Russian forces continue to advance in parts of Ukraine despite US President Trump’s call for a combat freeze. Heavy aerial bombings and drone attacks target Ukrainian frontlines and infrastructure. Russia has made gains near Kupiansk and Vovchansk in Kharkiv and around Pokrovsk in Donetsk, but at a high cost with significant casualties. Ukraine resists fiercely and claims to have reclaimed territory in counterattacks, while Russia’s strategic initiative remains limited.
Russian forces, supported by intense aerial bombardments, continue to make gradual advances along several sections of the extensive frontline in Ukraine, despite US President Donald Trump's renewed call for a halt to combat along the current lines.
On Friday, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington DC, Trump urged on social media that both sides "should stop where they are."
However, the Russians appear determined to solidify their gains before winter sets in. According to the Ukrainian military, they deployed a record 268 guided aerial bombs on Friday alone, significantly higher than the recent daily average of 170 to 180. These bombs, each carrying up to 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds) of payload, primarily target Ukrainian forces and infrastructure near the front.
In addition, the Russians have maintained nightly drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, focusing especially on energy infrastructure. In September, more than 180 drones were launched nightly on average—more than double the number from the start of the year.
Recently, Ukraine admitted that approximately 20% of these drones are getting through their defenses.
Some analysts believe the Kremlin has little reason to seek compromise.
Russia expert Dara Massicot writes in Foreign Affairs that Moscow has developed new drone tactics to locate and kill Ukrainian soldiers and destroy assets, turning a previous weakness into a strength. Additionally, Russia has improved its missiles, developed more durable armored systems, and granted junior commanders greater autonomy.
One area under increasing pressure is Kupiansk in northern Kharkiv, where Russian troops have advanced to the north and east of the town, which has been besieged for over a year.
In the Kharkiv region near the international border, Russia has claimed progress near Vovchansk, including capturing a nearby village.
Russian blogger War Gonzo reported on Telegram on Saturday that fighting continues in central Kupiansk. The Ukrainian military confirmed that about 80 Russian soldiers had infiltrated the town as of Thursday, with defenders doing “everything possible” to clear the invaders and prevent the buildup of enemy infantry.
Ukrainian military blogger Bohdan Miroshnikov suggested this week that if reinforcements arrive and consolidate positions, the Russian tactic could lead to control. He added that although the situation remains complicated, full occupation of Kupiansk is still distant.
In Donetsk, heavy fighting continues near Pokrovsk, with a Russian military blogger claiming Saturday that Russian forces are pushing toward the city’s northwestern outskirts. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military says it has recaptured around 70 square miles in the Pokrovsk region over the past two months through counterattacks.
Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian forces have halted the enemy’s spring-summer offensive.
According to Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Russia has gained approximately 120 square miles of territory in the last four weeks, about half the area captured in the previous month.
These advances have come at a steep price. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated in June that up to 250,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, with total casualties exceeding 950,000.
Since late August alone, nearly 14,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the Pokrovsk area, according to Ukrainian military command.
Despite the losses and territorial gains, Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized on Friday that Russia lacks the strategic initiative. He said the adversary’s costly advances have been limited to minor gains in certain front segments.