Russia Carried Out Its Largest Assault of 2026: An ISW Frontline Review

The Institute for the Study of War has assessed the situation on the battlefield. According to analysts, Russian forces made advances on one of the fronts.

What is the situation on the front lines?

The Vovchansk direction

Colonel Viktor Tregubov, a spokesperson for the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on October 24 that Russian troops are actively attacking in the directions of Vilchi, Vovchanski Khutory, and Bilyi Kolodyaz, which are located northeast of Kharkiv.

According to Tregubov, the nature of the local terrain forces the occupiers to use the same routes over and over again to attack these settlements.

This likely makes it easier for the Defense Forces to detect and engage Russian groups attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian positions.

Kupiansk Sector

On October 24, Tregubov reported that Russian troops were passing through Holubivka, located north of Kupiansk, to reach the city. However, they are not stationing their troops there on a permanent basis. This indicates that the occupiers do not maintain a permanent presence in Holubivtsi.

According to Tregubov, Russian troops rarely manage to penetrate Radkivka, which is located west of Holubivka and north of Kupiansk. This usually occurs only under adverse weather conditions. Presumably, thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian drone operators, the Russians are unable to establish control over Radkivka.

A source covering the activities of the Russian “West” military group stated on October 23 that Ukrainian forces had taken control of a section of an underground pipeline stretching from Radkivka to a point northeast of Holubivka, where it passes under the Oskil River.

According to the source, control over this section pipelineprevents Russian troops from reaching the northern part of Kupiansk. The source also noted that Ukrainian forces have the upper hand in the use of drones in this area. This prevents the Russians from using open terrain to infiltrate the city.

What is the situation on the Kupiansk front / ISW Map

Dobropillia Front

Russian troops recently advanced southeast of Dobropillia.

Geolocated footage from October 23 shows Ukrainian forces carrying out an airstrike on a Russian position in the center of Bilytske, southeast of Dobropillia. This indicates an advance by Russian forces in this area.

Where the Russians Have Advanced / ISW Map

Pokrovsk Direction

On October 21, Russian troops launched a large-scale mechanized assault on the Pokrovsk direction.

A Ukrainian brigade operating in this sector reported on October 23 that the Russians had carried out the largest assault of 2026 in its area of responsibility, using motorcycles and other equipment.

According to the brigade, Russian forces attempted to advance at dawn under conditions of poor visibility.

However, Ukrainian defenders repelled the attack, killing 43 Russian soldiers and wounding another 12.

Huliaipole Sector

On October 24, Russian military bloggers reported that Russian forces were advancing toward Novosoloshyne, northwest of Huliaipole. At the same time, this settlement is located 12 kilometers from the farthest positions previously reached by Russian troops.

According to analysts, the nature of such reports is consistent with the Kremlin’s systematic information campaign aimed at creating a false impression of the Russian army’s tactical successes.

Orihiv Sector

On October 23 and 24, Russian troops also continued limited offensive operations in the Orikhiv sector, but were unable to advance due to counterattacks by Ukrainian forces.