# Russian territorial gains in Ukraine

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-territorial-gains-in-ukraine
> Updated: 2026-08-02T02:06:46.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

In early July 2026 Russian forces announced the capture of the Petro‑Ivanivka settlement in Kharkiv, prompting Ukrainian troop redeployments. The Russian Ministry of Defence later reported village seizures in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia—Artelnoe, Blagodatnoe, Zakharovka and Ivashkino—claiming the destruction of a Ukrainian platoon and substantial equipment losses.

On 3 August 2026 the Defence Ministry said its “North” grouping had taken the settlements of Bely Kolodez and Ustinovka in Kharkiv, with additional advances near Dobropolye and Seversk. Russian statements listed further Ukrainian casualties and materiel losses, while Ukrainian General Staff data recorded 207 clashes and intense drone‑artillery exchanges that day.

Analysts note that Russian‑held territory has been contracting since November 2025, with a reported monthly loss of 116 km² in April 2026. Despite the slowdown, Russian authorities are preparing a mobilisation of up to 500,000 reservists, including offers of troops from North Korea, underscoring the continued intensity of the conflict.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Russian Forces Claim Tactical Gains in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region

Russia says its “North” grouping captured Bely Kolodez and Ustinovka in Kharkiv on Aug 3 2026, while overall front gains have been declining since late 2025, prompting a planned 500,000‑person mobilisation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-claim-tactical-gains-in-ukraines-kharkiv-region

### 2026-07-22: Russian forces capture villages in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions

Russian troops reported liberating two villages in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia on 22 July and seizing two more in Kharkiv on 24 July, citing heavy Ukrainian losses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-forces-capture-villages-in-ukraines-kharkiv-and-zaporizhzhia-regions

### 2026-07-06: Russian Army Seizes Petro‑Ivanivka Settlement in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region

Russia's defence ministry said its forces have seized the Petro‑Ivanivka settlement in Kharkiv, expanding Russian‑held territory and prompting Ukrainian troops to shift positions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-army-seizes-petroivanivka-settlement-in-ukraines-kharkiv-region

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Cite as: Russian territorial gains in Ukraine. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-territorial-gains-in-ukraine