ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 26, 2026

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.

Key Takeaways from the ISW:

  • Russia launched another massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine on the night of February 25 to 26, primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
  • The US and Ukraine continue bilateral engagements as part of ongoing peace negotiations.
  • Ukraine’s and SpaceX’s efforts to shut off Russian forces’ access to Starlink terminals continues to disrupt Russian drone operations across the frontline.
  • The People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains a critical enabler of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • A Russian fiber-optic first-person view (FPV) drone reached the outskirts of Kharkiv City for the first time on February 25.
  • Russia is reportedly deploying elements of at least one newly re-formed military unit to the Kupyansk direction.
  • The PRC reportedly issued a warning to Chinese citizens in Russia about a law compelling service in the Russian military.
  • The PRC consulate’s warning is an indicator that the PRC may be concerned that Russia will coerce its citizens living in Russia into military service through this law.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, near Pokrovsk, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

See the original here.