According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), cited by RBC-Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to advance on several sections of the front in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions on August 26–27, 2026, despite attempts by the Russian army to halt their offensive operations. This is evidenced, in particular, by geolocated footage released over the past 24 hours.
Advance on the Kupiansk Direction
On the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian troops recently advanced southwest of the settlement of Dvorichna, located north of Kupiansk. This advance is confirmed by geolocated footage. At the same time, Russian sources report possible Ukrainian movement southeast of Borova: according to a Kremlin-linked military blogger, Ukrainian forces counterattacked in the area of Katerynivka, Nove and Redkodub and occupied the territory between Nove and Katerynivka. The same source claimed that the Russian grouping near Shandryholove risks being encircled, and that Russia is likely losing control over this settlement, although Russian troops, he said, continue to strike Ukrainian positions in the area.
Situation on the Dobropillia Sector
On the Dobropillia direction, Ukrainian troops, according to ISW's assessment, have restored or expanded their positions. Geolocated video from August 26 confirms the advance of Ukrainian forces in Vodyane and Krasnopillia south of Dobropillia. In addition, troops are likely holding positions or advancing in Matviivka west of Vodyane, as well as in Dobropillia itself. These data, analysts note, contradict Russian claims of having captured certain areas.
Breakthrough in Western Zaporizhzhia Region
Ukrainian forces also advanced in western Zaporizhzhia region. Geolocated footage released on August 26 shows that Russian troops struck a Ukrainian position in the central part of Mala Tokmachka southeast of Orikhiv — an area that was previously under Russian control. Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops continue to strike Russian equipment in the occupied part of the region: the successful destruction of enemy vehicles has been recorded near occupied Tokmak, approximately 27 km from the front line.
Contradictory Data
The versions of the two sides differ significantly on several sections of the front. Russian milbloggers, for instance, claim that the Russian army has captured Zolotyi Koliadets and advanced near Nove Vodyane, Bilozerske and Dobropillia. However, according to ISW's assessment, these claims are not supported by available geolocation data. At the same time, the Ukrainian side and ISW report advances and the holding of positions in Matviivka, Vodyane, Krasnopillia and Dobropillia itself, which directly contradicts Russian reports of having captured these areas. A similar discrepancy is observed on the Kupiansk direction: Russian sources simultaneously report Ukrainian counterattacks and the risk of encirclement of a Russian grouping near Shandryholove, while independent verification of these claims in the provided materials is limited.
Strikes on Enemy Rear Areas
In addition to front-line advances, Ukrainian troops continue to strike Russian equipment and logistics deep in occupied territory. The recorded destruction of vehicles near Tokmak, 27 km from the front line, indicates sustained activity in rear areas. As of August 27, 2026, as RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Ukrainian forces are developing an offensive on several directions of the front, and the situation for the Russian army, according to analysts, is becoming more acute.
