started · updated
Ukraine counterattacks reduce Russia’s net territorial gains to near zero
Ukrainian forces have achieved a significant shift in battlefield momentum, reducing Russia’s net territorial gains since March 2026 to nearly zero. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), targeted counteroffensive operations in the Kupiansk, Oleksandrivka, and Lyman directions have successfully disrupted Russian military plans to encircle the Fortress Belt in the Donetsk region.
In the north near Kupiansk, Ukrainian defenders have reclaimed lost positions and repelled repeated attacks. Additionally, the elimination of a Russian salient north of Lyman has forced Moscow to reassess its campaign designs for both the northern and southern flanks of the region. Some reports indicate Ukrainian troops have reached the eastern bank of the Zherebets River.
Amidst these tactical shifts, Ukrainian military intelligence reports that the Russian command has requested an additional 800,000 troops from President Vladimir Putin to sustain offensive operations. However, intelligence analysts suggest Russia faces systemic logistical constraints, estimating their actual capacity to recruit, equip, and train new personnel is limited to between 300,000 and 500,000 people. While the Kremlin has denied plans for a new mobilization, analysts suggest such a move may occur following upcoming elections.
Entities
Institute for the Study of War · Oleh Ivashchenko · Russia · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Russian military command has reportedly requested 800,000 additional troops from President Vladimir Putin. www.dagens.com · fr.businessam.be · www.tf1info.fr · www.kyivpost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ukrainian forces have successfully contested the battlefield initiative for the first time since the August 2024 Kursk offensive. www.dagens.com · time.news · www.kyivpost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ukrainian troops have reportedly pushed Russian forces back toward the Zherebets River and in some areas crossed to the eastern bank. www.dagens.com · www.kyivpost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ukrainian counteroffensive operations have reduced Russia’s net territorial gains since March 2026 to nearly zero. www.dagens.com · time.news
- [DISPUTED] President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied that a new mass mobilization is currently planned. www.dagens.com · www.tf1info.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions have disrupted Russian plans to encircle the Fortress Belt in Donetsk. www.dagens.com · www.kyivpost.com
- [DISPUTED] Russia's actual capacity to recruit, equip, and train new personnel is estimated to be between 300,000 and 500,000 people. fr.businessam.be · www.kyivpost.com
- [DISPUTED] Russia currently maintains recruitment through financial incentives, enrolling an average of 300,000 to 400,000 men annually. www.tf1info.fr