The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said this in a new report, according to Ukrinform.

ISW analysts note that the Kremlin has been optimizing the Russian military for positional warfare rather than maneuver warfare for several years, but Ukrainian adaptations are significantly slowing Russian advances in 2026 compared with previous years.

Russian forces have conducted a few mechanized assaults in isolated areas of the theater in July 2026, but these assaults did not result in meaningful gains.

"There is no indication that Russian forces will be able to accelerate their advances dramatically or restore maneuver to the battlefield at this time," the report said.

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ISW has not confirmed claims by Russian milbloggers that Russian forces captured a number of settlements, including Torske or other areas near the city of Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian forces also conducted counterattacks near Dobropillia, Shevchenko and Myrne, holding back the enemy's advance.

The analysts separately highlighted successful Ukrainian strikes against Russian forces' rear areas.

Russian forces also continued attacks in northern Kharkiv region and along the Velykyi Burluk axis. Their strategic objective remains unchanged: to push Ukrainian forces away from the state border, create a buffer zone near the Belgorod region and advance as close to Kharkiv as possible.

However, according to ISW analysts, Russian forces have not made any confirmed advances.

Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine