Despite the long hostilities and the difficult situation at the front, the conflict in Ukraine continues to develop. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes in its new report that the recent successes of Russian troops near Vugledar, Velika Novosilka and other areas indicate that the war has not reached a stalemate.
Donetsk region
The tempo of the offensive of Russian troops in the Donetsk region has increased. The enemy occupied a number of settlements, including Katerynivka, Elizavetivka, and Illinka, and confirmed the advance in the area of Velika Novosilka. Since the beginning of September, Russian forces have captured more than 1,100 square kilometers, which significantly exceeds Ukraine's achievements for the whole of 2023 (387 square kilometers).
The capture of Vugledar was a strategically important step for further operations in the western part of Donetsk region. Russian troops are now trying to surround Velika Novosilka and block Ukrainian units in the direction of Pokrovsky and Kurakhovo.
Luhansk Region
On the Kupyansk–Svatov–Kreminna line, Russian troops continue to attack Ukrainian positions. Although there is no official confirmation of the enemy's successes, mil bloggers claim the capture of several settlements, including Kopanky and Pershotravneve.
Fighting is taking place in many settlements, including Kindrashivka, Sinkivka, Lozova and Hlushkivka.
Kharkiv region
In the north-east of the Kharkiv region, the Russians carried out offensive actions near Vovchansk and Tykhi. However, it was not possible to achieve success. There is also no independent confirmation of the Ukrainian counterattack on Zhuravlivka (Belhorod Region).
South
In the Zaporizhia region, the Russians claim to be advancing near Robotyny, Malaya Tokmachka, and Biloghirya. However, ISW does not confirm these reports. At the same time, positional battles continue in the Kherson region, but without significant changes on the front line.
General conclusions of ISW
The Russian command continues to look for weak points in the Ukrainian defenses, but the pace of the offensive is much lower than at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Probable scenarios for further actions include the intensification of attacks in the Kurakhiv, Orihiv, and Gulyaipil directions.
