Russia’s War against Ukraine
May and June 2026
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
In the fifth year of the war, the strategic initiative has shifted to Ukraine. It has gained a technological edge in drone development and has systematically weakened Russia's air defense. Ukrainian forces are now striking oil-refining facilities and defense manufacturers across the European part of Russia. In large parts of the occupied territories, freight transport has ground to a halt as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks. A state of emergency has been declared in Crimea, and the peninsula may have to be evacuated. On the ground, however, the occupation forces' summer offensive continues, while the overall situation remains one of fragile parity.
(Osteuropa 3-4/2026, pp. 27–48)