On January 13, 2026, a pro-russian MOD focused Telegram channel posted footage showing russian Sirius-82 unmanned surface vessel (USV) remotely deploying anchored surface mines in the Dnipro river, Ukraine, according to the UK Defense Intelligence.
The russian Navy is seeking to develop its USV and counter-USV capabilities, attempting to close the gap with Ukraine's more successful asymmetric maritime capabilities.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence: Moscow Has Intensified Digital Repression, WhatsApp Is Now Emerging As the Next Major Target
In December 2025 Ukrainian forces conducted an unprecedented unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) strike against russian Project 636 Varshavyanka-class submarine, highly likely the B-271 Kolpino, located at the Novorossiysk Naval Base in the eastern Black Sea. The strike, utilizing Sub Sea Baby drone likely resulted in significant damage to the submarine, leaving it unable to sail of its own accord.
In August 2025, the Ukrainian Navy Simferopol reconnaissance ship was attacked by russian USV whilst operating on the Danube river, causing it to sink. It was the first reported instance of russian USV being used against a military vessel.
The targeting of the Simferopol ship was enabled by an overhead russian Orion reconnaissance uncrewed aerial vehicle, demonstrating early interoperability and intent.
As Defense Express previously reported, on January 21, 2026, russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a meeting with members of the russian government regarding the country's demographic policy, emphasizing that achieving results was a key strategic objective facing russia.
Read more: UK Defense Intelligence Reveals russia's Demographic Collapse Becomes Strategic Problem for Kremlin
