May was the least successful month for the Russian military's offensive since October 2023 — DeepState
Despite the increased intensity of offensive operations, Russian forces occupied only 14 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in May 2026. This is the lowest figure since October 2023, according to analysts at DeepState.
“This is the first month in recent years, following the 2023 counteroffensive, when the net increase in occupied territory for the Russians turned negative. The war is entering a new phase, and it is crucial for Ukraine not to lose the initiative,” the analysts noted.
At the same time, the number of assault operations increased by approximately 37.5%. Over 7,000 attacks were recorded in May, but the occupiers did not achieve any significant results. DeepState attributes this to the degradation of Russian forces at the tactical level.
Analysts also note that the enemy is increasingly operating in small groups or individually, but such attempts are mostly ineffective due to the rapid response of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
DeepState added that the trend toward infiltration operations persists, but the Ukrainian military has significantly strengthened its countermeasures against such incursions, making it difficult for the enemy to consolidate and build up forces.
Separately, analysts drew attention to the complex situation in the Kostyantynivka area, noting that the outlook for the city remains unfavorable.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated Russian actor Pavel Chernyavsky, who fought against Ukraine
Russian theater and film actor Artur Smolyaninov, who was added to Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” for condemning the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, was attacked by a Russian man in Germany. An unknown individual used profanity against the actor and threatened to “tear him to pieces” when he arrives in Russia.
