Ukraine Gains Ground in Kharkiv While Russia’s Flag-Planting Operation Falls Apart

Aug 20, 2026 Ukrainian forces have advanced in northern Kharkiv region while also disrupting a Russian operation intended to create the appearance of new territorial gains, according to an Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessment published on August 19. The US-based analysts said Ukrainian troops recently moved forward north of Bilyi Kolodiaz, north of the city of Kharkiv. Geolocated…