Despite prolonged fighting and a difficult situation on the front, the conflict in Ukraine continues to develop. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes in its new report that recent successes by Russian troops near Vugledar, Velyka Novoselka and other areas indicate that the war has not reached a stalemate.
Donetsk region
The pace of the Russian offensive in the Donetsk region has increased. The enemy has captured a number of settlements, including Katerynivka, Elizavetivka and Ilyinka, and confirmed its advance in the area of Velyka Novoselka. Since the beginning of September, Russian forces have captured more than 1,100 square kilometers, which significantly exceeds Ukraine's gains for all 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–Svatove–Kreminna line, Russian troops continue to attack Ukrainian positions. Although there is no official confirmation of the enemy's successes, milbloggers claim the capture of several settlements, including Kopanky and Pershotravneve.
Fighting is taking place in many settlements, including Kindrashivka, Synkivka, Lozova, and Hlushkivka.
Kharkiv region
In the north-east of Kharkiv region, the Russians conducted offensive operations near Vovchansk and Tykhy. However, they failed to achieve any success. There is also no independent confirmation of a Ukrainian counterattack on Zhuravlivka (Belgorod region).
South
In Zaporizhia region, Russians claim to be advancing near Robotyne, Malaya Tokmachka, and Bilogirya. However, ISW does not confirm these reports. Meanwhile, in Kherson region, positional battles continue, but without significant changes on the front line.
ISW General Conclusions
The Russian command continues to look for weaknesses in the Ukrainian defenses, but the pace of the offensive is much slower than at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Likely scenarios for further actions include intensifying attacks in the Kurakhiv, Orikhiv, and Hulyaipil directions.
