As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is keeping a close eye on Russia’s movements across the military, cyber, and information domains. With more than seven years of experience monitoring the situation in Ukraine—as well as Russia’s use of propaganda and disinformation to undermine the United States, NATO, and the European Union—the DFRLab’s global team presents the latest installment of the Russian War Report.
Recent publications
March 2023
Russian War Report: Kremlin edits footage of Mariupol visit to remove women shouting at Putin
After Putin was yelled at in Mariupol, the Kremlin cut the exchange from their official video. RIA Novosti published the whole interaction.
March 2023
Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms aerial strikes on industrial plants north of Bakhmut
As Russian forces continue their offensive on Bakhmut, the DFRLab examined satellite imagery to reveal the potential of missile attacks.
March 2023
Russian War Report: Russian army advances toward Bakhmut, but its offensive capabilities remain unclear
The Russian army advances toward Bakhmut while a large-scale russian air attack targets civilian infrastructure.
March 2023
Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms increased Russian air force activity as Kremlin strives to achieve air dominance
Russia intensified its air power in recent weeks across airfields in Crimea and Rostov Oblast. Elsewhere, Russia continues to pressure Bahkmut.
February 2023
Russian War Report: DFRLab releases investigations on Russian info ops before and after the invasion
On the week of the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the DFRLab released two new reports on narratives tracked used to justify the war both pre- and post invasion.
February 2023
Russian War Report: Failed Russian push on Vuhledar results in losses as Moscow increases troops
Vuhledar, a town connecting the northern and southern flanks, has been under an unsuccessful attack from Russian forces for two weeks.
February 2023
Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms Russia’s push to encircle Bakhmut
Wagner Group soldiers are attempting to encircle Bakhmut, Ukraine. Meanwhile on the southern flank, Russian armed forces are trying to consolidate their progression towards Ivaniske.
January 2023
Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin sources amplify forged diplomatic letters targeting Ukrainian refugees
As Russian shelling of Ukranian forces and civilian infrastructure continues, Ukraine receives the first of many tanks promised by NATO allies.
January 2023
Russian War Report: Wagner Group fights French ‘zombies’ in cartoon propaganda
Plus, more on Wagner’s power struggles with the Russian defense ministry and Russia’s apparent use of incendiary munitions in Kherson.
January 2023
Russian War Report: Russian military bloggers criticize Putin’s Orthodox Christmas ceasefire announcement
In the first days of 2023, Russia shelled civilian infrastructure in Ukraine before Russian President Putin called for a 36 hour ceasefire to observe Orthodox Christmas.
December 2022
Russian War Report: Fierce fighting in Donetsk despite the onset of winter
While many had hoped Winter would slow the fighting in Ukraine, the conflict has continued and, in some cases including in Donetsk, intensified.
December 2022
Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels promote news of TV Rain losing broadcasting license in Latvia
The Latvian National Electronic Media Council revoked the broadcasting license of TV Rain, an independent Russian television channel, citing threats to Latvian national security.
