Institute for the Study of War
@thestudyofwar.bsky.social
ISW is a policy research organization focused on U.S. national security. Email: press@understandingwar.org. For more: https://linktr.ee/understandingwar
4/ It is unclear why Iranian-backed Iraqi militias would support US forces retaining a presence in Iraq, given that the removal of US forces from the Middle East is a long-standing objective shared by Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias.
Read the full update: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Read the full update: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
4/ It is unclear why Iranian-backed Iraqi militias would support US forces retaining a presence in Iraq, given that the removal of US forces from the Middle East is a long-standing objective shared by Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias.
Read the full update: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Read the full update: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
NEW: Syrian President Ahmed al Shara met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on November 10. Shara’s visit marked the first visit of any Syrian president to the White House.
Iran Update, November 10, 2025: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️🧵
Iran Update, November 10, 2025: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️🧵
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
NEW: Syrian President Ahmed al Shara met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on November 10. Shara’s visit marked the first visit of any Syrian president to the White House.
Iran Update, November 10, 2025: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️🧵
Iran Update, November 10, 2025: isw.pub/IranUpdate11...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️🧵
2/ Officials continue to report aerial incursions in Belgian airspace.
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 AM
2/ Officials continue to report aerial incursions in Belgian airspace.
MORE: Russian forces also recently advanced near Hulyaipole and in the Dobropillya tactical area.
The Kremlin continues to publicly and clearly reiterate its maximalist demands and unwillingness to engage in negotiations that result in anything less than full Ukrainian capitulation. 🧵(1/3)
The Kremlin continues to publicly and clearly reiterate its maximalist demands and unwillingness to engage in negotiations that result in anything less than full Ukrainian capitulation. 🧵(1/3)
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 AM
MORE: Russian forces also recently advanced near Hulyaipole and in the Dobropillya tactical area.
The Kremlin continues to publicly and clearly reiterate its maximalist demands and unwillingness to engage in negotiations that result in anything less than full Ukrainian capitulation. 🧵(1/3)
The Kremlin continues to publicly and clearly reiterate its maximalist demands and unwillingness to engage in negotiations that result in anything less than full Ukrainian capitulation. 🧵(1/3)
NEW: The situation in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area remains difficult as Ukrainian forces fight to hold the shoulders of the pocket and Russian forces continue to advance in the area. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Pokrovsk direction. Latest: isw.pub/UkrWar111025
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 AM
NEW: The situation in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area remains difficult as Ukrainian forces fight to hold the shoulders of the pocket and Russian forces continue to advance in the area. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Pokrovsk direction. Latest: isw.pub/UkrWar111025
Looking for a specific actor, date, or report?
The new UnderstandingWar.org includes a searchable, filterable research library that helps you move from question to insight — quickly.
The new UnderstandingWar.org includes a searchable, filterable research library that helps you move from question to insight — quickly.
November 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Looking for a specific actor, date, or report?
The new UnderstandingWar.org includes a searchable, filterable research library that helps you move from question to insight — quickly.
The new UnderstandingWar.org includes a searchable, filterable research library that helps you move from question to insight — quickly.
5/ Ukrainian forces advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk, Siversk, and Hulyaipole.
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
November 9, 2025 at 10:44 PM
5/ Ukrainian forces advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk, Siversk, and Hulyaipole.
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
NEW: Russian and Ukrainian forces continue interdiction campaigns in the Pokrovsk direction as the rate of Russian advances in and around Pokrovsk remains temporarily decreased.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 9, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/5)
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 9, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/5)
November 9, 2025 at 10:43 PM
NEW: Russian and Ukrainian forces continue interdiction campaigns in the Pokrovsk direction as the rate of Russian advances in and around Pokrovsk remains temporarily decreased.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 9, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/5)
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 9, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110925
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/5)
3/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Colonel Yuriy Cherevashenko as the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Air Defense Systems service on November 7.
Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk.
November 9, 2025 at 2:15 AM
3/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Colonel Yuriy Cherevashenko as the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Air Defense Systems service on November 7.
Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk.
2/ RU launched 500+ drones & missiles at UA overnight on Nov. 7-8 as it continues its long-range strike campaign against critical UA energy infrastructure ahead of winter 2025-2026.
Putin appointed SMD Commander Colonel General Sanchik as Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics on Nov. 8.
Putin appointed SMD Commander Colonel General Sanchik as Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics on Nov. 8.
November 9, 2025 at 2:15 AM
2/ RU launched 500+ drones & missiles at UA overnight on Nov. 7-8 as it continues its long-range strike campaign against critical UA energy infrastructure ahead of winter 2025-2026.
Putin appointed SMD Commander Colonel General Sanchik as Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics on Nov. 8.
Putin appointed SMD Commander Colonel General Sanchik as Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics on Nov. 8.
NEW: The rate of RU advances in the Pokrovsk direction has temporarily slowed but will likely increase again in the coming days as RU forces extend logistics and bring reinforcements in the area. (1/3)
Read the Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 8, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110825
Read the Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 8, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110825
November 9, 2025 at 2:15 AM
NEW: The rate of RU advances in the Pokrovsk direction has temporarily slowed but will likely increase again in the coming days as RU forces extend logistics and bring reinforcements in the area. (1/3)
Read the Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 8, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110825
Read the Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 8, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110825
Applications for the Summer 2026 Hertog War Studies Program are now open!
The War Studies Program aims to educate advanced undergraduate students about the theory, practice, organization, and control of war and military forces. The program is the cornerstone of ISW’s education efforts.
The War Studies Program aims to educate advanced undergraduate students about the theory, practice, organization, and control of war and military forces. The program is the cornerstone of ISW’s education efforts.
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Applications for the Summer 2026 Hertog War Studies Program are now open!
The War Studies Program aims to educate advanced undergraduate students about the theory, practice, organization, and control of war and military forces. The program is the cornerstone of ISW’s education efforts.
The War Studies Program aims to educate advanced undergraduate students about the theory, practice, organization, and control of war and military forces. The program is the cornerstone of ISW’s education efforts.
NEW: Russian forces continue to advance in the Pokrovsk direction and are reportedly extending logistics to southern Pokrovsk. isw.pub/UkrWar110725
November 8, 2025 at 4:16 AM
NEW: Russian forces continue to advance in the Pokrovsk direction and are reportedly extending logistics to southern Pokrovsk. isw.pub/UkrWar110725
NEW: CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping used his speech at the APEC summit to portray the PRC as a responsible and just global leader. The CCP is hosting the 2026 APEC summit and using the opportunity to coerce and isolate Taiwan. (🧵1/3)
Read more:
isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more:
isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
November 7, 2025 at 9:18 PM
NEW: CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping used his speech at the APEC summit to portray the PRC as a responsible and just global leader. The CCP is hosting the 2026 APEC summit and using the opportunity to coerce and isolate Taiwan. (🧵1/3)
Read more:
isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more:
isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
3/ NATO Gen. Secretary Mark Rutte noted how "hybrid warfare” inaccurately describes Russia’s intensified attacks and malign actions against NATO – in line with ISW’s assessment that Russia’s ongoing airspace violations and non-conventional activity are part of an intensifying “Phase Zero” campaign.
November 7, 2025 at 4:39 AM
3/ NATO Gen. Secretary Mark Rutte noted how "hybrid warfare” inaccurately describes Russia’s intensified attacks and malign actions against NATO – in line with ISW’s assessment that Russia’s ongoing airspace violations and non-conventional activity are part of an intensifying “Phase Zero” campaign.
2/ Russian forces are intensifying their battlefield air interdiction (BAI) campaign against Ukrainian railway infrastructure, seeking to disrupt Ukrainian rear logistics hubs to erode frontline forces and eventually facilitate frontline gains.
November 7, 2025 at 4:39 AM
2/ Russian forces are intensifying their battlefield air interdiction (BAI) campaign against Ukrainian railway infrastructure, seeking to disrupt Ukrainian rear logistics hubs to erode frontline forces and eventually facilitate frontline gains.
NEW: The Russian military command is reportedly augmenting its troop presence in the Pokrovsk direction, likely to consolidate the gains Russian forces initially secured through infiltration missions and advance further through the town.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: isw.pub/UkrWar110625
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: isw.pub/UkrWar110625
November 7, 2025 at 4:39 AM
NEW: The Russian military command is reportedly augmenting its troop presence in the Pokrovsk direction, likely to consolidate the gains Russian forces initially secured through infiltration missions and advance further through the town.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: isw.pub/UkrWar110625
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: isw.pub/UkrWar110625
NEW: US Military Presence in Syria: The United States reportedly plans to establish a military presence at an unspecified airbase in Damascus to enable a security agreement between Israel and Syria. The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied these claims on November 6, however. isw.pub/IranUpdate110625
November 7, 2025 at 12:33 AM
NEW: US Military Presence in Syria: The United States reportedly plans to establish a military presence at an unspecified airbase in Damascus to enable a security agreement between Israel and Syria. The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied these claims on November 6, however. isw.pub/IranUpdate110625
NEW: Iranian-backed Iraqi political parties are well-positioned to expand their influence after the parliamentary elections on November 11—so long as they remain unified. (1/3)
Read the full special report here: isw.pub/PostIraqElec...
Read the full special report here: isw.pub/PostIraqElec...
November 6, 2025 at 9:12 PM
NEW: Iranian-backed Iraqi political parties are well-positioned to expand their influence after the parliamentary elections on November 11—so long as they remain unified. (1/3)
Read the full special report here: isw.pub/PostIraqElec...
Read the full special report here: isw.pub/PostIraqElec...
NEW: Russian officials continue to personally sponsor trips intended to Russify Ukrainian children. 🧵(1/6)
November 6, 2025 at 5:01 PM
NEW: Russian officials continue to personally sponsor trips intended to Russify Ukrainian children. 🧵(1/6)
5/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 5, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 AM
5/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 5, 2025: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
4/ Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and near Vovchansk, Pokrovsk, and Velykomykhailivka. Ukrainian forces advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area.
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 AM
4/ Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and near Vovchansk, Pokrovsk, and Velykomykhailivka. Ukrainian forces advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area.
NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to try to blame US President Donald Trump for the nuclear arms modernization and buildup program that Russia began years ago. 🧵(1/5)
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 AM
NEW: Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to try to blame US President Donald Trump for the nuclear arms modernization and buildup program that Russia began years ago. 🧵(1/5)
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar110525
NEW: Iran may seek to exchange technical information with Belarus related to air defense systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment to enhance its ability to produce these systems. Belarus produces components compatible with advanced systems that Iran has sought to acquire from Russia. 🧵(1/5)
November 6, 2025 at 12:54 AM
NEW: Iran may seek to exchange technical information with Belarus related to air defense systems and electronic warfare (EW) equipment to enhance its ability to produce these systems. Belarus produces components compatible with advanced systems that Iran has sought to acquire from Russia. 🧵(1/5)
NEW: Russian officials have seized on recent US efforts to repatriate deported Ukrainian children, downplaying the massive scale and systematic nature of Russia’s deportation campaign and to advance Kremlin efforts to restore bilateral US-Russia relations. 🧵(1/5)
Read more: isw.pub/RussianDepor...
Read more: isw.pub/RussianDepor...
November 5, 2025 at 10:12 PM
NEW: Russian officials have seized on recent US efforts to repatriate deported Ukrainian children, downplaying the massive scale and systematic nature of Russia’s deportation campaign and to advance Kremlin efforts to restore bilateral US-Russia relations. 🧵(1/5)
Read more: isw.pub/RussianDepor...
Read more: isw.pub/RussianDepor...