The Ukrainian armed forces are holding the line across all fronts, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops. According to the daily report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on May 16, 2026, combat activity remains high, although there have been no significant advances on either side. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces have managed to push back Russian troops in some areas.
The situation at the main fronts remains dynamic, with no confirmed significant changes to the front line. Intense assaults, infiltration attempts, and mutual strikes on rear infrastructure characterize the fighting. In particular, Russian forces continue their offensive along the border in the Sumy region to create a so-called “buffer zone.”
Ukrainian forces are conducting active counterattacks to reduce the pressure from Russian troops and prevent their consolidation. In the Kharkiv region, Russian units are still attempting to advance from the border with Oblast to establish a defensive ring and bring themselves within artillery range of Kharkiv. However, no confirmed successes of Russian troops have been reported so far.
