Russia has suffered further losses of occupied territory and record casualties while using new drones to breach Ukraine's defences as it seeks to stall the front, according to Al Jazeera.
Key facts
- Al Jazeera reports Moscow has suffered further losses of occupied territory.
- Al Jazeera reports Russia is sustaining record casualties.
- Al Jazeera reports Russia is using new drones to beat Ukraine's defences.
- Al Jazeera characterises Russia's aim as attempting to freeze the conflict in Ukraine.
- The scale of casualties, specific territory lost and details of the drones were not provided in the available source text.
Russia is attempting to freeze the conflict in Ukraine even as its forces suffer record casualties and lose occupied territory, while deploying new drones to breach Ukrainian defences, according to a report by Al Jazeera published on 2 October 2026.
The report says Moscow has suffered further losses of occupied territory, indicating Russian forces have been pushed back in parts of the conflict zone, while continuing its military campaign against Ukraine.
Al Jazeera also reports that Russia is using new drones to beat Ukraine’s defences, suggesting Moscow is adapting its tactics to maintain pressure on Ukrainian positions even as it loses ground elsewhere.
According to the report, the combination of territorial losses and record casualties points to the continuing cost of the war for Russia, while its drone campaign reflects the evolving nature of the conflict.
Further details on the scale of the casualties, the specific territory lost, or the nature of the new drones were not provided in the available source text. The claims above are drawn from a single Al Jazeera report and have not been independently verified, and official responses from Moscow or Kyiv were not included in the source.
Why it matters
The report points to shifting dynamics in the war in Ukraine, with Russia described as losing ground and taking heavy losses while adapting its tactics with new drone technology. If accurate, these developments carry consequences for civilians, military strategy and the broader security picture in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Russia doing in Ukraine according to the report?
According to Al Jazeera, Russia is attempting to freeze Ukraine while suffering record casualties and retreating, and is using new drones to beat Ukraine's defences.
Is Russia gaining or losing territory?
Al Jazeera reports that Moscow has suffered further losses of occupied territory.
How is Russia trying to overcome Ukraine's defences?
The report states that Russia is using new drones to beat Ukraine's defences.

