
Ukraine’s Defenses Stall Moscow as Logistics Strain Mounts Across Occupied Ukraine
Western officials say Ukraine is hindering Russian advances while Moscow appears committed to its original war aims, with some Kremlin elites even calling the war a “dead end” though Putin seeks to finish Donetsk and Luhansk by end-2026. Kyiv’s mid-range strikes are disrupting Russian transport arteries and logistics in occupied Ukraine, notably along the M-14 (R-280) corridor, and a decree restricting freight movement signals mounting pressure on Russian supply lines. Ukraine also intensified long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, while Russian drone and air campaigns continue to bombard Ukrainian rear areas. On the ground, Ukrainian forces reported gains and continued pressure in Sumy, Kharkiv, Slovyansk, Pokrovsk, and western Zaporizhia, while Russia conducted limited offensives in Donetsk and Kherson directions. Belarus is expanding military infrastructure while Lukashenko insists there is no attack planned. ISW notes Russia uses cognitive warfare to portray advances, even as fronts stabilize and logistics strain grows, with heavy casualties on both sides and continued high operational tempo in 2026.







