Donbass frontlines show shifting control and slowing Russian advances

Recent military developments in the Donbass region indicate a complex battlefield where territorial shifts are occurring despite significant Russian occupation. While Russia maintains control over approximately 90.11% of the Donbass and 81.67% of the combined territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, recent data suggests a slowdown in their offensive momentum.

In one tactical development, Ukrainian forces have reportedly utilized new combat tactics to force Russian troops to retreat beyond the Zherebets River. This maneuver has allowed Ukrainian defenders to establish a more manageable defensive line, aided by the use of artillery and drones to monitor river crossings.

Mapping data from 2026 indicates that the net territorial gain for Moscow since the start of the year is relatively small, totaling approximately 96 square kilometers. While Russia has gained territory in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy, Ukraine has reclaimed areas in Luhansk, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. The data suggests that while Russia maintains an extensive occupation, recent operations do not reflect a large-scale general advance.