Russian forces in the Borova direction, part of the Western Grouping of Forces operating along the Oskil River in Kharkiv Oblast, have conducted limited offensive operations in recent weeks but recorded no confirmed advances as of late September 2026. Ukrainian counteroffensives under Operation Vivaldi have pushed Russian positions back toward the Zherebets and Siverskyi Donets rivers in the adjacent Lyman sector, disrupting attempts to improve tactical positions or support broader encirclement efforts toward Donbas strongholds. ISW assessments note ongoing Russian attempts to advance near Borova alongside Ukrainian counterattacks that have constrained forward movement. Trader consensus on entry timelines reflects these stalled Russian gains against Ukrainian defensive pressure and local territorial recoveries in the northern Donetsk and eastern Kharkiv areas.