Russian forces did not advance in several directions along the front — ISW
The defense forces stopped the Russian Federation's attempts to advance in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Kupiansk and Sloviansk directions
Throughout August 15 and 16, Russian forces continued offensive operations along various sections of the front, but the Defense Forces of Ukraine halted the adversary. This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
In the north of Sumy Oblast, Russian units did not achieve confirmed advances on these days. Analysts estimate the occupiers send small infantry groups of 1 to 3 soldiers into combat daily. They try to infiltrate between Ukrainian positions despite sustained losses. Tall grass, which in places exceeds 2 meters, complicates Ukrainian forces’ detection of such groups.
Over the last two days, Russian forces also attempted to break through in the north of Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian defenders stopped these actions in time.
At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the alleged “capture” of Kudyivka, attempting to present the settlement as a controlled “gateway to Kharkiv.” ISW refuted this claim: fighting continues in Kudyivka, and Russian forces have not established fortified positions there.
On the Kup’iansk direction, the Russian army conducted offensive operations on 15 and 16 August as well, but did not advance. The Defense Forces of Ukraine hold positions on the southern outskirts of Kupiansk.
Offensive attempts by the Russians on the Sloviansk direction also did not allow them to advance. In addition, Ukrainian servicemembers cleared an area in the western part of Kostiantynivka of Russian reconnaissance elements.
Earlier ISW reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine advanced on key directions in the Donbas.
