Investigations into Russian military command
Command failures, corrupt ties, property and war crimes of Russian generals and officers.
Апти Алаудинов: санкции, критика за Курск и погоны генерал-лейтенанта
Замминистра внутренних дел Чечни, которого США и Британия ещё в 2014–2020 годах внесли в санкционные списки за пытки и травлю ЛГБТ, возглавил спецназ «Ахмат» и стал самым заметным комментатором войны. Когда в августе 2024 года ВСУ прорвали именно тот участок границы Курской области, где стояли его бойцы, а часть из них попала в плен и рассказывала о бежавших в лес командирах, Алаудинов назвал происходящее вбросами противника. Несколько месяцев спустя он получил кресло в Генштабе и погоны генерал-лейтенанта.
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118 pieces
Дети без возвращения: Путин, Львова-Белова и документы о депортации из Украины
От исследования лагерной сети Yale до ордеров МУС и выводов комиссии ООН 2026 года: что документы говорят о вывозе украинских детей, роли российского руководства и препятствиях для возвращения в семьи.
«Ростов-на-Дону»: удар по подлодке и обещание ремонта, которое требует отчёта
В сентябре 2023 года Москва признала повреждение двух кораблей в Севастополе и обещала вернуть их в строй. В августе 2024-го Украина заявила о затоплении «Ростова-на-Дону». Разбираем две разные даты, пределы доказательств и вопросы к управлению ремонтом Черноморского флота.
Андрей Суховецкий: первая подтверждённая потеря генерала и вопросы к командованию 41-й армии
Заместитель командующего 41-й армией Андрей Суховецкий погиб в первые дни полномасштабного вторжения. Его смерть подтвердили российские источники, но обстоятельства обросли противоречивыми рассказами. Разбираем карьеру генерала, подтверждение потери и вопрос о том, почему старшие командиры оказывались под огнём.
В/ч 12721: как 488-й полк пережил разгром, подвалы для отказников и плен срочников под Суджей
В марте 2022 года украинские власти объявили 488-й мотострелковый полк из Клинцов практически уничтоженным под Харьковом. Номер части сохранили, полк пополнили людьми, наградили гвардейским званием — а затем его военнослужащие появились в лагере для отказников, сотнях судебных дел о пропавших и среди пленных срочников в Курской области.
«Даже к 2045 году»: документ Иванаева раскрыл, почему ГВ «Восток» теряет FPV-расчёты
Внутренние методические рекомендации группировки войск «Восток» сравнивают привилегированный «Рубикон» с линейными мотострелковыми частями. Подписанный Андреем Иванаевым документ связывает гибель подготовленных FPV-расчётов, техническое отставание и повторяющийся цикл обучения новых операторов прежде всего с решениями общевойсковых командиров.
«Циркон» по деталям: 70 предприятий, 84 сотрудника и иностранная электроника в ракете 3М22
ГУР Украины опубликовало интерактивную модель 3М22 «Циркон» и карту её производственной кооперации: 70 предприятий и 84 связанных с ними человека. В обломках указаны компоненты американского происхождения. Разбираем, что действительно показывает база, где российские характеристики расходятся с украинской экспертизой и почему название производителя микросхемы ещё не доказывает нарушение санкций.
Усть-Луга у границы НАТО: пожар в порту, дроны над Эстонией и взлёт турецких F-16
Удар 1 сентября повредил комплекс «Новатэк — Усть-Луга» в одном из главных экспортных портов России. Во время атаки беспилотники кратковременно вошли в воздушное пространство Эстонии, и НАТО подняло с базы Эмари турецкие F-16. Разбираем подтверждённый ущерб, противоречивые цифры перехватов и цену войны у границы Альянса.
Змеиный: как Россия превратила остров в неподвижную цель и ушла через 126 дней
Россия удерживала остров Змеиный 126 дней, перебрасывая на открытую скалу ПВО, катера и людей. Удары по гарнизону и маршрутам снабжения постепенно сделали позицию невыгодной. Проверенная реконструкция отделяет визуально подтверждённые эпизоды от красивой, но недоказанной «поминутной хроники».
Удар по депо в Киеве: шесть погибших железнодорожников и неустановленный расчёт «Искандера»
В ночь на 1 сентября баллистическая ракета поразила локомотивное депо и другие объекты «Укрзализныци» в Киеве. Погибли семь человек, среди них шесть железнодорожников. Открытые источники подтверждают последствия удара, но пока не позволяют назвать бригаду и расчёт, осуществившие пуск.
Су-34 под огнём: потери, засады Patriot и аэродромы, которые не смогли защитить
Су-34 остался главным российским носителем планирующих авиабомб, но не стал неуязвимым. Визуальный реестр Oryx насчитывает 42 потерянных и повреждённых Су-34 и отдельно один Су-34М; самолёты поражали в воздухе, на стоянках и даже на испытательной базе. Разбираем, что действительно доказано, как ВКС изменили тактику и где проходит ответственность командования.
Могрица против AI-фейка: как видео с места сломало историю о «захвате» села
Российские военные каналы распространили ролик как доказательство «взятия» Могрицы в Сумской области. 21-я механизированная бригада Украины ответила видео с одной из улиц села. Разбираем, что этот эпизод действительно доказывает, где начинается AI-манипуляция и почему кадр с флагом нельзя автоматически приравнивать к контролю над населённым пунктом.
Покушение в Энгельсе: вероятной целью называют генерала Варпаховича
Утром 3 сентября в Энгельсском районе был тяжело ранен офицер ВКС. Ряд изданий называет пострадавшим генерал-майора Николая Варпаховича, но СК РФ имя не раскрыл. За три дня до нападения СБУ сообщила генералу о заочном подозрении по делу об ударе по «Охматдету». Связь двух событий не установлена.
459 перуанцев в армии РФ: как иностранцев вербуют обещаниями работы и отправляют на войну
МИД Перу официально сообщил о 459 гражданах страны, вступивших в российские войска: 11 погибли, 114 пропали без вести, трое оказались в украинском плену. На фоне протестов семей и заявлений о принудительной вербовке российский посол в Индонезии Сергей Толченов отрицает участие посольства — но история Перу, Непала, Индии и Кубы показывает устойчивую международную систему набора.
Внутри войск беспилотных систем ЗГВ: ТС-100, «Орлан-10» и судебный след «Веги»
Внутренний документ группировки «Запад» показывает, как российская армия формализует вертикаль управления дронами. Открытые закупки, научная публикация и два судебных дела раскрывают финансовый и технологический след комплекса ТС-100 — без публикации чувствительных схем.
83 «смотрящих» на 65 танкерах: как ветераны ЧВК и ГРУ охраняли теневой флот России
В списках экипажей санкционных танкеров журналисты нашли 83 россиян без морской квалификации: ветеранов ЧВК «Вагнер», «Редута», ВДВ и подразделений ГРУ. Они следили за иностранными капитанами, докладывали о маршруте и должны были не допустить остановки судна — но атака на Qendil показала пределы такой охраны.
Arkady Marzoev: From the 22nd Corps to the 18th Army and the Battles for Krynky
A verifiable dossier on Lieutenant General Arkady Marzoev: appointments, the offensive from Crimea, the 18th Army, Krynky, and suspicions announced by Ukraine.
Андрей Моисеенко: что известно о штабном офицере 41-й армии, погибшем в Донецке
OSINT-проект сообщил о гибели подполковника Андрея Моисеенко после удара по Донецку в ночь на 27 августа. Восстанавливаем подтверждённую часть профиля, роль оперативного управления 41-й армии и противоречие между версиями о том, чей именно штаб оказался целью.
Золотые погоны: топ-10 самых богатых генералов СВО и их тайные активы
Десять представителей российского военного руководства, которых открытые источники связывают с элитной недвижимостью, подрядчиками Минобороны и уголовными делами. Разбираем происхождение оценок активов и то, как коррупционные схемы отражались на связи, снабжении и фортификациях.
«Энгельс-2» без прикрытия: второй Ту-95МС и цепочка ответственности Варпаховича
Спутниковые снимки зафиксировали серьёзное повреждение ещё одного Ту-95МС на авиабазе «Энгельс-2». Разбираем, что подтверждено, почему второй удар за шесть недель стал управленческим провалом и кто входит в командную цепочку 22-й тяжёлой бомбардировочной авиадивизии.
Минус 6 тысяч в месяц: почему контрактный набор перестал перекрывать потери армии РФ
Даже набор примерно тысячи человек в день больше не компенсирует российские потери, оценили западные чиновники. Разбираем, откуда взялся дефицит в 6 тысяч военнослужащих, почему его нельзя автоматически считать числом погибших и означает ли он неизбежность новой мобилизации.
Viktor Sokolov: The ICC Warrant and Black Sea Fleet Losses Under the Second Wartime Commander
Viktor Sokolov took command of the Black Sea Fleet after the sinking of the cruiser Moskva and left his post following a series of strikes on ships and the fleet's headquarters. This investigation details what happened under his command, why reports of his death were unreliable, and what the ICC suspects the Russian admiral of.
Around 70 Violations: Russian Strikes, Drones Over Moldova, and Romanian F-16s
Over five days, southern Moldova found itself on the drone flight path three times following Russian strikes on Ukraine, while a fourth incident halted border crossing operations. We analyze the chronology of August 20–25: where a Shahed was confirmed, where a Geran was found, why Romanian F-16s were scrambled, and what the figure 'around 70 violations' truly signifies.
Oleg Tsokov: Killed in Berdiansk, Implicated in 1.7K Tons of Metal Case
Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov survived a strike near Svatove, received a promotion, and was killed at a command post in Berdiansk. Three years later, a cassation court upheld the verdict against Ivan Popov in a case involving the embezzlement of metal for defensive structures — and in the scheme established by the court, the name of the posthumously decorated Tsokov reappeared.
Drones near Plesetsk: Geolocated Smoke, Unproven Damage, and a Military Launch the Next Morning
Following a drone attack on August 23, a plume of smoke was filmed from the closed city of Mirny, originating from the direction of the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. While a direct hit on the facility remains unconfirmed, Russia successfully launched a military satellite into orbit on the morning of August 24. This investigation analyzes what open-source data proves and what remains speculative.
Brigade Commander 'Sochi' Vladislav Nikiforov: Verdict, Vovchansk, and a Thousand Reported Losses
In 2019, a military court found Vladislav Nikiforov guilty of abuse of power involving violence against a subordinate, fining him 80,000 rubles. Seven years later, the colonel is named commander of the 128th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (OMsBr) in the Kharkiv direction — a brigade from which complaints are emerging regarding losses, medical decisions, and command methods.
128th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (Military Unit 41772): Vovchansk, A Thousand Reported Losses, and Three Brigade Commanders
The 128th Motorized Rifle Brigade was formed in a few months and almost immediately thrown into the Kharkiv direction. Since May 2024, it has been through Vovchansk, redeployment to Kursk, and new battles near the border. A Russian military personnel channel reported approximately a thousand killed, wounded, and missing over three months and the reassembly of battalions. In less than two years, Pobokov, Mikhailov, and Nikiforov have commanded the brigade.
126th Motorized Rifle Regiment (Military Unit 50526): Amputees on the Front Line and Commanders Zherikhov and Konstantinov
Five servicemen with severe injuries and amputations reported being sent back to the combat zone. Another soldier stated that after two injuries and a 'Category B' medical classification, he was not released for surgery. We examine Military Unit 50526, the roles of Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Zherikhov and Colonel Vladimir Konstantinov, family complaints, and the limits of what has been proven.
Andrey Belkov Sentenced to 6 Years: 121.7 Million Ruble Tomograph and the Military Construction System
Andrey Belkov, former head of the Main Military Construction Directorate for Special Facilities (GVSU for Special Facilities) and the Military Construction Company (VSK), has been sentenced to six years in a penal colony for the procurement of a tomograph for the Ministry of Defense. We examine the 121.7 million ruble contract, the 48.2 million ruble damages calculated by the prosecution, the defense's position, and the convicted official's career trajectory.
TulaDron: Director's Arrest and a Billion-Ruble Drone Center Without Public Case Details
Yevgeny Grigoryev, CEO of the TulaDron Scientific and Production Center, has been taken into custody on suspicion of large-scale fraud. The center received federal status, equipment worth over 700 million rubles, and more than a billion rubles in total funding, yet the subject of the charges and the alleged damages have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Afipsky and Novoshakhtinsk Refineries Under Attack: Fire, Shutdown, and Decree on Temporary Management
In a single night, Russian authorities acknowledged a fire at the Afipsky Oil Refinery and the shutdown of the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant. The strikes on August 25 coincided with a decree allowing the state to introduce temporary management over critical infrastructure if owners fail to ensure its protection or restoration.
"Geran-2" and the Alabuga Plant: How the Iranian Shahed Was Turned into a Russian Production Line
Alabuga began with Iranian kits but transitioned to serial production of the Russian version of the Shahed-136. A $1.75 billion contract, imported electronics, "Kometa," students, and young women from Africa reveal what this military production line is actually composed of.
The 'Nullification' of Their Own: How Russian Refuseniks Are Broken by Basements, Assaults, and Impunity
Basements for refuseniks, extortion, and the murder of fellow soldiers are often described by one word — 'nullification' (obnuleniye). We have reconstructed the evidentiary chain: from the first prisons of 2022 to the sentences against Russian commanders, and determined what allows us to speak of a system, and what remains an unconfirmed accusation.
Hunters of Hunters: How "Rubikon" Turned Drone Warfare into an Assembly Line — and Began to Lose Its Main Advantage
The Russian "Rubikon" center changed the very selection of targets: instead of individual vehicles, its crews began systematically hunting operators, communications, and logistics. This model helped the Russian army shorten the training cycle and increase pressure in key areas. However, the transformation of an elite center into a multi-thousand-strong structure launched a reverse process — a struggle for specialists, the weakening of conventional units, and the erosion of quality.
Vitaly Orlov and the 30th Regiment: Appointment to a Division, the July 'Pit,' and Chronological Gaps
We examine the contradictory personnel history of Vitaly Orlov ("Patron"): from a candidate for commander of the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment to reports of his appointment to the 72nd Division, the July 'pit,' and the emergence of an acting regimental commander.
Lyman, September 2022: Threat of Encirclement and Russian Garrison Withdrawal
A verifiable chronology of the final days of Lyman's defense: the city's envelopment by Ukrainian forces, the narrowing of retreat routes, and the Russian Ministry of Defense's acknowledged withdrawal of the garrison.
Battles for Terny: The Role of the 3rd Motor Rifle Division's Regiments
A chronology of battles near the Zherebets River and an examination of the role of the 252nd and 752nd Regiments: confirmed deployments, changes in the front line, and unconfirmed losses.
Military Unit 32364: 11th Separate Air Assault Brigade — A List of 836 Names, Hundreds of Search Inquiries, and a Judicial Trail
An investigation into Military Unit 32364 — the 11th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade from Ulan-Ude: a published list of 836 names, almost 700 family requests for search, and Russian documents concerning missing persons.
Military Unit 45863: 30th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade — Avdiivka, Leaked AWOL List, and Russian Missing Persons Cases
An investigation into Military Unit 45863 — the 30th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade from the Samara region: Avdiivka, a published list of military personnel AWOL and wanted, Russian court documents on missing persons, and search requests from 2026.
Military Unit 51460: 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade — Bucha, Personal Sanctions, State Awards, and a New War in 2026
An investigation into Military Unit 51460 — the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade from Khabarovsk Krai: Andriivka and Bucha, Omurbekov and Frolkin, US and UK sanctions, the unit's awards, and its combat deployment in 2026.
Military Unit 31681: The 346th GRU Spetsnaz Brigade — How 125 Remained Combat-Ready Out of 900 Deployed Servicemen
An investigation into Military Unit 31681 — the 346th Separate Guards GRU Spetsnaz Brigade from Prokhladny: Donbas since 2014, the use of Spetsnaz as assault infantry, and a US intelligence leak about 125 remaining combat-ready out of 900.
Military Unit 06705: The 36th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade from Borzya — Early Heavy Losses, 1,413 Names, and a Judicial Trail
What is known about Military Unit 06705 — the 36th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade from Borzya: its subordination to the 29th Army, losses from the first weeks of the invasion, a published list of 1,413 killed, and prisoners of 2026.
Military Unit 71443: The 9th OMRBr – How a Former DNR Regiment Became a Russian Brigade with 1,870 Killed in a Published Database
An investigation into Military Unit 71443 – the 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, which grew out of the 9th DNR Regiment: its integration into the Russian Armed Forces, the battle for Avdiivka, a published list of 1,870 killed, missing in action, and relatives' complaints.
Military Unit 55115: 55th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade — Yagodnoye, 15 Sentences for Subordinates, Brigade Commander Suspected, and Awards
An investigation into Military Unit 55115 — the 55th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade from Tuva: Yagodnoye, 15 in absentia sentences, suspicion against Denis Barilo, Avdiivka, losses, and awarded the Order of Kutuzov.
Military Unit 21720: 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade — The Kyiv Trail, Commander Kurbanov, Losses, and Lawsuits Against the Command
What is known about Military Unit 21720 — the 38th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade from Yekaterinoslavka: its subordination to the 35th Army, commanders, participation in the invasion, confirmed losses, and legal cases against the unit's command.
40th Naval Infantry Brigade: What is Known About Its Role in the Battles in Southern Donbas
A verifiable chronology of the 40th Naval Infantry Brigade from Pavlivka and Vuhledar to Urozhaine and Velyka Novosilka — without conflating its losses with those of other formations.
Perm Oil Refinery After Drone Attack: What NASA FIRMS Showed and Where Defenses Failed
Authorities confirmed a drone attack, 16 drones shot down, one person wounded, and damage to an industrial facility. NASA FIRMS recorded two thermal anomalies on the territory of Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez. We analyze the evidence, the significance of the refinery, and the limitations of the 1500-kilometer flight version.
Akhtubinsk and Su-34: What the Strike on Russia's Main Aviation Test Center Confirmed
A satellite image and a statement from the General Staff of Ukraine confirm damage to a Su-34 and a fuel spill at the Akhtubinsk airfield. We analyze why the strike on the 929th GLITS base is more significant than the fate of a single aircraft, who leads the center, and what conclusions are still premature.
Andrey Mordvichev: Mariupol, Avdiivka, and the Path to Commanding the Ground Forces
A verified dossier on Andrey Mordvichev: the 8th Army in Mariupol, the 'Center' Grouping near Avdiivka, casualty assessments, and his appointment as Commander-in-Chief.
114th Brigade: From the Avdiivka Spoil Tip to Accusations of 'Zeroing Out' Their Own
The 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade participated in the capture of the Avdiivka spoil tip, the advance towards the coking plant, and the subsequent push towards Selydove. Russian propaganda transformed this route into a story of continuous victories. Testimonies from former servicemen reveal another side: losses not publicly accounted for, coercion into attacks, and accusations against commanders of summary executions of subordinates — serious claims, but not yet established by court.
Military Unit 02511: Abandoned Bodies, Vovchansk, and a Division Instead of Accountability
The 138th Motorized Rifle Brigade from Kamenka entered Ukraine under the guise of exercises, lost personnel and equipment near Kharkiv, left unrecovered bodies near Mala Rohan, and again went on assaults near Kupyansk and Vovchansk. While families searched for the wounded and dead for months, Military Unit 02511 was expanded into the 69th Division.
Unit 13140: How Many Times the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade Died and Was Reborn
The 810th Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet has traversed a path from the annexation of Crimea to Mariupol, Krynky, and Kursk Oblast. Named obituaries, relatives' search notices, and the unit's own publications reveal how this regular formation repeatedly lost personnel, was replenished, and transformed into a division.
Military Unit 08275: How the 200th Arctic Motorized Rifle Brigade Perished Near Kharkiv and Became a Division
The 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade was considered one of the best formations in the Russian North. After its defeat near Kharkiv, it was brought up to strength with sailors and mobilized personnel, decorated, sent to Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, and in 2025, it was transformed into the 71st Division.
Military Unit 02901: A Unit Found in Donbas a Year After Putin Denied Troops Were There — And Six Years Later, 46 of Its Soldiers Refused to Fight
In December 2015, Putin asserted that there were no regular Russian troops in Donbas — only 'people resolving certain issues.' Exactly one year later, InformNapalm volunteers located a serviceman from the regular 165th Artillery Brigade from Belogorsk in the occupied territory. And when the same brigade received orders to go into open warfare in 2022, at least 46 of its soldiers refused.
Military Unit 06017: The Amphibious Assault Near Mykolaiv After Which the Baltic Fleet Forgot How to Land Marines for Years
In late February 2022, the 336th Marine Brigade of the Baltic Fleet was supposed to land between Mykolaiv and Odesa and complete the encirclement of the city. The reconnaissance amphibious assault ended with the loss of ships and personnel, and the operation was canceled. Six months later, the brigade lost several more dozens of marines near Mariupol. On November 4, 2022, Putin awarded it the Order of Zhukov. The commander under whom all this happened had already been a Major General for a year by that time.
Military Unit 69647: The Commander Was Run Over by His Own Tank Crew — And an Officer Accused of Torturing Civilians Took Command of the Brigade
In March 2022, the 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade near Kyiv was almost halved in strength within a few weeks — and its own tank crewman ran over the commander with tank tracks in retaliation for the losses. Meanwhile, on a section of road near Motyzhyn, 37 civilians died in two weeks, and the deputy commander set up a torture chamber in the captured village. Ukraine has charged the former in absentia. He is not the only one: according to Wikipedia, he is still at the head of the brigade.
Military Unit No. 07264: Bucha, Losses, and the Double Accounting of the 76th Airborne Division
An extensive dossier on the 76th Pskov Airborne Division: unit numbers, the war since 2014, Bucha, named losses, the strike on the headquarters in Lgov, and recent testimony from a staff sergeant about bribes, inflated troop numbers, and thousands of missing personnel.
The 'North-West Pits': How Real Basements Were Turned Into a Fictional Scheme
We investigated the story of a secret network of basements used to detain mobilized soldiers from St. Petersburg and Moscow. While the existence of real prisons and torture is confirmed by numerous testimonies, the alleged connection to the 138th and 27th brigades, a unified 'price list,' and some sensational details proved unsubstantiated.
"Turtle Tank" vs. FPV: What Improvised Protection Offers and at What Cost
An analysis of Russian "turtle tanks": how screens and onboard electronic warfare (EW) reduce some threats, why they don't provide full protection, and what price the crew pays for this compromise.
Not a Dome, But a Frequency Race: Why Russian Electronic Warfare is No Longer a Universal Shield
Russian electronic warfare (EW) has neither vanished nor 'collapsed.' It remains one of the Russian army's most potent tools, but the era of mass drone warfare has compelled it to defend troops in an endless and increasingly costly race of updates.
Assault Unit Manual: What the Seventh Edition Teaches and What It Doesn't Prove
A critical analysis of a 2026 Russian manual: its status, proposed assault model, adaptation to drone warfare, and the gap between text and widespread implementation.
Alexander Chaiko and the Eastern Military District Troops: What Can and Cannot Be Linked to the General
An examination of command responsibility in the Eastern Military District: Alexander Chaiko's role near Kyiv, changes in command, and incorrect attribution of battles for Pavlivka and Vuhledar.
106th Airborne Division: Three Colonels Died in One Week of July 2022 — But Not in Shakhtarsk, As Is Commonly Believed
In early July 2022, the command of the 106th Guards Airborne (Tula) Division lost three colonels at once, and two more senior officers were wounded. The Ukrainian side, followed by Wikipedia, linked all three deaths to a single strike on a headquarters in Shakhtarsk. The official biographies of the deceased tell a different story.
Anatomy of a General Purge: 12 Arrested Generals, 50 Billion Rubles, and a Secret War in the Ministry of Defense
A chronicle of the major purge within the military establishment: how the FSB's Department of Military Counterintelligence (DMCI) uncovered mutual cover-ups within the General Staff, which generals implicated colleagues during interrogations in Lefortovo, what brought down Shoigu's favorites, and why Belousov's audit represents a redistribution of shadow financial flows worth 14 trillion rubles.
SOCh: How the Russian Army Returns Deserters and Writes Off the Missing
A major investigation into SOCh in the Russian army: over 49,000 wanted individuals, tens of thousands of court cases, return camps, re-deployment to the front, and those missing in action whom commanders list as deserters.
Russia Lost Seized Territory in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Generals Ivanaev, Senkov, and Tyurin
In 2025, the Russian command declared the entry into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast a success. By 2026, the offensive had stalled, and a significant portion of the captured bridgehead was lost. We examine who commanded the 'Vostok' and 'Tsentr' force groupings, the 29th, 36th, and 41st Combined Arms Armies — and why the names of Andrey Ivanaev, Oleg Senkov, and Grigory Tyurin are central to this failure.
Signal General and Billion-Ruble Embezzlement: The Vadim Shamarin Case and Corruption in the Main Directorate of Communications of the Ministry of Defense
Former Deputy Chief of the General Staff Vadim Shamarin received seven years for bribes totaling 36 million rubles. His verdict, testimonies, and the cases of Arslanov and Ogloblin reveal a network of kickbacks and billion-ruble embezzlements surrounding military communications procurements.
Jeric Undol: How a Filipino Contractor Went Through "Avangard" and Died at the Front
Filipino Jeric Jumadil Undol obtained a Russian visa, was sent to the "Avangard" center near Moscow, signed a contract with the Russian army, and after approximately a week of training, found himself at the front. We publish a verified timeline, documents from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), and the limits of what cannot yet be established.
Robert Shageyev: Who is Margarita Reutt, Accused in His Death in Sevastopol Blast?
A Russian court has remanded a 32-year-old Russian citizen into custody on charges of a terrorist act resulting in death. Media outlets identify her as Margarita Reutt and link her to the assassination of Robert Shageyev, former commander of the Ukrainian submarine "Zaporizhzhia." We uncovered Reutt's digital footprint predating the explosion: a 2025 court ruling and a brief individual entrepreneur registration in Sochi — separating these verified documents from unconfirmed versions about escort services, cryptocurrency, and "working as a biologist."
Military Unit 30926: The Brigade That Was Destroyed, Decorated, and Reassembled
The 155th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet traveled a path from Kyiv Oblast to Pavlivka, Vuhledar, and Kursk Oblast. An open letter from servicemen, named obituaries, videos of routed columns, and the deaths of commanders show how the elite formation repeatedly lost personnel, was replenished, and was eventually expanded into a division.
Military Unit 90600: How a Peacekeeping Brigade Became a Conveyor Belt of Losses
A comprehensive dossier on the 15th Brigade 'Black Hussars': UN missions, war since 2014, torture in Kyiv Oblast, 12,689 killed and missing, three personnel turnovers, relatives' complaints, and internal unit violence.
State Startup in Orbit: How 'Buro 1440' is Building Russia's Starlink — And Why the Schedule is Now More Important Than Demonstrations
In six years, 'Buro 1440' has evolved from a MegaFon laboratory into one of Russia's most expensive private-public space projects. The company has proven its ability to create and launch communication satellites, but now faces a significantly more challenging task: transforming dozens of spacecraft into a continuously operating network of hundreds of satellites, adhering to deadlines, and explaining why the actual trajectory of the first production batch deviates from initial plans.
Viktor Zolotov: Son's Business with Rosneft While Father Commands Rosgvardiya
Viktor Zolotov heads Rosgvardiya, while his son Roman profits from contracts with Rosneft and owns a multi-million dollar mansion in Barvikha.
One Modus Operandi, Two Cities: General Zhuravlyov, Aleppo, and Cluster Munition Strikes on Kharkiv
An OSINT investigation traced the path of Smerch missiles to the 79th Rocket Artillery Brigade, subordinate to the Western Military District commanded by Colonel General Aleksandr Zhuravlyov. He previously commanded Russian forces in Syria.
The Pit: How the Russian Army Punishes Refusal to Obey Orders
In 2023, mobilized soldiers filmed a video from a pit near Kursk. In 2026, veteran Alexander Lunin spoke out about the same issue – and instead of an investigation, he received 11 days of arrest.
"Vulkan": The Company That Built Cyberweapons for the FSB and GRU — Until Its Own Engineer Blew the Whistle
For ten years, the "Vulkan" company secretly developed cyberweapons for the FSB, GRU, and SVR. In 2023, one of its engineers, outraged by the war, leaked 5,000 pages of documents to journalists.
"Black Widows": How Russians Marry the War for Death Compensation
A market for sham marriages has emerged in Russia, where women marry soldiers before their deployment to the front lines, solely to claim multi-million ruble death benefits. Parents often only learn about their son's "wife" after his funeral.
‘They Called Us Meat’: How the Commander of Vuhledar Assaults Received Two Hero of Russia Stars
Near Vuhledar, an “elite” marine brigade lost up to 700 personnel in assaults conducted without reconnaissance. Despite this, the military prosecutor's office found no violations, and the brigade's commander was awarded two Hero of Russia Stars, the second posthumously.
Shoigu's Right Hand: The Tsalikov Family's 5.5 Billion Rubles Seized by the State Through Court
For eight and a half years, Ruslan Tsalikov served as First Deputy Minister of Defense and Shoigu's chief financial administrator — including all years of the full-scale war. In March 2026, he was arrested for creating an organized criminal community. In May, the court seized 5.5 billion rubles from his family.
"Storm Z": Prisoners Sent on Assaults, Paid Almost Nothing for Wounds
A regular Russian contract soldier is entitled to 3 million rubles for an injury sustained in war, while a "Storm Z" fighter receives between 50,000 and 300,000 rubles for the same injury – if they receive anything at all. The reason lies in the deceptive document former prisoners sign before heading to the front.
Why Mothers and Wives, Not the State, Search for Missing Soldiers
Russia's Ministry of Defense only established a unified register for missing military personnel in October 2025. For years prior, mothers and wives were left to search for their loved ones through Telegram channels and even a Ukrainian project.
Voice of War, Children in the West: How Dmitry Peskov's Family Lives
The Kremlin's press secretary daily explains to Russians why the war must continue. Meanwhile, his son served over a year in a British prison, his daughter owns a share of a Parisian apartment through a French company, and his wife is currently suing the European Union to lift sanctions against her.
Explosion at Balzi Rossi: Chayko, General Plokhotnyuk, and the False Trail of Yerusalimov
What is known about the August 1 explosion near the Balzi Rossi restaurant: Alexander Chayko's anniversary, deceased relatives, General Valery Plokhotnyuk, and the erroneous version of Igor Yerusalimov's death.
Six Assassination Attempts in Two Years: Who Stood in the Way of Russian Generals?
Over two years, at least six assassination attempts have targeted high-ranking Russian military officials deep within Russia, resulting in three deaths. The official investigative version is consistently the same: Ukrainian special services. However, a leaked EU intelligence report and sources from The Washington Post suggest a different narrative—an open conflict between the FSB, General Staff, and Rosgvardia, and attacks that bear a stronger resemblance to internal settling of scores.
"Patriot" Built a General's Dacha: Why Pavel Popov Received 19 Years
The military patriotism park became a source of free labor, materials, and services for the Deputy Minister of Defense's property. The court assessed this and other episodes at 19 years in a penal colony.
Vuhledar Debacle and a New Promotion: How Rustam Muradov Returned to Teach the Army How to Fight
After complaints from naval infantry, routed columns, and his removal from command, Rustam Muradov did not disappear from the system. In 2026, he was entrusted with the combat training of the entire Russian army.
Awarded Son, Lost Lyman, Failed Kursk: Why General Lapin Remained Unsinkable
General Aleksandr Lapin personally awarded his son after a failed offensive on Sumy and Chernihiv, survived the devastating defeat near Lyman, and consistently received new appointments. He was only dismissed from the army in 2025.
Military Unit 29760: 1,098 Killed, "Zeroing Out," and a Division Instead of an Investigation
The 25th Motorized Rifle Brigade from Luga failed to enter Kharkiv, stormed approaches to Kupyansk for years, and suffered massive losses. Relatives demanded searches for the missing and evacuation of bodies, while Brigade Commander Aleksey Ksenofontov was accused of issuing deadly orders and "zeroing out" personnel. After this, he received the title of Hero of Russia, and Military Unit 29760 was expanded into the 68th Division.
Showcase Victims of Mosrentgen: How the 27th Capital Brigade (Military Unit 61899) Was Decimated in Meat Grinder Assaults Near Kupyansk
An OSINT investigation into the degradation and colossal losses of the exemplary 27th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade (Military Unit 61899, Mosrentgen, Moscow). From parades on Red Square to its defeat near Izyum, mass disappearances of soldiers near Kupyansk, and the collapse of the 1st Tank Army.
“Generals of the Meat Waves”: OSINT Dossier on Commanders Responsible for Squandering Regiments at Synkivka and Ocheretyne
Comprehensive profiles of Colonel General Sergey Kuzovlev and Lieutenant General Yevgeny Nikiforov, examining their operational doctrines, disregard for tactical losses, and internal communications during repeated frontal assaults.
Two Fronts — Two Dismissals: How General Sergey Kisel Lost Kharkiv and Aleppo
After the failure of the 1st Tank Army near Kharkiv, Sergey Kisel was sent to Syria to restore his reputation. There, his career ended with another swift defeat.
“Sold into Assaults”: The Underground Network of Secret Detention Pits, Extortion of Leave Payments, and Bank Card Theft
An investigative exposé into the illicit economy of frontline detention pits run by Russian commanders and FSB curators: extortion rackets for medical leave and rotations, and the systematic looting of bank cards and death compensation from killed servicemen.
“Two-Wheeled Suicide”: How Armored Vehicle Shortages Turned Russian Motorcycle Assaults into FPV Target Practice
OSINT analysis and battlefield footage review showing how severe attrition of BMPs and tanks forced Russian commanders to deploy dirt bikes, civilian buggies, and golf carts in frontline assaults near Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar, with catastrophic survival rates.
“The Industrial Trap”: Step-by-Step Chronicle of the Siege and Destruction of the 83rd VDV Brigade at Vovchansk
A chronological timeline and satellite analysis of the prolonged encirclement of Russian paratroopers from the 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade inside the industrial ruins of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant in Kharkiv region.
“Three Full Complements in the Grave”: How the “Peacekeeping” 15th Brigade “Black Hussars” Lost 12 Thousand Men Near Pokrovsk
OSINT investigation into the record losses of the only
Military Unit 21005: The Crossing, the Pits, and the Awards Chronicle of the 74th Brigade
The 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade from Yurga began the full-scale war with the surrender of a reconnaissance platoon near Chernihiv, lost personnel and dozens of vehicles at the crossing over the Siverskyi Donets, was reconstituted, and received commendation for Avdiivka. Later, families of servicemen accused its command of beatings, "pits," threats of "zeroing out," and sending wounded personnel into new assaults.
Valery Gerasimov: From Buk under MH17 to Criminal Case for Strikes on Kyiv
Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov is a suspect in the MH17 case and an SBU criminal case for strikes on Kyiv. His family owns real estate worth more than the general's official salary.
From Bucha to Air Force Chief: How Alexander Chaiko Took Command of Russian Aviation
Alexander Chaiko commanded the forces that advanced on Kyiv and was in close proximity to sites of systemic violence against civilians. In 2026, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces (VKS).
Offensive on Paper: How False Reports Near Siversk Cost Soldiers Their Lives, But Not a General His Career
Gennady Anashkin was dismissed following accusations of false reports and futile assaults near Siversk. After a stint at an academy, he returned to the senior leadership of the Russian Navy.
“Alga”: A Battalion from Tatarstan That Vanished Near Vuhledar for Half a Year
On February 6, 2023, the “Alga” battalion was ambushed near Vuhledar — out of three companies, only 27 men returned. The bodies of the others lay in the field for half a year.
Three Failures and a Hero Star: How General Sukhrab Akhmedov Built a Career on Losses
Pavlivka, the formation near Kreminna, and the rout of a mechanized column near Dobropillia. After each scandal, Sukhrab Akhmedov preserved his career — and received the title of Hero of Russia.
31st Motorized Rifle Regiment "Bashkortostan": The Regiment Named After the Republic That Paid the Highest Price for the War
Bashkortostan was the first among Russian regions to cross the mark of 10,000 war fatalities — and in the same year, 2023, it received a named regiment, the "31st Motorized Rifle Regiment 'Bashkortostan'," formed on the initiative of the republic's head.
"Spartak" Against the General Staff: The Case of General Popov
Major General Ivan Popov publicly stated a shortage of defensive assets at the front — and ten months later was sentenced to 5 years for embezzling 1,700 tons of metal purchased for the same defense line. The cassation upheld the verdict on June 16, 2026.
Katusha Misfires: How One Administrator Exposed Russian Military Propaganda's Inner Workings to Ukrainian Hacktivists
The Russian Ministry of Defense paid hundreds of millions of rubles for the 'Katusha' system, designed for round-the-clock monitoring of media and Telegram channels. However, a phishing attack targeting one administrator granted Ukrainian hacktivists prolonged access to the propaganda department's infrastructure, documents, and reports. The control system itself became a source of intelligence.
Bucha: How Russian Soldiers Implicated in the Yablunska Street Killings Were Identified
Based on investigative findings by Molfar, Reuters, The New York Times, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Systema project — how Maxar high-resolution satellite imagery refuted the Kremlin's disinformation, how servicemen of the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade were identified, and the status of war crimes indictments in Ukrainian and international courts.
Cyber Reconnaissance Ahead of Airstrikes: The Role of GRU Unit 26165 in the Mariupol Drama Theatre Bombing
Analysis of official UK and US cyber intelligence advisories and sanctions records: how the GRU's specialized 85th Main Special Service Center (Unit 26165) conducted pre-strike cyber reconnaissance and targeted logistics infrastructure supporting humanitarian evacuation corridors.
Inside Secret GRU Unit 74455 (Sandworm): BlackEnergy Grid Blackouts, NotPetya Ransomware, and False-Flag Hackers
Declassified Western intelligence findings and DOJ indictments dissecting the operations of the GRU's Main Center for Special Technologies: from the Ukrainian power grid cyberattacks to the global NotPetya disruption and covert influence operations.
“General Armageddon” Surovikin: Wife’s Syrian Mining Contracts, Alliance with Prigozhin, and Post-Mutiny Detention
An investigation into General Sergei Surovikin’s financial and operational ties: Syrian mining and construction contracts awarded to his family through Gennady Timchenko’s networks, his clandestine tactical alliance with PMC Wagner, and his subsequent detention following Yevgeny Prigozhin’s armed rebellion.
Offshore Shells, Saint-Tropez Luxury, and Reconstruction Contracts: How Timur Ivanov Plundered the Russian Defense Ministry
Drawing upon investigative files by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the Dossier Center, and iStories — the extravagant lifestyle of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov and his family while overseeing lucrative contracts in destroyed Mariupol: Côte d'Azur villas, elite Rublyovka estates, and his subsequent 13-year prison sentence.
“The Butcher of Mariupol”: How General Mizintsev Directed the City’s Destruction, Evaded Accountability, and Joined PMC Wagner
Compiled from EU and UK sanctions dossiers, UN human rights monitoring, and verified open-source reporting — how the head of the National Defense Management Center orchestrated the brutal siege of Mariupol, earned international infamy as the “Butcher of Mariupol”, and later transferred to PMC Wagner’s logistics leadership.
Villas by Lake Como and Penthouses in Moscow: How Ex-Minister Shoigu's Clan Enriched Itself
Based on investigations by the FBK (2015) and The Insider (2022), which identified the family through a leaked food delivery database, this report details the real estate holdings of Sergei Shoigu's family: a Tuvan palace in Barvikha, registered to land purchased by 18-year-old Ksenia and subsequently transferred to a relative via a hockey partner; a loft with a view of the Kremlin; and two penthouses belonging to his daughter, valued at half a billion rubles. It also covers the minister's own transition to the Security Council.
The Bloody Pontoon Crossing at Bilohorivka: The Catastrophic Defeat of the 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade
Based on geolocation data verified by CNN, satellite reconnaissance, and field reports from NV and Reuters — a minute-by-minute reconstruction of the May 2022 Siverskyi Donets river crossing debacle: nearly 1,000 Russian casualties and over 100 armored combat vehicles wiped out in a single failed pontoon operation.
“A General in Kutuzov’s Shadow”: The Criminal Fraud Case of Ex-Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov
How the longtime Chief of Logistics of the Russian Armed Forces orchestrated procurement cartels supplying substandard emergency rations, low-grade fuel, and overpriced supplies to frontline troops, leading to his sensational arrest in July 2024.
GRU Secret Unit 29155: European Poisonings, Munition Depot Explosions, and Unmasking the Assassination Unit
An investigative breakdown of the Kremlin’s top-secret subversive unit: the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury, the Vrbětice ammunition depot explosions in the Czech Republic, the Montenegro coup attempt, and the forensic exposure of undercover GRU officers.
The Fake Body Armor Scandal: How GC “Piket” Supplied Defective Tactical Gear Worth Billions to the Russian Army
The judicial investigation into the 2-billion-ruble fraud involving Group of Companies "Piket", which delivered 20,000 non-ballistic, substandard bulletproof vests to Russian frontline forces in Ukraine, pocketing state defense procurement funds.
“The Price of Millimeters”: The Staggering Casualty Toll of the Russian Armed Forces on the Pokrovsk and Toretsk Axes
Drawing upon ISW assessments, Mediazona confirmed death registries, and satellite radar telemetry — quantifying the unprecedented personnel and equipment cost paid by Russian forces for marginal territorial gains in the Donbas.
"Meat Grinder Elite": Degradation of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade and 83rd Air Assault Brigade near Vovchansk
OSINT investigation into the defeat and degradation of units once considered elite.
Ghosts of Reconnaissance: How the 57th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion Was Turned into Assault Meat Near Bakhmut and Vuhledar
An OSINT investigation into the degradation and colossal losses of the 57th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion. From specialized deep reconnaissance missions to senseless
Abandoned on the Right Bank: How the DPR's 127th Regiment Mutinied Near Kherson Due to Thirst and Hunger
An investigation into the defiance of the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment (Military Unit 08827) of the 1st Army Corps of the 'DPR': from forced mobilization in Donetsk and Makiivka to fire isolation on the right bank of the Dnipro and the collective refusal of servicemen to obey orders due to a lack of water, food, and medicine.