ISW: Ukrainian Armed Forces Have Found A Weak Spot In The Occupiers' Defenses

• 26.10.2026, 9:30

Russia is urgently deploying elite units to the south.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are making slow, but tactically significant gains on the Aleksandrovka front. In the long term, this could pose a threat to Russian logistics and operations in the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole areas. This is reported by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

According to Ukrainian military analyst Konstantin Mashovets, on October 25, Ukrainian troops liberated the settlements of Peredbudova, Komar, and Fedorivka, and advanced southwest from Vesele all the way to Skudne.

As noted by the ISW, continuous counterattacks by Ukrainian forces forced the Russian command to redeploy units of the 120th Marine Division (Baltic Fleet) and the 40th Separate Marine Brigade (Pacific Fleet) to this sector. They were originally planned to be deployed to support the offensive in the Huliaipole area.

“Russian Marine Corps units and formations are considered relatively elite and more combat-effective compared to other units of the Russian Armed Forces, which is why the command typically deploys them to the highest-priority sectors,” analysts note.

In addition, units of the 90th Tank Division were redeployed to the Aleksandrovka sector, although they had previously been intended to support the Russian offensive toward Druzhkivka.

Analysts note that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been conducting counterattacks in this sector since early February 2026. These actions, along with other tactical counterattacks, have helped weaken the Russian forces’ initiative.

The ISW also notes that Velyka Novoselka is located at a key junction in the road network, which supports the Russian advance west of Huliaipole with the aim of encircling Orekhiv from two sides.

“Further advances by Ukrainian forces will threaten the rear of this Russian group,” the analysts emphasize.