Russia says it has liberated 220 settlements in Ukraine since start of 2026

September 19, 2026 at 12:17 PM2 min

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Russia's Defense Ministry said on September 19 that its forces have taken control of more than 220 settlements and over 5,300 square kilometers in Ukraine since the start of 2026. The ministry reported that in September alone, more than 670 square kilometers and 27 settlements came under Russian control. It said the most intense fighting is on the approaches to the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk agglomeration.

Key Facts

Russia's Defense Ministry reported that since the start of 2026, more than 5,300 square kilometers of territory and over 220 settlements have been liberated.
In September alone, more than 670 square kilometers and 27 settlements came under Russian control, according to the ministry.
The ministry said nine settlements in northeastern Kharkiv region were taken under control since September 5, including Berezniki, Ozernoe, and Shevchenkovo.
In Zaporizhzhia region, the ministry reported the liberation of Chervonaya Krinitsa, Novopavlovka, Novoandreevka, and Rozovka since early September.
The ministry stated that street fighting is ongoing in the central district of Dobropolye, with Russian forces advancing toward Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkovka.

Kharkiv Region Offensive

The Russian Defense Ministry said the Sever group of forces continues to create a security zone in the border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Since September 5, the territory controlled by the enemy in northeastern Kharkiv region has been reduced by 152 square kilometers, according to the ministry. Nine settlements were taken under control: Berezniki, Ozernoe, Dolgenkoe, Zarubinka, Chernyakov, Shirokoe, Shevchenkovo, Olkhovatka, and Malaya Volchya. The ministry reported enemy losses of about 700 servicemen in this area.

Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Advances

In Zaporizhzhia region, units of the Vostok and Dnepr groups are advancing on a wide front toward Zaporizhzhia, the ministry said. Since early September, the settlements of Chervonaya Krinitsa, Novopavlovka, Novoandreevka, and Rozovka have been liberated. Fighting is ongoing in the central quarters of the city of Orekhov, according to the ministry. The ministry stated that the most intense combat is on the approaches to the Kramatorsk-Slavyansk agglomeration, with street battles in the central district of Dobropolye.

Ukrainian Counteractions

The ministry said Kyiv authorities are trying to convince Western partners of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' ability to resist in the zone of responsibility of the Zapad group. For this demonstration, the Ukrainian command committed the most prepared units and nationalist formations from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, the ministry claimed. The ministry said small assault groups of the enemy are suffering significant losses and have no success in penetrating Russian battle formations. Units of the Zapad group are suppressing enemy sorties and continuing to liberate the settlements of Chervony Oskol, Krymki, and Studenok, the ministry reported.