The situation 1522 – May 22, 2026

1. Western officials are increasingly reporting that Ukraine is hindering Russia’s advances in Ukraine, in line with ISW’s consistent assessments, but that the Kremlin likely remains committed to its original war aims despite some recognition within the Russian elite that the war is not going well.
2. Ukraine’s mid-range strike campaign is disrupting Russian transport arteries in occupied Ukraine and will likely complicate Russian logistics.
3. Ukrainian forces struck occupied Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast, overnight on May 21 to 22.
4. Ukrainian forces advanced in Sumy Oblast and in the Borova, Slovyansk, and Pokrovsk directions and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
5. Russian forces launched 124 drones toward Ukraine overnight.

The full update of the Russian offensive 1522 is available on UNDERSTANDING WAR.