The Ukrainian Armed Forces have improved their positions in three directions: ISW reported changes at the front
Ukrainian forces advanced in certain areas of the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, while claims by Russian bloggers about the capture of a number of settlements are not confirmed by geolocation data
Ukrainian defense forces have improved their positions along certain sections of the front in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Ukrainian units advanced despite attempts by Russian forces to hold back their offensive and counteroffensive actions.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for 26 August 2026.
Kharkiv oblast
On the Kupiansk axis, Ukrainian troops, according to geolocation data, advanced southwest of Dvorichna, which is located north of Kupiansk.
In addition, Russian sources report possible advances of Ukrainian forces southeast of Borova. One Russian military blogger claimed that the AFU counterattacked near Katerynivka, Novyi and Ridkodub, and also seized a stretch of territory between Novyi and Katerynivka.
According to him, the Russian grouping near Shandrholove may be at risk of encirclement. He also asserted that Russian forces are likely losing control of that settlement. At the same time, the Russian army continues to strike Ukrainian positions in the area.
Donetsk oblast
On the Dobropillia axis, Ukrainian units have reestablished or expanded their positions. Geolocated imagery published on 26 August indicates Ukrainian advances around Vodyanske and Krasnopodillia, south of Dobropillia.
ISW assesses that Ukrainian forces likely hold positions or have advanced in Matyasheve, west of Vodyanske, as well as in Dobropillia itself.
These data do not align with statements by Russian military bloggers about the capture of certain settlements. In particular, one of them claimed that Russian forces captured Zolotyi Kolodyaz and advanced in the areas of Novovodyane, Bilozerske and Dobropillia. However, available geolocation materials do not confirm those claims.
Zaporizhzhia oblast
In western Zaporizhzhia oblast, Ukrainian forces were also able to advance. Geolocated imagery released on 26 August shows a Russian strike on a Ukrainian position in the central part of Mala Tokmachka, located southeast of Orikhiv.
Earlier this sector had been under Russian control. This indicates a change in the situation along that stretch of the front.
Ukrainian forces also continue to strike Russian equipment on temporarily occupied territory in Zaporizhzhia oblast. In particular, Russian vehicles were recorded being struck near occupied Tokmak — roughly 27 kilometers from the front line.
Thus, ISW assesses that Ukrainian forces improved their position on several sections of the front. At the same time, claims by the Russian side about capturing a number of territories are not currently confirmed by geolocation data.
Recall, Odesa was subjected to attacks for most of the night and morning. Infrastructure, an educational institution and a multi-story residential building were damaged as a result of the shelling.
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