Geolocated footage and Russian source acknowledgments indicate recent territorial advances by both Ukrainian and Russian forces across multiple axes. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported several localized movements in its 20 September assessment.

Ukrainian forces advance in Sumy and near Pokrovsk

ISW reported that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 20 September shows movement northeast of Kindrativka, north of Sumy City.

In Donetsk Oblast, ISW assessed that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian milbloggers acknowledged on 19 and 20 September that Ukrainian troops reached the northern outskirts of Novotoretske and moved west of Boikivka, both northeast of Pokrovsk. ISW noted that such admissions likely indicate confirmed Ukrainian gains.

Russian forces make advances in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts

ISW stated that Russian forces recently advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 20 September shows Russian troops at the Vovchansk Oil Extraction Plant in western Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City.

Additional Russian advances were recorded in Donetsk Oblast. In the Lyman direction, geolocated footage published on 20 September shows Russian movement within eastern Shandryholove, northwest of Lyman. Further footage from 19 September indicates Russian forces advanced in western Novoekonomichne, northeast of Pokrovsk.

ISW also assessed Russian gains in the Velykomykhailivka direction. Geolocated footage published on 20 September shows Russian servicemembers raising flags in multiple locations in Berezove, south of Velykomykhailivka. ISW stated this likely indicates the seizure of Berezove, Dniptopetrovsk Oblast next to DOnetsk Oblast. The Russian Ministry of Defense credited elements of the 36th Motorized Rifle Brigade (29th Combined Arms Army, Eastern Military District) with the operation.