From EUobserver · · 2m
Russia Makes No Ground Gains, Kyiv Bridges Vulnerable
Russia's army shows no progress in Ukraine despite claims of territorial gains, while Kyiv's old bridges face drone threats.
In brief
Russia's army shows no progress in Ukraine despite claims of territorial gains, while Kyiv's old bridges face drone threats. Russia has made no territorial gains in September, with Kyiv's bridges vulnerable to drone strikes as Ukraine prepares temporary crossings. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Russia's Frontline Stalemate
Russia made no progress on the front, with September among its worst months for territorial gains.
“Russia is making no progress at all on the front, and September was among its worst months.”
Putin's False Claims
Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed to have captured 1,300 square km in September, but this is fabricated data.
“Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed in Valdai at the beginning of the month that his subjects had captured 1,300 square km of territory in September.”
Actual Russian Advances
Russian forces advanced only 177 square km in September, far less than Putin's claimed 1,300 square km.
“Even if this author’s figures were correct, the Russians advanced by 177 square km during September’s 30 days, more than seven times less than Putin claims.”
Ukrainian Analysts' Data
Ukrainian analysts report Ukraine lost 154 square km in September, with some liberated areas at risk of being retaken.
“Ukraine lost 154 square km in September, and DeepStateUA now recalls that their statistics do not yet include 270 to 320 square km of liberated Ukrainian territory.”
Finnish Analysts' View
Finnish analysts estimate Ukraine gained 190 square km in September, marking Russia's greatest monthly net territorial loss since June 2023.
“The most optimistic by far are currently Finnish analysts from the Black Bird Group, who see a balance of 190 square kms in Ukraine's favour in September.”
Russia's Economic Strategy
Russia aims to disrupt Kyiv's economy by targeting bridges and transport infrastructure with drone strikes.
“Russia wants to cause Kyiv’s economic collapse, and pontoon bridges are being prepared in the city.”
Northern Bridge Attack
A Russian drone strike damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge during heavy traffic, coinciding with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit.
“🚨 BREAKING: Russian forces launched a drone strike hitting the Northern Bridge in Kyiv, damaging the road surface.”
Kyiv Bridge Traffic
Kyiv's transport minister Mykola Kalashnyk reports 600,000 cars cross bridges daily, with temporary crossings planned to maintain traffic.
“Ukraine's transport minister Mykola Kalashnyk said 600,000 cars cross Kyiv's bridges every day.”
Bridge Vulnerability
Kyiv's bridges are rated at four or five on a scale of one to five, with poor technical condition making them vulnerable to drone strikes.
“Transport expert Dmytro Bespalov rates the Southern and Northern bridges at four on a scale of one to five, where one is ideal condition and five is emergency condition.”
Drone Defense Effectiveness
Ukraine's air defenses neutralized 83 percent of drones launched in September, down from 92 percent in May.
“Ukraine’s air defences neutralised 83 percent of drones launched in September, compared with 92 percent in May.”
Drone Attack Trends
Russia launched 6,732 drones in September, up from 5,155 in August, with effectiveness declining steadily.
“Shahed type OWA-UAS stats Sep2026 [per UA Air Force Reports] Total: 6732 Claimed Intercepted: 5561 Hits: 1171 Not Intercepted Interception Rate: ~83% Median Attack: 171 drones”
Drone Impact on Infrastructure
A TM-62 anti-tank mine can destroy buildings used as shelters for Russian soldiers, with Ukraine using such drones for targeted strikes.
“One TM-62 anti-tank mine contains seven and a half kilograms of explosives. This is enough to destroy the remains of a building used as a shelter by Russian soldiers.”
Russian Soldier's Drone Count
A Russian soldier recorded five drones in a single moment, illustrating the saturation of the battlefield with drone activity.
“I’ve already counted five. It’s a damn swarm.”
Kerch Bridge Defenses
Three lines of anti-drone barriers protect the Kerch Bridge from attacks, with layered defenses to shield critical infrastructure.
“Three lines of anti-drone barriers protect the Kerch Bridge, which links Crimea to Russia, from attacks from the sea.”
Ukraine's Equipment Losses
Ukraine lost 12,238 pieces of equipment, including 1,466 tanks, while Russia lost 24,170 pieces, including 4,452 tanks.
“Ukraine lost 12,238 (12,175) pieces of equipment, of which 9,633 (9,579) were destroyed, 711 (702) damaged, 695 (695) abandoned and 1,199 (1,199) captured.”
At a glance
Russia has made no territorial gains in September, with Kyiv's bridges vulnerable to drone strikes as Ukraine prepares temporary crossings.
