DefenseHub Monthly Assessment · July 2026
This assessment covers the 33 ISW reports on Ukraine and Russia archived in the DefenseHub OSINT repository. The remaining 41 ISW documents from July concern Iran, the Middle East, China, Taiwan, and the Korean Peninsula.
July was characterized by persistent Russian pressure, limited territorial gains, and an expanding Ukrainian deep-strike campaign. Russia continued its attempts to advance in eastern Ukraine, but according to ISW assessments, its spring–summer offensive lost momentum and failed to produce a major operational breakthrough.
Ukraine war in July 2026: five phases identified across 33 ISW reports.
1–6 July — The Russian Offensive Loses Momentum
Russian forces continued attacking across several sectors, particularly in Donetsk Oblast. Despite the intensity of these operations, their advances remained slow, fragmented, and costly.
Russia also launched large drone and missile salvos against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These attacks targeted infrastructure, air defenses, and urban areas while forcing Ukraine to expend valuable interceptors.
Ukraine responded by expanding strikes against Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, military bases, and logistical facilities.
7–12 July — Interdiction Campaign Against Crimea
Occupied Crimea became one of the principal targets of Ukraine's deep-strike campaign. Reported targets included:
Air-defense systems;
Fuel depots;
