Recent clashes in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s Kursk Oblast have resulted in notable territorial changes for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on September 19. The fighting continues to shape the dynamics on several key fronts, with both sides achieving limited gains amid an ongoing struggle for strategic areas.
According to ISW, Russia remains heavily focused on capturing the remaining areas of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, concentrating the majority of its military resources along the Pokrovsk direction. This region has been a focal point of Russia’s efforts as it seeks to solidify control over the eastern part of the country. However, recent developments have forced Russia to shift some of its attention to its own territory, particularly Kursk Oblast, in an effort to reclaim areas that Ukrainian forces have captured during their ongoing incursion into Russian-held territory.
In Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces have made incremental but significant advances. Geolocated footage from September 19 shows Ukrainian troops progressing east of Veseloe, south of Glushkovo, which indicates that Ukrainian units are continuing to push deeper into this region. According to ISW, a Russian milblogger also reported that Ukrainian forces have made advances within central Medvezhye, suggesting a widening Ukrainian presence in key areas of the region.
Additionally, Ukrainian forces have managed to secure gains on the northern side of their salient in Kursk Oblast. Geolocated footage from the same date shows Ukrainian advances southeast of Sheptukhovka and Naydenov, further strengthening their foothold in the region. These advances indicate that Ukraine is not only focusing on reclaiming territory but also expanding its operational reach along multiple fronts in Russia’s border areas.
Russian forces, meanwhile, have not remained idle. They, too, have reportedly made advances in Kursk Oblast, as they seek to counter Ukrainian incursions and reassert control over contested areas. This tug-of-war for territorial dominance in Kursk is indicative of the broader conflict’s fluid nature, with both sides seeking to gain the upper hand in key strategic regions.
Further to the north, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces have recently made noticeable advances, particularly north of Kharkiv City. Geolocated footage from September 19 reveals Russian progress in the dacha areas west of Hlyboke, as well as along the Travianske Reservoir. These areas are strategically significant, as they provide access to critical routes and resources, which could be crucial for Russian operations in the region. The renewed Russian push in Kharkiv suggests a continued effort to consolidate gains in areas where the frontlines have been relatively fluid.
In Luhansk Oblast, southwest of Svatove, Russian forces have also achieved marginal advances. Geolocated footage from September 19 confirms that Russian units have made progress in the western part of Makiivka. This area has seen ongoing skirmishes, and the confirmed Russian advances reflect their efforts to fortify their positions and create a buffer zone to defend against Ukrainian counterattacks.
The situation in Donetsk Oblast remains equally complex, with both sides making gains. Russian forces have continued their push southeast of Siversk and north of Chasiv Yar, key areas that hold strategic value in their broader campaign in eastern Ukraine. Geolocated footage from September 18 shows recent Russian advances in the vicinity of Vyimka and Hryhorivka, underscoring Russia’s determination to press forward in Donetsk Oblast, despite fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces.
In the Pokrovsk area, where Russia is focusing its primary efforts, the battle lines have been more fluid. Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture some territory in this critical zone, with geolocated footage from September 19 showing Ukrainian advances southeast of Marynivka. This recapture of territory reflects Ukraine’s determination to push back against Russian advances and prevent Russia from solidifying its hold in the region. However, Russian forces have not been entirely outpaced. Footage from September 18 shows that Russian units made marginal advances southwest of Mykhailivka, reflecting the ongoing back-and-forth struggle in this contested area.
Further south, in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian forces have achieved minor gains near Hulyaipole, another region of strategic importance. Geolocated footage from September 18 shows Ukrainian forces striking a Russian-occupied building north of Marfopil, which indicates that Russian forces had previously advanced into that area. This highlights the dynamic nature of the conflict, with both sides frequently exchanging control of small areas as they maneuver for tactical advantage.
Overall, the territorial changes in recent days reflect the intense and ongoing nature of the conflict, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces making limited but meaningful gains in different regions. The fighting remains concentrated in key areas such as Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk Oblasts, where control over territory can have significant strategic implications for both sides. The situation remains fluid, with neither side able to secure decisive control over the contested regions.
Source: Institute for the Study of War
