Syrskyi: Russian advance tempo has more than halved

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the pace of Russian invaders' advance in the first half of 2026 has decreased more than twofold compared to the previous period. He noted that the enemy's average monthly losses in killed and wounded amount to about 32,000 soldiers.

Syrskyi emphasized that Russia attempted to launch a large-scale offensive but failed to achieve any of its stated goals, despite having nearly double the advantage in personnel and equipment. He added that previously the Russian army conducted active offensive operations in 13 operational directions, but now that number has decreased to six or seven.

Ukrainian defense forces continue to conduct defensive operations combined with stabilization measures, while in some directions they carry out active actions and maintain operational initiative. According to Syrskyi, the current ratio of Ukrainian offensive operations to enemy actions is approximately 40 to 60. Thanks to Ukraine's active efforts, the Russian advance tempo has more than halved.

Syrskyi also noted that given the current pace, the sides have effectively approached a balance. There is a steady trend of increasing the share of territory liberated by Ukrainian forces compared to areas where the enemy manages to advance.

Over six months, using "Deep Strike" capabilities, 697 targets were hit on Russian territory. The direct and indirect economic damage inflicted on the enemy is estimated at least $6.1 billion. The "Middle Strike" campaign has also been effective, destroying 7,028 enemy objects.

Artillery has completed over 456,000 fire missions. Rocket forces have carried out more than 1,140 strikes, air force aviation over 1,100, and support units about 1,400.

Additionally, in Russia's Rostov region, several oil infrastructure facilities are burning after Ukrainian drone attacks. In Taganrog, the port terminal "Kurgannefteprodukt," which specializes in transshipment of oil products, is on fire. In the city of Azov, two fires were recorded – strikes were reported on the Azov oil depot and possibly on the "DonTerminal" oil depot.

Rostov region governor Yuri Slyusar stated that over 30 drones were destroyed in Taganrog and Azov, confirming hits on several objects. Local residents also reported an attack on the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, one of the largest refineries in southern Russia.