The situation 1436 – February 25, 2026

1. ISW has not observed evidence of Ukrainian forces operating within Pokrovsk since late January 2025, indicating that Russian forces seized the entire town on a prior date. Russian forces have failed to capitalize on the seizure of Pokrovsk and to make further operationally significant advances, demonstrating that the Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent or inevitable.
2. The Kremlin appears to have been successful in enacting a reflexive control campaign aimed at influencing the decision-making of the British- and French-led Coalition of the Willing.
3. Insider reports continue to indicate that Russia is uninterested in meaningful peace negotiations and is preparing for a protracted war.
4. The Kremlin is also reportedly purposely delaying negotiations to shape the battlefield to Russia’s benefit.
5. The Kremlin continues to manufacture justifications for a future Telegram ban.
6. The Kremlin is also increasing its efforts to control the Russian population’s ability to access Western-origin content on the internet.
7. Ukraine continues to expand joint production in Europe with its Western partners.
8. Ukraine’s Western partners continued to provide military aid to Ukraine on February 24.
9. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, Oleksandrivka, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, in the Dobropillya tactical area, near Pokrovsk, and near Hulyaipole.

The full update of the Russian offensive 1436 is available on UNDERSTANDING WAR.