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Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 2, 2026

ISW · Institute for the Study of War ·

Executive Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to make exaggerated claims about Russian forces' battlefield performance in Ukraine, asserting inevitable victory despite evidence to the contrary. Ukrainian forces continue long-range strikes and have adjusted air alert systems to counter new Russian strike tactics. Meanwhile, Ukraine's new Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi outlined priorities for unifying operational planning and bolstering long-term defensive capabilities.

Why It Matters

This document provides a critical, real-time assessment of the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting Russian disinformation tactics and Ukrainian strategic responses, which is crucial for understanding the conflict's trajectory and implications for regional stability.

Key Takeaways

  • Putin's claims of significant Russian advances and Ukrainian collapse are demonstrably false, indicating a disconnect from battlefield realities.
  • Ukraine is adapting its air defense and operational planning to counter evolving Russian tactics and prepare for a protracted conflict.
  • Internal Ukrainian military leadership changes and an incident between intelligence agencies suggest ongoing organizational adjustments and potential internal challenges.

Strategic Relevance

The report offers insights into Russia's information warfare, Ukraine's adaptive defense strategies, and the ongoing military dynamics, all of which are vital for strategic planning and understanding the geopolitical landscape.

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Key Entities

Vladimir PutinUkraineRussiaInstitute for the Study of WarMykhailo DrapatyiVolodymyr ZelenskyValery GerasimovDonetsk OblastSlovyanskKramatorskKharkiv OblastOskil Reservoir

Best For

Defense AnalystsPolicy MakersIntelligence AnalystsMilitary Strategists

Related Themes

Military StrategyInformation WarfareGeopolitical ConflictDefense PolicyMilitary IntelligenceHybrid Warfare

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