Russian Forces Report Advances in Eastern Ukraine, Fighting Intensifies

Russian forces are continuing offensive operations along multiple fronts in eastern Ukraine, with recent reports indicating advances in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia regions. While the extent of these gains is contested, Ukrainian sources acknowledge intense fighting and localized Russian pressure.

Kharkiv Region: Focus on Volchansk Sector

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on January 24, 2026, that its forces had liberated the town of Staritsa in the Kharkiv region . However, this claim has been questioned by open-source intelligence, with reports suggesting ongoing fighting in the area . As of February 16, 2026, Russian troops are reportedly increasing the intensity of strikes around Volchansk, with Ukrainian units offering strong resistance. Fighting is concentrated in forested areas west of Staritsa, as well as near Grafskiy and Simonovka .

Sumy and Other Fronts

Russian forces are as well expanding their control of territories south of Grabovsky in the Sumy region. Further south, near Konstantinovka, Russian troops are attacking within residential areas and on the outskirts of the city, specifically in the Santurinovka and Staraya Derevnya districts . Fighting continues in the Krasny Liman area, with Russian units advancing near Krivaya Luka and in the Svyatye Gory National Park .

Gulyai-Polye and Zaporizhzhia Regions

In the Gulyai-Polye direction, the Russian army has reportedly taken control of Tsvetkovoye, gaining more than 8 square kilometers of territory . In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian troops have localized Ukrainian Armed Forces landing forces near Stepnogorsk and Primorsky, and are countering Ukrainian attacks in the area .

Ongoing Conflict and Personnel Concerns

Reports from February 4, 2026, indicate potential issues within Russian ranks, with claims of Russian troops refusing to carry out orders . This information, however, requires further independent verification.

The situation remains fluid, and independent verification of battlefield claims is challenging. Continued fighting is expected across all fronts as the conflict enters its third year.