Russian troops have taken control of 19 settlements in the southeastern Ukrainian regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia over their summer campaign in 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated on August 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The Ministry cited Pyotr Bolgarev, commander of the eastern group of forces, but did not disclose the names of the seized settlements [1, 2, 3, 4]. Among recent advancements, Russian forces secured the settlement of Rybalskoye in Zaporizhzhia region in the days prior to August 15 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Despite these territorial gains, Russian advances along the frontline have slowed this year even as Russia intensified ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities [1, 2, 3, 4]. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on August 12 that Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 745 square kilometers of territory from Russian occupation across the southeastern front since the start of 2026. He said, “今年以來烏軍在烏克蘭東南部戰線已自俄軍手中奪回745平方公里土地” (This year, Ukrainian forces have recaptured 745 square kilometers of land from Russian forces in southeastern Ukraine) [1, 2, 3, 4].
The ongoing conflict shows contested control over territory in southeastern Ukraine. The Russian announcement marks the latest official tally of settlements seized during their summer offensive campaign, while Ukrainian leadership reports significant counteroffensive recaptures.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not released further details on the captured settlements. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue operations in the region to regain ground lost following the initial phases of this year’s fighting [1, 2, 3, 4].
