Russian occupying forces continue to launch large-scale offensive attempts in several key sectors of the front in Ukraine, but confirmed advancement is absent in most of them. According to analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the most tense operational situation persists in the north of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, where the invaders are trying to expand their control zone.
Situation in the north of Sumy and Kharkiv regions
In the north of Sumy region, Russian formations continued active offensive operations, but on September 24 and 25 they failed to achieve significant forward movement. At the same time, a change in enemy tactics is being recorded: Russian forces are increasingly using modernized "Molnia" unmanned aerial vehicles for targeted hunting of Ukrainian reconnaissance drones. In the north of Kharkiv region, the invaders also carried out attacks without confirmed territorial gains.
Contradictory data
It is worth noting the serious discrepancies between official analytical data and statements from Russian sources. In particular, Russian military bloggers and propaganda channels actively spread claims about the alleged successful capture of several settlements near Velykyi Burluk and even about the operational encirclement of Ukrainian troop units. However, ISW experts, after a detailed study of satellite imagery and intelligence data, stated that they found no factual evidence confirming these loud enemy statements.
AFU counter-offensive actions and situation in Donbas
Meanwhile, in the Lyman direction, Ukrainian counter-actions are creating serious tactical problems for the Russian command. The Ukrainian military notes that due to inaccurate or outdated data on the real situation at the front, Russian units are launching chaotic strikes, trying to blindly identify the positions of the Defense Forces. East of Sloviansk, Ukrainian fighters continue to confidently hold defense lines, and successful counterattacks in the Lyman and Sloviansk directions effectively restrain Russia's plans to deploy a large-scale offensive.
Consequences and expert assessments
In the Kostiantynivka and Novopavlivka directions, the occupiers also had no confirmed advancement, although in certain areas near Pokrovsk the situation remains extremely difficult. At the same time, in the Southern direction, Russian propagandists claimed successes northwest of Huliaipole, but ISW emphasizes that these claimed areas are located at a significant distance from the actual frontline positions of the Russian army. In general, the Defense Forces of Ukraine are not only disrupting enemy plans but also achieving local successes during counter-offensives in a number of front-line sectors.
