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Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 17, 2026

ISW · Institute for the Study of War ·

Executive Summary

Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi in the Lyman direction showcases restored tactical maneuver capabilities, aided by shaping operations and strikes against Russian EW systems. Ukrainian forces achieved operational surprise through strict OPSEC and counter-drone measures, while Russia is transferring armor and drone assets for future mechanized assaults in Dobropillya. Ukraine is also intensifying long-range strikes against Russian military assets and oil infrastructure.

Why It Matters

This document provides a detailed, real-time assessment of the ongoing military operations in the Russia-Ukraine war, offering critical insights into evolving tactics, strategic objectives, and external influences like North Korean support and Western sanctions.

Key Takeaways

  • Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi demonstrates successful tactical maneuver and operational surprise, partly due to effective EW degradation and OPSEC.
    Source evidence · PDF page 2
    Ukraine·s Operation Vivaldi in the Lyman direction demonstrates Ukraine·s recent progress in restoring elements of tactical maneuver on the battlefield, enabled in part by Ukraine·s shaping operations and intermediate-range strike campaign that degrades Russian electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.
  • Russia is preparing for future mechanized assaults in the Dobropillya direction, transferring armor and drone support assets.
    Source evidence · PDF page 2
    Ukrainian forces achieved operational surprise by leveraging rigorous operational security (OPSEC) and counter-drone operations to degrade Russian forces· operational awareness.
  • Ukraine is intensifying long-range strikes against Russian military assets and infrastructure, including oil refineries and air defenses.
    Source evidence · PDF page 3
    Ukrainian forces are intensifying their long-range strike campaign against Russian military assets, including by conducting a suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) campaign in Rostov Oblast.

Strategic Relevance

The report highlights the evolving tactical and operational dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, including Ukraine's successful adaptation of maneuver warfare and Russia's efforts to sustain its offensive through external support and new assault tactics. It also touches on broader geopolitical implications, such as Russia's reliance on North Korea and its aggressive actions near NATO airspace.

Source Website View PDF

Key Entities

UkraineRussiaLymanDobropillyaRostov OblastNorth KoreaLithuaniaUnited StatesNATOInstitute for the Study of War (ISW)Volodymyr ZelenskyGitanas Nauseda

Best For

Military AnalystsPolicy MakersIntelligence AnalystsGeopolitical Strategists

Related Themes

Military OperationsElectronic WarfareDrone WarfareLogisticsGeopolitical AlliancesSanctions

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