Russia attacks on three fronts but fails to make gains – ISW
Photo: Russia launches assaults across three regions (Getty Images)
Russian forces in recent days have carried out several platoon-sized assaults across three regions. However, these attacks are unlikely to significantly strengthen Russia’s spring–summer 2026 offensive, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, geolocated footage from April 18–19 shows that Russian troops conducted several attacks.
These include two mechanized platoon-sized assaults east of Chasiv Yar, a motorized assault using Ural trucks and motorcycles near Sviatopetrivka, and another mechanized assault near Kucheriv in Russia’s Kursk region.
The ISW emphasizes that there is no evidence these assaults achieved tactically significant success, and three out of four likely did not advance beyond the line of contact.
Analysts suggest these actions may have been reconnaissance efforts to identify Ukrainian positions and test defenses ahead of potential larger offensives.
Russian forces may also have conducted opportunistic assaults aimed at exploiting tactical advantages near Chasiv Yar, Sviatopetrivka, and Kucheriv.
The report notes that Russia could carry out similar attacks along the entire front line to disperse Ukrainian forces and distract them from key directions, particularly the Sloviansk area.
At the same time, ISW stresses that to achieve meaningful results, Russia would need to commit significantly more forces and resources over a prolonged period.
Analysts also point out that Russia appears to be trying to create the impression of simultaneous offensives on multiple fronts, but such actions dilute resources and fail to deliver substantial results.
An exception may be the direction northwest of Huliaipole.
“Only the assault northwest of Hulyaipole was in an area that Russian forces have reportedly reinforced with strategic reserves, and Russian forces continue to struggle to achieve their goals for the spring-summer offensive,” the report states.
Situation on the front
Earlier reports indicated that over the past 10 days, Russian forces have intensified pressure on the border areas of the Sumy region, attempting to seize villages near the border. Civilians from these areas have already been evacuated.
Ukrainian forces continue to repel enemy attacks. In particular, airborne troops eliminated a group of Russian soldiers attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian rear positions through a gas pipeline, and in the Zaporizhzhia region, a Russian motorcycle assault was thwarted.
Additionally, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence, Russia is preparing a new offensive in southeastern Ukraine, deploying strategic reserves. Around 20,000 additional troops are expected to reinforce the occupation forces.
The Center for Countering Disinformation also noted that the Kremlin is considering at least three scenarios — from continuing active combat to freezing the conflict or shifting to hybrid aggression against NATO countries.
