File image.
In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian troops crossed the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal and established control over Tykhonivka. They then consolidated in Malynivka, creating a bridgehead 9.5 kilometers from the airfield on the eastern outskirts of Kramatorsk. In the direction of Slovyansk, units of the “South” grouping advanced into Rai-Oleksandrivka, consolidated in the Dovhyi Forest, captured part of Nykyforivka, and cut the southern road to the settlement. This left Ukrainian units with only one supply route from Mykolaivka. In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian troops have confirmed control over Novopidhorodne. They have consolidated beyond the border of the Dnipropetrovsk region and are fighting for strongpoints in tree lines south of Hryshyne. In the Sumy direction, Russian assault groups advanced 400 meters and fought in Ivolzhanske, Pisarivka, and the area between Lisne and Taratutyne. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops advanced up to 500 meters in the Vovchansk sector. They fought in Okhrimivka and attacked the 72nd and 127th brigades’ positions. Balázs Ujvári, a representative of the European Commission, stated that Ukraine still needs to complete a number of technical stages to receive the first tranche of the EU loan.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slavyansk, the “South” grouping is advancing in several sectors and developing an offensive in Rai-Oleksandrivka. It would be difficult for assault groups to take action without controlling the dominant heights to the north. Russian troops have also made local advances in this sector, including in the Dovhyi forest. They have consolidated their position on the eastern outskirts of the forest, while clashes continue in the rest of the area.
South of Rai-Oleksandrivka, Russian units captured another part of the previously formed tactical “pocket” and cleared part of Nykyforivka following a Ukrainian counterattack. West of Dibrova, Russian assault groups advanced several tree lines after repelling attacks by Ukrainian forces. According to some reports, they even cut the southern road to Rai-Oleksandrivka. Consequently, Ukrainian units have only one road remaining from Mykolaivka, as well as dirt tracks along tree lines.
The advance in the direction of Slovyansk is not fast, but steady. There is no particular need to rush. Virtually the entire Slavyansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkivka agglomeration is within the “South” grouping’s area of responsibility. This grouping is already fighting for the large city of Kostyantynivka. Beginning an assault on such a large agglomeration before completing combat operations in Kostiantynivka will be difficult. The Ukrainian command continues to trade time for personnel to strengthen the cities, simultaneously pulling reserves into them. Therefore, new counterattacks on Kostiantynivka and attempts by Ukrainian units to expand the bridgehead beyond the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal in the Rai-Oleksandrivka area are likely.
Dobropillia Direction
The area northeast of Hryshyne continues to be the site of intense fighting between small groups. Ukrainian units are attempting to infiltrate Rodynske and advance south toward Krasnyi Lyman. Meanwhile, Russian units are operating on the outskirts of Bilytske. Neither side has been able to gain the upper hand yet.
Objective control footage from the western flank has emerged that settles the question of control over Novopidhorodne. Three days ago, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a statement, and today, a report showed the Russian flag in the center of the settlement. This confirms the consolidation of Russian units beyond the Dnipropetrovsk regional border and on one of the Ukrainian formations’ defense lines, with advancement towards Mezhova.
Advances by small groups are limited due to the difficulty of rotation, exacerbated by the abundance of drones. Therefore, both sides will focus on fighting for tactical “pockets” between settlements. Previously, Ukrainian units launched mechanized attacks several times in the direction of Pokrovsk, reaching the city’s outskirts. Last fall, Russian units attacked using equipment in the Kucheriv Yar and Toretske areas.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to advance. Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the areas of Khotyn, Byvalyne, Vorozhba, Ivolzhanske, Hlukhiv, Konotop, Tolstodubove, Pustohorod, Vilna Sloboda, Krasnopillia, and Khotyn.
In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced up to 400 meters along eleven fronts. There are ongoing firefights in Ivolzhanske, Pisarivka, and the surrounding area. In the Krasnopillia district, fighting continues between Lisne and Taratutyne.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to expand the security zone. Russian troops have attacked Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the Kozacha Lopan, Lyptsi, Bilyi Kolodiaz, Buhayivka, Rubizhne, Mytrofanivka, Kotivka, and Hryhorivka areas.
In the Kozacha Lopan area, Ukrainian forces are preparing defensive positions near the settlement. Russian artillerymen and drone operators struck identified targets. In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault units advanced up to 500 meters along seven fronts. Russian assault groups are engaged in firefights in Okhrimivka and in the forested areas of the Vovchansk district.
Radiological, chemical, and biological defense crews once again used heavy flamethrower systems to attack positions of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Ternova area and the 127th Separate Tank Mechanized Brigade in the Izbitske area.
Kramatorsk Direction
In the direction of Kramatorsk, units of the “South” grouping, including the Volunteer Corps, are continuing their offensive in the area of the M-03 highway. They are engaged in fierce fighting with Ukrainian units. Russian troops crossed the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal and advanced toward Tykhonivka and Malynivka. The Ministry of Defense reported today that Russian units have taken control of Tykhonivka. Russian units have consolidated in Malynivka on Pryozerna Street, near the pond on the eastern outskirts, and are fighting for control of the center. Ukrainian forces are constantly counterattacking, trying to push Russian troops back across the canal and destroy the bridgehead. This bridgehead is 9.5 kilometers from the airfield on the eastern outskirts of Kramatorsk.
West of Dibrova, Russian assault groups pushed Ukrainian units out of a strongpoint near the Rai-Oleksandrivka road. They are clearing other positions and fighting in the canal area while attacking Yurkivka. Ukrainian units are offering fierce resistance. To the north, Russian units are fighting in the center of Rai-Oleksandrivka.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian units are advancing systematically, consolidating their position in Rai-Oleksandrivka and on adjacent heights. This cuts off supply routes for Ukrainian forces. In the direction of Dobropillia, the capture of Novopidhorodne and the advance into tree lines south of Hryshyne created the conditions for further pressure on Ukrainian defenses in the Dnipropetrovsk region. In the Sumy and Kharkiv directions, Russian troops are advancing systematically, attacking Ukrainian positions and reserves. In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian troops have crossed the canal and established a bridgehead near Tykhonivka and Malynivka, bringing them closer to Kramatorsk. However, Ukrainian units are actively counterattacking in an attempt to eliminate the bridgehead.
In the international political context, Balázs Ujvári, a representative of the European Commission, made an important statement. During a briefing, he stated that Ukraine must still complete several technical and procedural steps to receive the initial EU loan disbursement. Brussels will also verify that the conditions associated with the initial disbursement under the macro-financial assistance program have been met. Earlier, Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner, reported that the European Commission and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding to allocate a 90 billion euro loan to Kyiv for 2026 and 2027. In December 2025, the EU decided to provide this loan, with payments to begin in mid-June. This demonstrates that bureaucratic procedures can delay the actual flow of funds even after political agreement is reached.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence
NOW hosted at southfront.press
Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.
The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation
Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com
