ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 20, 2026

Key Takeaways from the ISW: Ukrainian forces continue facing in-motion speed restrictions to SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite communication technology (Starlink and Starshield) that limits Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian piston engine-driven and jet-powered strike drones. Ukrainian forces continue publishing further details about Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi – a counteroffensive operation that fundamentally disrupted the Russian campaign for Donetsk Oblast by defeating the northern pincer that the Russian military intended to use to encircle the Fortress Belt from the north. Senior Kremlin officials reaffirmed Russian support for Iran and explicitly defined the United States as Russia’s long-term adversary, despite the recent unilateral US concession to Moscow – offering Russia a diesel export waiver. Former Commander of the Ukrainian 60th Ingulets Separate Mechanized Brigade Major Dmytro Rohozyuk became the acting commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps (AC) while Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi continues to command Ukraine’s Center Group of Forces (GoF) in Donetsk’s Fortress Belt. Russia launched 165 drones against Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces advanced east of Sumy City, and Russian forces advanced south of Orikhiv. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. See the original here.