Ukraine regains the initiative on the battlefield: ISW reveals what changed
Photo: Ukrainian soldiers (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces seized the initiative on the battlefield in 2026, nearly wiping out Russia's gains and launching counteroffensive operations in several areas, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, in late 2025 and throughout 2026, Ukrainian forces for the first time since the August 2024 Kursk offensive were able to successfully counter the initiative of Russian forces.
Since March, Ukrainian forces have virtually eliminated Russia's net territorial gains. At the same time, Ukrainian forces have conducted counteroffensive operations in the Kupiansk, Oleksandrivka and Lyman directions.
These actions allowed Ukrainian forces to disrupt a number of plans by the Russian command.
In particular, Ukrainian counteroffensives halted attempts by Russian forces to break into Dnipropetrovsk region. In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian forces retook positions in the city and its surrounding areas and repelled further Russian attempts to recapture them.
Another result was the destruction of a significant Russian salient that posed a threat to the northern flank of Sloviansk and the entire Donetsk defensive belt.
Where Russia continues to advance
Despite this, Russian forces are still achieving some gains. ISW notes that they have made limited but significant gains in Kostiantynivka and its surrounding areas.
The Russians have also advanced east of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. However, they are having to make considerable efforts to maintain their offensive momentum in these areas.
A similar situation is observed in other parts of the front. Therefore, analysts assess that the situation remains dynamic and the struggle for the initiative continues.
Russia could launch large-scale mobilization
Against the backdrop of problems with advancing, Russian commanders are reportedly pressuring Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to launch a large-scale mobilization.
The Russian command is likely seeking to restore the army's ability to seize territory and maintain the offensive initiative.
At the same time, it remains unclear how much a new mobilization could change the situation on the battlefield if Putin actually makes such a decision.
Meanwhile, Russia is resorting to increasingly conspicuous ways of supporting its troops. The Russian Orthodox Church sent a fragment of the relics of medieval prince Dmitry Donskoy to the front in Ukraine, saying that the relic would "spiritually strengthen" Russian troops and boost their morale.
Meanwhile, Russia is amassing personnel and equipment in the Lyman direction, preparing for a possible intensification of offensive operations.
