Based on the morning summary from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 22:00 on May 26, there has been a significant increase in military activity and clashes on the front line between Ukrainian forces and armed formations of the Russian Federation
During this period, 141 combat encounters were recorded, with notable activity on the Pokrovsk direction, which accounted for nearly a quarter of all attacks — 53 assaults by Russian occupiers, indicating a strengthening of their offensive efforts in this sector of the front. In total, the enemy launched one missile attack and conducted over 50 air strikes — 52 in total, using nine missiles and 79 guided aerial bombs. Additionally, Russian troops are actively using suicide drones: over one thousand one hundred fifty-eight (1158) such strikes have been documented, causing significant damage and psychological pressure on Ukrainian defenders and civilians. On the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled three enemy attacks near Vovchansk. The opponent attempted five times to break through defenses near the settlements of Zahryzove, as well as in the directions of Petropavlivka and Nova Kruhliakivka — all these attacks were repelled. This confirms the stability of Ukrainian command and the high combat readiness of the troops. On the Lyman front, the enemy made fifteen attempts to attack Ukrainian positions in the areas of Hrekivka, Novomykhailivka, Ridkodub, Yampolovka, Torske, and aimed to advance toward Hryhoriivka — all of which were successfully stopped by Ukrainian forces. This once again demonstrates the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to effectively counter large-scale Russian offensives. In the Severodonetsk direction, Ukrainian troops managed to repel two of three planned attacks in the areas of Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamianske. The third attack is still ongoing, indicating continued active hostilities in this segment of the front, where Ukrainian soldiers show courage and resilience in holding back enemy breakthroughs. On the Kramatorsk direction, the situation remains tense. The Russian Armed Forces carried out attacks near Chasiv Yar, Orekhovo-Vasilivka, as well as in the areas of Stupochki, Bila Gora, and Predtechiye. Currently, active fighting continues in two defensive episodes, confirming intense combat activity and a high level of threat to Ukrainian forces in this zone. The situation remains equally tense on the Toretsk direction, where the occupiers attempted 11 times to break through defenses in the areas of Ozaryanivka, Toretsk, and Shcherbinivka — all attacks have been recorded and efforts are underway to breach Ukrainian redoubts. Ukrainian defense forces demonstrate determination and are preparing in advance to repel further assaults. On the Pokrovsk direction, which is one of the key sectors in this phase of the conflict, Russian troops' activity has increased significantly. Throughout the day, invaders launched 53 assault and offensive actions in the areas of settlements such as Zorya, Oleksandropil, Maryolubivka, Yelyzavetivka, Myrolubivka, Lysivka, Udaine, Novomykolaivka, Kotliarivka, Troitske, and Andriivka. This indicates the enemy's intention to maximize pressure and break through Ukrainian defensive lines in this sector. On the Novopavlivka direction, Ukrainian forces managed to repel 18 attacks in the vicinity of settlements such as Kostyanatynivka, Bahatyry, Odrada, Zedene Pole, Novosilka, Novopil, and Vile Pole. Five more clashes are ongoing, reflecting a tense situation and the commitment of Ukrainian defenders to hold their positions. On the Orekhiv direction, where three military conflicts occurred, the enemy attempted to advance in the areas of Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, and toward Novoaadrivka; however, Ukrainian forces have managed to maintain their defenses and prevent the enemy's breakthrough. On the Prydniprovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled one enemy attack, demonstrating their ability to quickly mobilize forces to prevent the enemy’s advance in this strategically important zone. Overall, in the Kursk direction — one of the most active areas today — there were 23 combat clashes, three of which are still ongoing. This confirms a high level of combat activity and increasing tension on this segment of the front, where Russian troops are attempting to change the situation in their favor. In summary, the situation on the Ukrainian front remains tense, but Ukrainian defenders once again demonstrate a high level of combat readiness, bravery, and the ability to withstand the numerical and technical superiority of the aggressor. At the same time, situational analysis indicates an intensification of armed activity by Russian forces in several key sectors, notably in the Pokrovsk and Pokrovsk-Vugledar directions, underscoring the strategic importance of these regions and their significance for Ukraine’s continued defense.