As of September 27, 2025, the conflict remains intense, and both sides have reported advances and attacks. Russian forces are continuing offensives in several areas. The active border line stretches approximately 1,250 kilometers, involving an estimated 712,000 Russian troops.
Russian Advances and Claims
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has reported capturing the village of Yunakivka in Ukraine’s Sumy region. Russia claims to have captured at least 4,714 square kilometers of territory across the region from January 1 to September 25, 2025. Over the past week (September 16-23), Russia gained 28 square miles of territory. Specific advances include advances south of Poltavka and Novomykolaivka in Zaporozhye, north of Novoivnivka, around Kalynivsk on the Dnieper, and in Stepnohirsk. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assesses that the Russian Ministry of Defense is exaggerating claims to portray an inevitable victory, often using footage of small incursions rather than full control.
Ukrainian Advances and Counteroffensives
Ukrainian forces advanced near Borova, Novopavlivka, the Dobropillya region, and western Zaporozhye Oblast. They took control of Nykanorivka and half of Novye Shakhov in Myrnograd, and advanced on Novopavlivka around Boikivka and Pankivka in Pokrovsk. Further advances were reported near Dobropillya and in the Pokrovsk region, leaving Russian forces divided in several areas. Over the past two months, Ukrainian attacks have targeted 85 Russian military or industrial facilities, including airports and depots. Notable actions include weakening Russian air defenses, destroying energy infrastructure, and attacking ammunition depots, such as in Bohdanivka, Luhansk. Ukraine is using Neptune missiles and drones against Russian bases in Crimea, where sabotage networks are active.
Russian Attacks on Ukraine
Russia launched attacks that caused power outages in Chernihiv, affecting 30,000 consumers. The attacks targeted power plants and railway stations in Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, and Kirovograd, as well as the Azov and Iskander bases. A major airstrike killed at least three people and injured dozens.
Russian casualties are projected to exceed 500,000 by 2022, with some Western estimates putting the number in Ukraine at approximately the same. Ukraine has lost approximately 48% of its pre-war energy capacity due to the attacks.
Technological and Military Developments
Drones and Strategy: Russia is developing fiber-optic FPV repeater drones to increase range and counter nuclear weapons, integrating airborne interception tactics into the battlefield. Ukraine plans to deploy 1,000 interceptor drones daily and destroy Russian refineries, leading to fuel shortages and record-high prices. Russian military logistics are under pressure, with fuel trains derailed and several sites stranded near Pokrovsk.
Allied support: The US is considering lifting sanctions on Ukraine to allow it to use American weapons for long-range attacks. Rheinmetall is planning an ammunition plant in Latvia; Romania will partner with Ukraine on drones under EU funding. Ukraine has lost three of its F-16 aircraft, but their operations continue.
Russian stockpile: Russia has been maintaining a strategic stockpile since July 2025, reflecting its commitment to a long war and a potential NATO conflict. Defense spending may decrease in 2026, but taxes are increasing to finance it.
Political and Diplomatic Updates
Zelensky’s Warnings: At the United Nations, Zelensky urged Russia to prevent a “wider and deeper” escalation of the war or a dangerous arms race. He emphasized Ukraine’s offers, such as battle-tested weapons, and Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire did not.
Trump’s Stance: After meeting with Zelensky, Trump stated that Ukraine could recapture all its territories with NATO/EU support and called Russia a “paper tiger” due to its economic crisis. Russia rejected this, saying there was no option but war; the Kremlin dismissed US-Russia reconciliation as having “virtually zero” results.