Russia's frontline advances slow as Ukraine fights back

NPR | By Joanna Kakissis,

A Martínez

Published July 3, 2026 at 4:10 AM EDT

Nearly four and a half years after Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia's frontline advances have slowed almost to a halt as Ukrainian counterattacks and defensive tactics become increasingly effective.

Joanna Kakissis

Joanna Kakissis is a foreign correspondent based in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she reports poignant stories of a conflict that has upended millions of lives, affected global energy and food supplies and pitted NATO against Russia.

See stories by Joanna Kakissis

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First. He came to NPR in 2021 and is based out of NPR West.

See stories by A Martínez

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