Ukrainian forces regain tactical initiative across front line – ISW
In its report, the ISW said Ukrainian forces have conducted a series of counterattacks in different areas across the theater in recent months, having made their most significant gains on the battlefield since Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region in August 2024.
Analysts noted that Ukrainian counterattacks recaptured much of Kupiansk starting in November 2025, liberated over 400 square kilometers in southern Ukraine in winter and spring 2026, and most recently liberated several settlements in western Zaporizhzhia region since late April 2026.
The report states that Ukrainian counterattacks in the south "have created cascading operational and strategic effects against Russia's ongoing Spring-Summer 2026 offensive against the Fortress Belt, which has forced Russia to choose between defending against Ukrainian counterattacks or allocating manpower and resources to priority sectors."
The ISW also added that Ukraine's intensified mid-range strike campaign against Russian logistics, military equipment, and manpower since early 2026 has also degraded Russian forces' ability to conduct offensive operations across the theater and has also likely supported recent Ukrainian advances.
"Ukrainian forces will likely further expand their mid-range strike campaign and continue counterattacks in vulnerable sectors of the frontline, which will likely further inhibit Russian offensive operations," ISW said.
