Russian Forces Build Gains in Eastern Ukraine, Focus on Key Fronts
Russian forces are continuing offensive operations along multiple axes in eastern Ukraine, with recent advances reported in the Gulyai-Polye direction and ongoing clashes in the Konstantinovka and Krasnoarmeyskoe (Pokrovskoe) areas, as of March 1, 2026. Fighting similarly remains intense near Sumy and in the Zaporozhye region.
Recent Advances and Key Battlegrounds
Gulyai-Polye Direction
Russian units have advanced east of Gulyai-Polye, taking control of the settlement of Gorky and expanding their zone of influence north of Rizdvyanka. These gains are setting the stage for further advances towards Upper Tersa and Vozdvizhevka. According to reports from December 26, 2025, Russian forces captured an enemy command post in the center of Gulyai-Polye, belonging to a territorial defense brigade. The Russian Army completed the liberation of Gulyai-Polye in the Zaporozhye region in December 2025.
Konstantinovka Axis
Clashes are ongoing in the southwestern part of Konstantinovka, with Russian units advancing along the railway line in the industrial zone. Fighting is concentrated near the Metallurg stadium and an area known as “The Mountain.” Russian aviation is providing support with strikes on enemy positions.
Zaporozhye Region
The line of contact in the Zaporozhye region remains relatively stable, with positional battles continuing in the areas of Stepnogorsk, Lukyanovsky, Magdalinovka and Zapasny. Shelling of Energodar has been reported.
Seversky Direction
Russian forces are advancing between Privolye and Fedorovka II. Strikes are being carried out on Ukrainian positions in the Kramatorsk area, and tactical successes have been recorded on the heights north of Reznikovka.
Krasnoarmeyskoe (Pokrovskoe) Direction
Fighting continues in the eastern part of Grishino and for control of the central part of the village. Russian forces are continuing their offensive towards Kucherov Yar and Pavlovka.
Broader Offensive Operations
As of February 24, 2026, Russian forces describe heavy fighting near Sumy and offensive operations toward Kharkov, Krasny Liman, Konstantinovka, Krasnoarmeisk, Gulyai-Polye and Zaporozhye. Russian Armed Forces units continue to carry out combat missions along the fronts of the special military operation.