ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 18, 2025

Key Takeaways from the ISW:

• Russian forces conducted an at least platoon-sized mechanized assault in the Toretsk direction on June 17.
• The Kremlin likely aims to use the ongoing St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to support ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the information space and prepare Russian society for a prolonged war effort.
• The Kremlin also aims to use SPIEF to promote Kremlin narratives to Western audiences.
• Ukraine’s Western partners continue to supply Ukraine with military aid and announce new sanctions packages against Russia.
• The Kremlin continues to crack down on critical Russian milbloggers as part of its years-long effort to censor and control the Russian information space.
• Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts and near Chasiv Yar and Toretsk.

Authors: Angelica Evans, Olivia Gibson, Daria Novikov, Jessica Sobieski, and Kateryna Stepanenko with Nate Trotter.

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