Since the start of the day, Ukrainian forces have reported 215 combat engagements across various fronts, according to an evening briefing from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The most significant Russian assaults occurred in the Huliaipole direction, where 28 attacks were recorded in areas including Pryluky, Zlahoda, Zaliznychne, and towards Dobropillia, Hirkiv, Huliaipole, Tsvitkove, Starokyivka, and Charivne. Two clashes are still ongoing.
Intense fighting is also reported in the Pokrovsk direction, with 23 attacks launched by Russian forces attempting to advance in the vicinity of Nikanorivka, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Hryshyne, Udaichne, Novomykolaivka, Muravka, and towards Dorožne and Novooleksandrivka.
In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops have repelled 20 attempts by Russian invaders to gain ground near Novoselivka, Zarichne, Drobysheve, and towards Lyman and Ozerne. One engagement continues.
Combat activities of lesser intensity are ongoing in the Northern Slobozhansky, Kursk, Southern Slobozhansky, Kupiansk, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, Oleksandrivka, Orikhiv, and Dnipro directions.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), from December 2025 to May 2026, the Russian army gained control over 40.64 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory while losing 281.1 square kilometers.
On May 21, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Ukraine has significantly slowed the advance of Russian forces and is gradually regaining the initiative on the front lines, aided by various factors including the disabling of Starlink for the aggressor and an increase in medium-range drone strikes.
In a video address on May 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine currently holds stronger positions on the battlefield.
Ukrainian forces are engaged in significant combat across multiple fronts, with intense fighting reported particularly in the Huliaipole and Pokrovsk directions. Recent assessments indicate a shift in momentum as Ukraine works to regain initiative against Russian advances.