Ukraine has achieved its greatest successes since the Kursk operation – ISW

Ukrainian troops are beginning to regain tactical initiative on various sections of the front and are increasing pressure on the Russian army.

This is stated in a new report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts note that in recent months, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have conducted a series of counterattacks in various directions and achieved the greatest results since the operation in the Kursk region.

According to ISW, Ukrainian troops regained a significant part of the territories in the Kupyansk area, liberated more than 400 square kilometers in southern Ukraine in the winter and spring of 2026, and also advanced in the western part of Zaporizhia region.

The Institute emphasizes that Ukrainian counterattacks in the south created serious operational and strategic problems for Russia during the spring-summer offensive on the so-called “belt of fortresses.”

Because of this, the Russian command is forced to choose between transferring resources to priority areas and defending against Ukrainian attacks.

Separately, analysts note the intensification of the Ukrainian campaign of medium-range strikes against Russian logistics, equipment, and personnel.

According to ISW estimates, this significantly weakened the Russian Federation’s ability to conduct offensive operations along the entire front line.

The commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Major Robert “Magyar” Brody, reported on May 20 that in the first 19 days of May alone, Ukrainian drones hit 19,203 Russian military personnel. More than 6,000 of them were strikes by SBS units.

ISW also drew attention to the problems of the Russian army with replenishing losses.

According to analysts, in the first quarter of 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense concluded only 70,500 contracts for military service, which is below the level required to compensate for losses at the front.

The report predicts that Ukraine will continue a campaign of medium-range strikes and counterattacks on vulnerable areas of the front, which will further complicate Russian offensive operations.

It was previously reported that the situation for Ukrainian forces in the Velyky Burlutsk direction has improved – the Russian occupiers have actually been pressed to the state border, and over the past month they have lost two settlements.

As a reminder, the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied the Russian Federation’s statement about the “complete occupation” of Luhansk region.