Situation on the Kozacha Lopan direction, Kharkiv Oblast:

Over the last three weeks, heavy fighting has continued in and around Kozacha Lopan as Russian forces attempt to expand their zone of control across the international border.

In the northwest, Russian forces improved their positions around the town of Veterynarne, establishing a small buffer zone up to the low-lying ground. Meanwhile, the main push in Kozacha Lopan brought Russia additional results, as their assault groups consolidated in the northern and eastern streets, while infiltrators penetrated further south into the southern parts of the town. Attacks were also carried out west from Kozacha Lopan, however Russia is struggling to further improve their positions throughout the sector now due to a tight Ukrainian FPV drone kill-zone imposed on their supply routes.

To the east, the Russians cleared a new section of the border southeast of Hraniv and began attacking further south towards the highway. Additionally, they advanced from the Hoptivka border crossing and captured a section of the highway, before infiltrating west into the village of Kudiivka.

+ ~15.76 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Ternova & Bilyi Kolodyaz directions, Kharkiv Oblast:

Over the last week, the intensity of fighting in this sector has decreased, although Russian and Ukrainian forces have continued to carry out limited assault operations.

In the west, Russian forces recaptured the rest of the forests north of Starytsya after Ukrainian counterattacks a few months ago, and re-infiltrated the central part of the village. Some DRGs were able to cross the river and infiltrate the Ukrainian strongholds in the forests on the tactical heights further south.

To the east, Ukrainian forces continued infiltrating the forests west of Lyman, while the Russians resumed assault operations in the area of Lyman. Russian forces are also trying to improve their positions south and east of Vilcha while Ukrainian assault groups resume infiltrations up to the southern outskirts of Vovchansk.

+ ~1.37 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Bilyi Kolodyaz and Velykyi Burluk directions, Kharkiv Oblast:

Over the last few weeks, Russian forces continued their offensive operations in the northeastern corner of Kharkiv Oblast, where they are still trying to cut off the Ukrainian formations there.

In the west, Russian forces advanced further south from Pokolyane, capturing new positions along the treelines on the tactical heights and infiltrating the first streets of Bilyi Kolodyaz. Other assault groups continued fighting for Zakharivka, Vasylivka and Ivanivka, where Ukrainian forces are counterattacking. Renewed assault operations are also being carried out on the treelines east of Okhrimivka and Chaikivka.

In the east, the Russians cleared the village of Anyshchyne and infiltrated further south into the villages of Vodyane and Vilkhuvakta, where heavy fighting is now underway. Infiltrations are also taking place towards the villages of Dovzhanka, Chorne, Kupyne, and Shyroke, however newly arrived Ukrainian reinforcements are intensifying their counterattacks. Other Russian assault groups improved their positions in the treelines west of Artilne and reached the southern edge of Ozerne.

+ ~13.84 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

CENTCOM announced that the Iranian M/T KYLO oil tanker sunk after being struck by U.S. missiles yesterday.

Situation on the Kupyansk direction, Kharkiv Oblast:

Over the last few weeks, Ukrainian forces continued their coordinated series of counterattacks towards the town of Dvorichna and made new important advances.

In the south, Ukrainian forces captured the rest of the forests south, north, and northeast of Zapadne, before pushing further southeast, infiltrating up to the western bank of the Oskil River, therefore cutting the Russian bridgehead west of the river in two.

To the north, the Ukrainians continued pushing east down both banks of the Nyzhnya Dvorichna River, recapturing numerous new forested positions. Some forces managed to entrench in the western-most part of Dvorichna itself and are now infiltrating further east towards the town centre.

+ ~5.36 km² in favour of Ukraine.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Kupyansk direction, Kharkiv Oblast:

Over the last month, the intensity of fighting southeast of Kupyansk has decreased, although Russian forces continue to slowly clear the Ukrainian bridgehead east of the Oskil River as Ukraine faces deteriorating logistical issues.

Russian forces improved their positions in the treelines of Novoosynove and gained a foothold in the eastern part of the town. Other assault groups cleared new parts of the high-rise buildings in Kivsharivka and reached the centre of the town. Meanwhile, fighting continues for the central, southern, and eastern parts of Kupyank-Vuzlovyi where a large grey-zone remains. Russian assault groups also resumed attacks on Ukrainian positions in the forests southeast of the town.

+ ~3.07 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Borova direction, Donetsk, Luhansk & Kharkiv Oblasts:

Over the last two weeks, Ukrainian forces launched a new series of counterattacks in and around Luhansk Oblast, re-entering the region in a number of locations.

In the north, Ukrainian forces cleared out earlier Russian infiltrations north of Tverdokhlibove and recaptured some treeline positions northwest of Novoiehorivka. Other assault groups recaptured a forested area and nearby treeline positions near the Luhansk-Kharkiv regional border west of Novovodyane.

To the southwest, Ukrainian forces re-established control over the village of Hrekivka and a number of forested areas to the west. They also cleared the eastern part of Olhivka from earlier Russian infiltrations and recaptured treeline positions further east.

To the south, the Ukrainians cleared treeline positions north of Novomykhailivka and established control over the forest to the east. From here, they are infiltrating further southeast down the forested gulley, trying to cut off Russian formations entrenched in Novomykhailivka.

+ ~15.22 km² in favour of Ukraine.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Ukrainian forces have officially re-established control over the Donetsk-Kharkiv-Luhansk border tri-point as a result of their new series of counterattacks into Luhansk Oblast.

This location was never under Russian control and remained in the contested grey-zone for several months. However, Ukrainian forces, after clearing Olhivka from Russian infiltrators, have moved on to clear this position and nearby forested areas.

The IRGC announced that the naval forces of the IRGC attacked a U.S. drone-boat that was attempting to enter the protected area of the Strait of Hormuz.

Situation on the Lyman direction, Donetsk Oblast:

Over the last 10 days, Ukrainian forces continued their localised counteroffensive north of Lyman and have made additionally significant progress, threatening the Russian salient with a physical encirclement.

In the northeast, Ukrainian forces continued their main thrust towards the Zherebets River. After occupying the main Russian strongpoints on the tactical heights, they continued pushing southeast down the ridgeline, entering several new treeline positions and capturing a number of forested areas further east. They also managed to improve their positions west of the tributary of the Zherebets River south of Nove, capturing new forested areas towards Zelena Dolnya from the east. From here, Ukrainian forces are penetrating further east through the forested areas towards the Donetsk-Luhansk regional border and the village of Ivanivka, while other assault groups resume attacks towards Zelena Dolnya from the north.

To the west, the Ukrainians recaptured positions northeast of Serednje following earlier Russian counterattacks and began advancing south down the eastern bank of the Nitrius river towards Shandryholove, aiming to link up with their forces attacking from the south. Other assault groups are also advancing south down the western bank of the River, reaching the northern outskirts of Serednje as Russian forces slowly withdraw eastwards.

To the southwest, Russian forces continue to retreat from their bridgehead west of the Nitrius River, allowing Ukrainian forces to clear numerous treelines and forested areas southeast of Korovii Yar and east of Oleksandrivka. Additionally, Ukrainian forces re-established full control over the main part of the Sviati Hory National Park and the neighbouring forested areas, allowing them to approach Shandryholove from the west.

To the southeast, Russian forces retreated from the village of Novoselivka allowing Ukraine to re-establish full control over it, as well as the forests and treelines to the north. This has, in turn, allowed Ukraine to intensify their infiltrations into the centre of Shandryholove from the south and enter Derylove from the west. Meanwhile, other Ukrainian assault groups cleared the last remaining parts of Drobysheve, officially securing the entire town, and began pushing beyond it into the nearby treelines further northeast.

To the east, the Ukrainians consolidated in the forests north of Stavky and deepened their infiltrations north into the forested gullies west of Kolodyazi, attacking north, northwest, and northeast. Other assault groups managed to infiltrate the western part of Kolodyazi and are trying to capture the centre of the village. The fall of Kolodyazi would effectively encircle Russian forces north of Lyman. Additionally, other Ukrainian forces resumed infiltrations into the northwestern streets of Zarichne.

+ ~48.89 km² in favour of Ukraine.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Lyman direction, Donetsk Oblast:

Over the last few weeks, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have continued their assault operations in and around Lyman, each making advances in different areas.

In the southeast, Ukrainian forces cleared out earlier Russian infiltrations in the forests along the northern bank of the Siverskyi-Donets River and north of Staryi Karavan, while Russian forces cleared out Ukrainian positions near the lakes and gained a foothold in the northern part of Dibrova. Deep Russian infiltrations through the large grey-zone towards Brusivka, Ozerne, and Staryi Karavan continue.

To the northwest, Russian forces gained a foothold in the southeastern part of Lyman and infiltrated further northwest through the private sector, while other assault groups marginally advanced in the Masliakivka District. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces cleared part of northern Lyman from earlier Russian infiltrations.

+ ~8.48 km² in favour of Ukraine.
+ ~5.29 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Slovyansk & Kramatorsk directions, Donetsk Oblast:

Over the last three weeks, Russian forces continued their offensive operations towards Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, making significant advances in several different areas.

In the northeast, Russian forces consolidated in the forests west of Kryva Luka and gained a foothold in the village of Pyskunivka. Other assault groups cleared positions along the southern bank of the Siverskyi-Donets River and improved their positions in the forests southwest of Kryva Luka.

To the southwest, the Russians established control over the rest of the large forest north of Rai-Oleksandrivka and treeline positions to the west. This has allowed them to intensify their infiltrations into Mykolaivka, which are now taking place into the northern, southern, and eastern streets of the city. Additionally, Russian forces cleared the last remaining Ukrainian positions in Rai-Oleksandrivka and began assault operations towards the pumping station along the Siverskyi-Donets Donbas Canal.

Further southwest, Russian forces captured the village of Yurkivka and cleared the treeline positions to the east and west, and intensified their infiltrations into Orikhuvatka. Other assault groups expanded their zone of infiltration further west, entering the forests northwest of Zapovidne and pushing further northwest up the highway to Slovyansk. At the same time, Russian forces captured the forest east of Zapovidne, entered the eastern part of the village and secured the rest of the positions west of the canal to the southeast.

To the south, after capturing the villages of Malynivka and Tykhonivka, Russian forces began advancing further west, capturing new positions along the road to Vasyutynske and infiltrating towards Pershomarivka from the south and east. Some small groups of Russian soldiers were also detected southeast of Vasylivska Pustosh. Other assault groups levelled the frontline south of Tykonivka, improved their positions west of Markove, and infiltrated the fields west of Fedorivka.

+ ~39.83 km² in favour of Russia.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Situation on the Kostyantynivka & Druzhkivka directions, Donetsk Oblast:

Over the last few weeks, Russian forces continued their offensive operations in the Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka areas, although their primary focus has shifted away from capturing the rest of Kostyantynivka to advancing on the flanks.

In the west, after the initial breakthrough towards Druzhkivka from the southwest, Russian forces began expanding the width of their breach, pushing estwards through the treelines onto the tactical heights, and further towards the gullies west of Mykolaipillya. Attacks are also taking place towards the village of Raiske.

To the east, the Russians cleared a number of advanced Ukrainian strongpoints west of Stepanivka and expanded their zone of infiltration further north into the forested gullies. Additionally, after capturing the village of Rozkishne, Russian assault groups advanced further northwest and captured the eastern part of Mykolaipillya, which has allowed them to launch assault operations on the treelines to the north. Ukrainian forces cleared out some of the earlier Russian infiltrations in the nearby forested gullies.

To the northeast, Russian forces established control over most of the remaining fields west of Kostyantynivka and expanded their zone of infiltration into the western part of Oleksijevo-Druzhkivka. Some DRGs even managed to reach the nearby village of Kindrativka, on approach to Druzhkivka. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to periodically enter the northwestern parts of Kostyantynivka, where clashes occasionally occur with Russian soldiers. Russian infiltrators continue to approach southeastern Oleksijevo-Druzhkivka from the direction of Kostyantynivka.

Further northeast, after capturing the village of Molocharka, the Russians improved their positions to the north, west, and northwest, infiltrating the villages of Stinky and Izhevka. From there, Russian DRGs began infiltrating the village of Kurtiivka, while ordinary assault groups expanded their zone of infiltration to the outskirts of Popasne.

To the east, Russian forces continued slowly clearing out the remnants of the salient west of Chasiv Yar, improving their positions in and around the villages of Chervone and Mykolaivka. Other assault groups captured some new positions along the railway line and re-entered the eastern part of Virolyubivka, threatening to physically encircle the remaining Ukrainian formations still present west of Chasiv Yar.

+ ~53.77 km² in favour of Russia.
+ ~1.50 km² in favour of Ukraine.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Geolocated confirmed vehicle losses have been compiled and released for August 2026. Credit to HeyHeyHayden and LostArmour.

In total, Russia lost 31 armoured vehicles whilst Ukraine lost 205.

A ratio of 1:6.6 in favour of Russia.

Excluding armoured cars and MRAPs, which Ukraine use in a large number behind the front whilst Russia barely does at all,

Russia lost 30 vehicles whilst Ukraine lost 98.

A ratio of 1:3.3 in favour of Russia.

In regard to self-propelled artillery, which is an important indicator of capacity to inflict attrition, Russia lost 10 vehicles whilst Ukraine lost 39.

A ratio of 1:3.9 in favour of Russia.

No major changes in ratios compared to previous months. Unfortunately, Ukraine is continually on the wrong end of a huge attritional mismatch against a far larger power with a fully mobilised domestic war economy.

One thing I will mention is the growing number of strikes taking place in and around the fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast.

Following Russia effectively taking control of Kostyantynivka (bar some fighting in the outermost streets) and pushing the frontline up and over the Siverksyi-Donets canal their drone operators have been able to move forward and are now in a position to launch constant strikes. Drones are constantly surveying the cities and surrounding areas, leading to many vehicles being detected in their hiding places or as they try travel along the roads.

As has happened with all town/city battles over the past two years, over time Ukraine will be forced to decrease and eventually stop their vehicle usage as it will simply be too dangerous to try operate artillery or tanks within the cities, whilst other vehicles will be constantly struck as they attempt to get into or out of these localities. They can try to maintain stable supply and reinforcement but as happened with Kostyantynivka and Pokrovsk/Myrnorhad they will incur a constant number of vehicle losses each day just to achieve this, which will escalate over time as the frontline moves closer and alternative routes are cut. These vehicle losses add up and every day spent trying to hold the localities will result in a higher cost, eventually leading to Ukraine being forced to switch to an on-foot or drone only supply. This will buy them more time but is not a solution, as drones are simply not capable/flexible enough to make up for proper vehicle supply chains, whilst soldiers on foot is too manpower intensive and costly to maintain.

Now all this is a long way off, certainly not until 2027 for Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, but we are in the beginning stages of this cycle. Keep an eye out for an increase in vehicle losses (both military and civilian/generic) in and around the fortress cities as the frontline closes in and the supply pressure starts to mount.

Situation on the Dobropillya direction, Donetsk Oblast:

Over the last two weeks, Russian forces continued their assault operations in the Dobropillya direction, making new advances and deepening their DRG infiltrations.

In the northeast, Russian forces recaptured most of Kucheriv Yar along with the positions in the forests to the south, allowing them to begin infiltrating north towards the village of Vesele. Other assault groups continued infiltrations towards Zolotyi Kolodyaz and into Rubizhne, while DRGs were detected operating along the railway line northwest of Rubizhne.

To the southwest, Russian forces improved their positions along the railway lines west of Novyi Donbas and continued attacking Ukrainian positions in the fields to the south. Other Russian assault groups continued infiltrating the northeastern part of Dobropillya, while DRGs are infiltrating north to the outskirts of Bilozerske and west to Svyatohorivka. Ukrainian forces are actively counterattacking in Dobropillya, trying to clear the city from Russian infiltrators.

To the south, Russian forces cleared the remaining parts of Shevchenko and began assault operations on Matyasheve. Other assault groups continued fighting for Bilytske, Chernihivka, Krasnopodillya and Dobropillya village. Russian DRGs were also detected in the vicinity of Nadiya, while fighting continued for the treelines northeast of Myrne. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces cleared some positions south of Hulive from earlier Russian infiltrations, while Russian forces continued assault operations west along the southern bank of the Hrishynka River.

+ ~12.53 km² in favour of Russia.
+ ~3.27 km² in favour of Ukraine.

Interactive map: amkmapping.com

Overnight, Russia carried out an attack on Odesa Oblast using Geran-2 drones and Geran-4 jet-drones.

The explosions were partially masked by a large thunderstorm hitting the region at the time (as seen in the video), although strikes were recorded targeting the Chornomorsk Port area, as well as border crossings and ferry terminals along the Ukraine-Romania international border near Orlivka and the city of Izmail.