Ukraine Wipes Out Nearly All of Russia’s 2026 Territorial Gains, ISW Says
Ukrainian forces have eliminated nearly all territorial gains made by Russia during 2026, according to the Institute for the Study of War. This includes a counterattack in the Donbas region where Ukrainian forces retook over 200 square kilometers. Additional battlefield reports highlight new offensive maneuver forms by Ukrainian forces and a recent drone mission that destroyed two Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers and damaged two others, with one strike completed after a 45 kilometer flight.
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- ✓ Ukraine has wiped out nearly all of Russia's 2026 territorial gains according to the Institute for the Study of War.
- ✓ Ukrainian forces retook over 200 square kilometers in a Donbas counterattack.
- ✓ A Ukrainian drone crew destroyed two Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers and damaged two others during a single mission.
- ✓ One of the Ukrainian drone strikes completed a 45 km flight.
What changed
The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian operations have wiped out nearly all territorial gains achieved by Russian forces throughout 2026.
Live updates
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Ukraine Wipes Out Nearly All 2026 Russian Gains
Ukrainian forces have eliminated nearly all territorial gains made by Russia during 2026, according to the Institute for the Study of War. This includes a counterattack in the Donbas region where Ukrainian forces retook over 200 square kilometers. Additional battlefield reports highlight new offensive maneuver forms by Ukrainian forces and a recent drone mission that destroyed two Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers and damaged two others, with one strike completed after a 45 kilometer flight.
Why it matters
The recent battlefield shifts demonstrate a significant tactical evolution in Ukraine's military strategy after months of Russian pressure. Retaking substantial territory in the Donbas region counters Moscow's earlier momentum this year. Meanwhile, precision drone strikes operating deep behind enemy lines highlight ongoing adaptation in Ukrainian long-range tactical capabilities.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine has wiped out nearly all of Russia's 2026 territorial gains according to the Institute for the Study of War.
- Ukrainian forces retook over 200 square kilometers in a Donbas counterattack.
- A Ukrainian drone crew destroyed two Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers and damaged two others during a single mission.
- One of the Ukrainian drone strikes completed a 45 km flight.
What to watch next
- Assess whether Ukrainian forces can hold the newly retaken territory against subsequent Russian counter-offensives.
- Monitor further Institute for the Study of War battlefield assessments regarding the sustainability of the Donbas counterattack.
- Track potential escalations following reported drone attacks involving high-profile figures.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- Russia Matters — The Russia-Ukraine War Report Card, Sept. 9, 2026
- mickryan.substack.com — Ukraine Builds New Forms of Offensive Manoeuvre
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 12, 2026
- Critical Threats — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 11, 2026
- united24media.com — Ukraine Wipes Out Nearly All of Russia’s 2026 Territorial Gains, ISW Says
- The Independent — Ukraine war live: Boris condemns Putin’s ‘warped logic’ after escaping drone attack
- TVP World — Ukraine 'retakes over 200 sq km' in Donbas counterattack
- united24media.com — Ukrainian Drone Crew Hits Four Russian Grad Rocket Launchers in One Mission, One 45 Km Away
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