ISW: Putin Likely Misled by Exaggerated Russian Military Maps; Sweden Pledges 36 Gripen Jets to Ukraine
The Institute for the Study of War reported on May 29 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has likely developed a false perception of Russian military successes based on exaggerated maps from the high command, particularly regarding the Kupyansk area since late summer 2025. Sweden pledged 36 Gripen fighter aircraft to Ukraine on May 28, with President Zelensky stating the jets will help defend against Russian guided glide bombs. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Velykyi Burluk and Oleksandrivka, while Russian forces advanced in Sumy Oblast.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on May 29 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has likely developed a false perception of Russian military successes in Ukraine based on heavily exaggerated maps from the Russian high military command. The ISW assessed that the Russian military command's exaggerated claims about the Kupyansk area date to late summer 2025, revealing a larger pattern of misrepresenting battlefield geometry at the highest levels. These exaggerations are likely leading Putin to believe his forces can achieve his battlefield goals in the near to medium term, despite the fact that Russia's battlefield performance has steadily declined in 2026.
Russian forces are reinforcing air defenses in Moscow City in response to Ukraine's growing long-range drone campaign against the Russian deep rear. Russia continues to struggle to defend against Ukraine's mid-range strike campaign and is reportedly resorting to war crimes to protect Russian military vehicles in the rear.
Sweden pledged a total of 36 Gripen fighter aircraft to Ukraine in a large military support package on May 28. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Gripens will help Ukraine defend against Russian guided glide bombs.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Velykyi Burluk and Oleksandrivka directions. Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast. Overnight, Russian forces launched one Kinzhal aeroballistic missile and 147 long-range drones at Ukraine.