ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 21, 2026

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.

Key Takeaways from the ISW:

  • Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive lines and push back Russian advances in southern Ukraine.
  • The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to restrict Internet usage and set informational conditions to block Telegram in Russia.
  • Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian defense industrial and energy assets on the night of February 20 to 21, including with Ukrainian-produced FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles.
  • Ukrainian forces continued their mid-to-long-range strike campaign against Russian military assets in occupied Ukraine on the night of February 20 to 21.
  • Russia has been using Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian drone operations against Ukraine and incursions into NATO airspace.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Novopavlivka, and Oleksandrivka.

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