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How ISW Maps Russian Infiltrations in Ukraine: Breaking Down the “Grey Zone”

August 11, 2026

How ISW Maps Russian Infiltrations in Ukraine: Breaking Down the “Grey Zone”

The ISW Briefing Room: Season 2 Episode 4

The Russian military is using infiltration tactics to feign a rapid advance across the frontline in Ukraine while barely advancing at all. In this video, ISW’s Director of Innovation and Open Source Tradecraft George Barros explains how and why ISW adapted its methodology and implemented an infiltrations layer on its maps, and what distinguishes infiltrations apart from verified advances on the battlefield or control of territory according to US military doctrine.

The opaque nature of the current frontline in Ukraine poses large analytical and cartographic challenges when attempting to depict the battlefield. ISW believes that data and sound military analysis can enable clear and disambiguated assessments.

To learn more, read ISW’s Russia & Ukraine Mapping Methodology Statement.

Stay informed about the latest videos from ISW’s Briefing Room series by subscribing to our YouTube channel, X, and Instagram pages.

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