Photo: GeneralStaff.ua
Ukrainian forces have improved their positions in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions and disrupted several Russian offensive efforts, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Kharkiv region
On September 14–15, Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kupyansk and Borova directions, but did not make confirmed advances as Ukrainian forces conducted counterattacks. A source associated with Russia’s Western Grouping of Forces reported that Ukrainian troops attacked Russian salients north and southeast of Kupyansk.
Ukrainian Joint Forces spokesperson Colonel Viktor Trehubov said Russian forces were increasing pressure along the left bank of the Oskil River, particularly near Kivsharivka, in an effort to narrow the Ukrainian bridgehead.
At the same time, Russian forces have largely been unable to maintain positions on the right bank of the Oskil closer to Kupyansk and have been losing territory there, according to Trehubov. He assessed that Russia likely lacks sufficient forces for a large-scale offensive in the area in the coming weeks, although this could change if Moscow deploys additional troops.
Donetsk region
Ukrainian forces have also made gains southwest of Dobropillia. Geolocated footage indicates advances in southwestern Bilytske, north of Pokrovsk, as well as Ukrainian positions remaining in western Bilytske despite Russian claims of advances there.
Geolocated footage also shows Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions west of Novyi Donbas, east of Dobropillia, which ISW says is consistent with Ukrainian forces having advanced or maintained their positions in the area.
Russia continues to intensify attacks toward Dobropillia and is deploying additional personnel there ahead of seasonal changes, according to Ukrainian military sources cited by ISW.
Operation Vivaldi
On September 15, Ukraine officially confirmed for the first time its counteroffensive operation north of Lyman, known as Operation Vivaldi.
Commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi said Ukrainian forces had liberated or cleared 85 square kilometers, including Serednie and several nearby settlements and areas. ISW assessed that Ukrainian forces may have made additional gains beyond those officially announced.
The operation has also involved strikes against Russian logistics and fuel supplies. Ukrainian forces reportedly disrupted Russian logistics routes at depths of up to 120 kilometers behind the front, forcing Russia to disperse fuel and ammunition depots and other support infrastructure.
ISW assesses that Operation Vivaldi has disrupted Russia’s effort to conduct a wide encirclement of Ukraine’s Fortress Belt in Donetsk region. Russian forces continue offensive operations in the Lyman direction but have not made confirmed advances.
Other fronts
Russian forces continued attacks east of Slovyansk, including near Kryva Luka and toward Mykolaivka, but ISW recorded no confirmed Russian advances there.
Russian attacks also continued around Kostyantynivka and toward Druzhkivka without confirmed territorial gains.
On the Huliaipole direction, Russian forces likewise continued offensive operations without confirmed success, while Ukrainian troops recently advanced or maintained positions in western Zaporizhzhia region.
ISW’s broader assessment is that Ukrainian counterattacks in the Kupyansk, Oleksandrivka and Lyman directions have significantly disrupted Russia’s operational plans, while Russian forces continue to struggle to maintain momentum along several sectors of the front.
