally probing its air defense capabilities.
Russia forces aren’t as strong as they claim, say captured Chinese fighters. This assertion, stemming from the accounts of two Chinese citizens captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, paints a compelling picture of a military significantly weaker than its projected image. The men, recruited through online advertisements, including one on TikTok, described being misled about the reality of the conflict. Their experience directly contradicts the often-exaggerated portrayal of Russian military might.
Russia forces aren’t as strong as they claim, say captured Chinese fighters, according to their firsthand accounts. These captured individuals highlight the stark contrast between the Russian government’s propaganda and the actual capabilities of its forces on the ground.… Continue reading
Released audio from Ukraine’s HUR suggests a Russian commander ordered his troops to fire on a neighboring unit for failing to follow orders, highlighting internal conflict within the Russian military. While the authenticity of the audio remains unverified, this incident is one of several reported instances of “friendly fire” among Russian forces. These incidents, coupled with intercepted calls revealing some Russians celebrating drone attacks on Moscow, underscore internal divisions and the human cost of the war. The scale of these internal conflicts, however, remains largely unknown.
Russians are sending way more drones than they used to, a significant increase in the sheer number of unmanned aerial vehicles launched in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate a tenfold increase, from a previous average of ten drones to eighty now. This dramatic escalation immediately raises questions about the implications of this shift in tactics.
This massive surge in drone deployments seems to represent a calculated strategic shift. The aim appears to be overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses through sheer volume, a strategy of attrition designed to wear down enemy capabilities. The cost-effectiveness of this approach becomes apparent when considering the relative expense of air defense systems versus the individual cost of drones.… Continue reading
Satellite imagery analysis reveals a drastic 3.5-4 times reduction in Russia’s tank restoration rate since 2022, insufficient to offset battlefield losses. Resurgam and Vishun_military researchers estimate that only around 1,200 tanks remain readily restorable, with over 4,000 decommissioned since 2022. This depletion of easily accessible reserves, coupled with a decline in monthly restoration from 120 units in 2022 to 30-35 in early 2025, is forcing Russia to utilize civilian vehicles and highlights a critical shortfall in tank production and repair capabilities. The dwindling number of restorable tanks, along with the dismantling of equipment “burial grounds,” further underscores the severity of the situation.
A Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase resulted in the destruction of 96 air-launched cruise missiles via secondary explosions, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The strike, one of several targeting the base, also eliminated significant fuel reserves intended for Russian aircraft, significantly impacting their operational capacity. Satellite imagery confirms substantial damage to the base, including craters and destroyed bunkers. While Russia reported intercepting 54 drones, the attack’s success represents a notable blow to Russian air power.
The UK Ministry of Defence estimates that Russia has suffered approximately 900,000 casualties in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, including 200,000-250,000 deaths, marking Russia’s greatest losses since World War II. Despite these substantial losses, the Kremlin reportedly prioritizes its war aims over soldier lives, accepting high casualty rates. Recruitment disproportionately targets impoverished ethnic minorities in Russia, highlighting a disparity in the value placed on the lives of different citizen groups.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood