The Torch
Illuminating Security and Defence Issues
Russia
Baltic, Nordic officials urge Canadians to learn from the Russian threats they face
11 May, 2026
European officials are warning that Russia's meddling in the Baltic Sea is likely a preview of tactics Moscow could someday deploy in Canada's High North....
Head of military’s space division warns Russia is considering putting nuclear weapons in orbit
8 April, 2026
The head of Canada's military space division says the country "should absolutely be" concerned about Russia's potential capabilities amid global fears the Kremlin is considering putting nuclear weapons in place to target satellites....
Russia in the High North: Russian Strategy and Escalation Risks in the High North After the Russia-Ukraine War
10 March, 2026
In recent decades, the High North has played an increasingly important role in Russian strategic thinking. The region hosts an array of Russian military capabilities, including many of the country’s nuclear assets; provides a rich resource base for the Russian economy; and offers a gateway to strategically important sea lines of communication and transit routes that Russia expects will become increasingly contested because of the effects of climate change....
Russia’s Grinding War in Ukraine: Massive Losses and Tiny Gains for a Declining Power
2 February, 2026
Despite claims of battlefield momentum in Ukraine, the data shows that Russia is paying an extraordinary price for minimal gains and is in decline as a major power. Since February 2022, Russian forces have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties, more losses than any major power in any war since World War II. At current rates, combined Russian and Ukrainian casualties could reach 2 million by the spring of 2026. After seizing the initiative in 2024, Russian forces have advanced at an average rate of between 15 and 70 meters per day in their most prominent offensives, slower than almost any major offensive campaign in any war in the last century....
CANSOFCOM Education & Research Centre
Understanding Hybrid Warfare: Great Power Competition and Conflict in the New Era
4 January, 2026
... Of greater concern for Western powers is the fact that the warfighting doctrines of these actors are moving away from direct military confrontation. In fact, they have begun integrating strategic, operational and tactical operations into a holistic construct....
China and Russia seek to deepen defence and security cooperation
12 December, 2025
The deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia will affect the Indo-Pacific and Europe more than anywhere else. International tension and conflict will increase as countries in these regions reluctantly respond to this partnership. We should not cling to hopes that either China or Russia will moderate the other....
Europe-Russia: Balance of Power Review
12 November, 2025
European countries can no longer avoid the "Russian question," as Russia has chosen war. They have the necessary potential—that is, the economic means, military capabilities, and technological expertise—to face Russia by 2030, provided they demonstrate the political will to do so.
Flamingos even things up a bit for Ukraine
13 October, 2025
Last February, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance launched a televised frontal attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House, telling him Ukraine had “no cards.” Zelensky should let Russia keep the conquered territories (about 20 per cent of Ukraine) in return for peace. Yet ...
The Scale of Russian Sabotage Operations Against Europe’s Critical Infrastructure
5 September, 2025
This IISS paper assesses Russia’s unconventional war on Europe, focusing on sabotage of critical infrastructure, from military sites and energy grids to communications and undersea cables, testing the resilience of European governments and societies and challenging NATO/EU deterrence.
European Council on Foreign Relations
The bear beneath the ice: Russia’s ambitions in the Arctic
27 July 2025 -
The Kremlin’s Arctic ambitions have grown further this year, partly in response to signals from Washington. US president Donald Trump’s sights on Greenland were interpreted in Moscow as a sign of growing geopolitical competition in the region. America’s position validated the long-held idea that the Arctic is “the next frontier for great power competition”, reinforcing Russia’s self-perception as a key player on the world stage.