04/22/2026
Ukrainian forces have advanced in the Kupyansk direction, as well as in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. At the same time, Russian forces are pressing along the Kupyansk direction, despite significant losses, likely to regain the operational initiative.
This is stated in the analysis of the fighting in Ukraine by ISW. Ukrainian defense forces continue limited counterattacks, which makes it difficult for the occupiers to achieve any successes
What is the situation in the Kupyansk direction?
Ukrainian troops have recently advanced in the Kupyansk direction, while the occupiers continue their attacks, maintaining a limited presence in Kupyansk.
“Geolocation footage published on April 17 and 20 shows Russian forces shelling Ukrainian positions in northeastern Podil (east of Kupyansk), indicating the absence of Russian positions in the area,” the ISW report states.
It is noted that the spokesman for the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Viktor Tregubov, reported on April 21 that Russian troops in this area are concentrating their main efforts in the area of responsibility of the operational group in the Kupyansk direction and are trying to reduce the Ukrainian bridgehead on the left bank of the Oskil River. According to him, Russian troops continue to press along this direction, despite significant losses. This may be done in order to regain the operational initiative.
He added that the seasonal foliage is improving camouflage conditions for small Russian infantry groups and is likely contributing to continued Russian infiltration attempts. Tregubov also said that Russian troops will redeploy reserves from Russia to maintain offensive pressure in the Kupyansk sector.
What is the situation in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka area?
Ukrainian defenders have also recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, with Russian forces continuing to attempt infiltration in the area.
Geolocation videos released on April 20 show Ukrainian forces recently advancing southeast of Kostyantynivka. And videos from April 18 show Ukrainian forces striking Russian positions in eastern Kostyantynivka after what ISW assessed was a Russian infiltration attempt.
Ukrainian defense forces continue limited counterattacks in the area, making it difficult for the occupiers to achieve any successes, although they continue to conduct mechanized attacks in the area.
“Ukrainian drone operations are complicating Russia’s advance northeast of Kostyantynivka,” the publication says.
Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Ukrainian troops had advanced in the Kostyantynivka area. Ukrainian troops retain control over positions in the Kostyantynivka area, despite attempts by Russian forces to advance and claims of alleged successes. At the same time, the Russian army has intensified offensive operations in the Donetsk region, but without confirmed territorial gains.
We also published gruesome footage of the shelling of Kostyantynivka, which has become a “ghost town” due to Russian strikes. The occupiers are effectively destroying buildings and infrastructure, hitting it with artillery, MLRS, KABs and FABs, thus turning it into a ghost town.
And the West is not helping Ukraine. Just greedy cowardZ with Zero human spirit!
Their cowardice is deeply engrained, practically a part of their DNA.