NYT: Russians Are Retreating In Donbas
- 8.10.2026, 13:21
A stunning success for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Ukrainian troops have recaptured parts of the territory in northern Donbas and thwarted an attempt by Russian forces to encircle the cities of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. Moscow has been trying for several months to gain full control over the region, but events on the front lines are not going according to plan, writes The New York Times.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive, dubbed “Vivaldi,” has been ongoing for several months. During this time, Russian forces have lost dozens of square kilometers of territory. Kyiv first stabilized its defenses and then launched strikes against Russian logistics, railways, and warehouses.
Russian drone operators became a specific target. The Ukrainian military used radio intelligence to locate their positions and then launched strikes. Robotic vehicles were used to clear paths through minefields.
After preparing, Ukrainian units went on the offensive using armored vehicles and ground drones. According to Ukrainian commanders, Russian forces often deployed reinforcements only after Kyiv had already secured new positions.
The situation is different in the south of the Donbas. Russia is trying to regain the momentum of its offensive and is throwing hundreds of soldiers into attacks every day. After capturing Pokrovsk in February, Russian units advanced slowly northward, but Ukrainian defenses were able to stop them before they reached their main objectives.
At the same time, the front line is becoming increasingly blurred. Russian troops are infiltrating the so-called “strike zone”—which is saturated with drones—in small groups and attempting to gain a foothold in the Ukrainian rear.
“Today in the Donbas, there is no simple front line that can be drawn on a map,” said Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Rashevsky.
Moscow continues to assert that the complete capture of the Donbas is inevitable. But the Russian offensive has noticeably slowed down. In September, Russian forces advanced less than in any other month since June 2023.