Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of September 16
Illustrative photo: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported fresh battlefield updates on September 16 (Getty Images)
As of September 16, a total of 148 combat clashes were recorded. Russian forces launched one missile, carried out 47 airstrikes, dropped 69 guided bombs, deployed 2,113 UAVs, and conducted 3,308 attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements, according to an update from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In the Northern Slobozhanskyi and Kursk direction, there were nine battles, six airstrikes, 13 aerial bombs, and 169 attacks, including four with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanskyi direction, five assaults took place near Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, and Lypci, with two clashes still ongoing.
In the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces attempted six times to advance toward Kupiansk, Petropavlivka, Andriivka, and Pishchane. Three attacks are still underway.
In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 attacks near Shyikivka, Shandryholove, Stavky, Kolodiazi, Hrekivka, Serednie, and Torske. Four battles remain active.
In the Siversk direction, 19 attacks were recorded near Serebrianka, Hryhorivka, Vyiimka, Yampil, and Dronivka. Three clashes continue.
In the Kramatorsk direction, two combat clashes took place near Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
In the Toretsk direction, Ukrainian forces repelled 15 attacks near Shcherbynivka, Katerynivka, Poltavka, Rusyn Yar, as well as toward Ivanopillia and Pleshchiivka. Two battles remain unfinished.
In the Pokrovsk direction, 46 attacks were recorded near Volodymyrivka, Vilne, Nikanorivka, Shakhove, Rodynske, Novoekonomichne, and other settlements. Ukrainian forces disrupted 40 assaults, while six clashes are still ongoing. Russian losses amounted to 177 personnel, with five pieces of equipment and 32 drones destroyed.
In the Novopavlivka direction, 15 attacks occurred near Filiia, Ivanivka, Oleksandrivhrad, Maliivka, Siechne, and Novoivanivka. Three clashes are still active.
In the Huliaipole direction, two attacks took place near Poltavka, with battles still ongoing. Airstrikes were recorded on Bilohiria and Zaliznychne.
In the Orikhiv direction, one attack occurred near Kamianske, along with an airstrike on Hryhorivka.
In the Prydniprovskyi direction, two attacks took place near Odradokamianka, with Russian forces using unguided rockets.
The effective work of the 40th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade was highlighted, as its fighters inflicted significant losses on Russian manpower and equipment.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the war in Ukraine could be brought to an end within 60–90 days if Europe introduces significant secondary tariffs against states that continue purchasing Russian oil.
He stressed that Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has become a signal for the entire European Union, meaning that member states must prepare for potential threats and strengthen their defense capabilities.
