Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 6, 2026

(Institute for the Study of War) Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure is exploiting overstretched Russian air defenses and significantly damaging Russian oil export capabilities. Russian milbloggers continued to criticize the ineffectiveness of Russian air defense systems and highlight the impact of Ukrainian strikes. The Russian military is experiencing manpower challenges and is unable to recruit enough contract soldiers to replace its frontline losses. The Russian MoD is attempting to generate additional manpower through other sources, regardless of the financial and societal costs. Russia is facing increasing recruitment challenges as the pool of Russians willing to sign contracts declines, despite Kremlin efforts to increase signing bonuses and tap additional sources of manpower. Ukraine’s Western partners continue to provide air defense aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and the Velykyi Burluk direction. Russian forces launched 141 drones against Ukraine. – Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 6, 2026 | ISW