Ukrainian Forces Make Gains Across Multiple Fronts as Russian Advances Remain Limited

Ukrainian troops have advanced in several sectors of the front line, extending pressure on Russian positions from the Kupyansk area in the Kharkiv region to the southern front. Geolocated footage released on Sept. 22 showed Ukrainian units moving west of Kalynove and north of Kupyansk, positions that could improve flanking around the city, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). In the Chasiv Yar tactical area, Ukrainian forces pushed into eastern and central Molocharka and east of Stinka, while striking Russian positions west of Chasiv Yar after reported infiltration attempts.

In the Donetsk region, Ukrainian units continued counterattacks southeast of Lyman, advancing toward Yampil and the Zherebets River from positions along the T-05-13 Lyman-Siversk road. Ukrainian officials said a bridgehead was established north of Lyman, followed by the liberation of Serednie and subsequent attacks on Shandryholove.

Further south, Ukrainian forces moved south and southeast of Novopavlivka and advanced southeast of Oleksandrivka, liberating Shevchenko and gaining up to 2.5 km toward Burlatske. Observer Kostyantyn Mashovets estimated an overall advance of about 8 km in the area since early August, reaching the northern outskirts of Pavlivka on the Yanchur River.

In the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukrainian troops held or advanced in southern Orikhiv after Russian infiltration attempts, and struck a Russian servicemember in central Yehorivka.

Russian forces recorded limited gains near Kostyantynivka and south of Dobropillya, and continued offensive activity in northern Kharkiv on Sept. 22-23 without confirmed advances. ISW noted that positions in northern Kharkiv are heavily intermingled, creating a “gray zone” where front lines are difficult to delineate.