File image.
In the Zaporizhzhia region, the “East” military unit continues its offensive along the Vozdvizhevka-Verkhnia Tersa-Huliaipilske line. Despite attempts by Ukrainian units to infiltrate in small groups, the unit is capturing new positions and restoring control over old ones. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops have advanced in the Borova region and are fighting near Karaichne and Rybalchino. In the Burluk sector, Ukrainian forces are gathering in the Ternova forests, preparing for new attacks. In the Slaviansk area, Russian troops are working in the Mykolaivka, Rai-Oleksandrivka, and Malynivka areas and engaging Pyskunivka. This disrupts the Ukrainian forces’ logistics and command. Armando Mema, a member of the Finnish “Freedom Alliance” party, stated that the European Union is playing an extremely dangerous game by allowing Ukrainian drones to fly to Russia through European airspace.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
Fierce clashes are ongoing west of the Haichur River in the Zaporizhzhia area. Units of the “East” troop grouping have captured new positions on the approaches to Vozdvizhevka and are restoring control over previously lost lines. Ukrainian units are attempting to infiltrate several sectors in an effort to pin down the advance of Russian troops. They are doing so by sending small groups to force the Russians to divert their attention from the main assault to search for and destroy these groups. According to reports, 13 such attempts were thwarted in the past day alone.
Nevertheless, the offensive continues on a broad front along the Vozdvizhevka–Verkhnia Tersa–Huliaipilske line. It is estimated that the “East” troop grouping has intensified its efforts in the battles for the Zaporizhzhia defensive belt, and new tactical successes are expected in the near future.
Kharkiv Direction
In the direction of Kharkiv, Russian units advanced from Zelenyi Hai towards the settlement of Borova. However, according to local residents, the village itself has not been taken over, not even half of it. Assault groups are operating in the area, but the terrain beyond Borova and Boini is difficult to traverse. The village of Horokhovatka is located on a dominant height and must be taken into account, as well as the Oskol River. Since it is difficult to take this height, the sector is being targeted with high-explosive aerial bombs, as launching an assault on it is impractical.
From Horokhovatka to Izyum, many settlements are home to Ukrainian units, including foreign mercenaries. There are also significant numbers of drone launch points, mined positions, and fortified lines. The sector remains extremely complex, and there can be no talk of a rapid advance.
In the Burluk sector, the intensity of combat operations is increasing. Ukrainian units are accumulating forces in the forested Ternova area, preparing to attack the border zone again. In the forests near Verkhnya Pysarivka, Ukrainian troops are trying to halt the advance of Russian troops and strengthen their positions in the Buhayivka area.
Fighting continues near the recently captured village of Volokhivka. Clashes are ongoing near Karaichne and along the tree lines. Slightly to the east, Russian units are advancing near the small settlement of Rybalchino and have recorded local successes.
Sumy Direction
Positional battles using drones continue in the Sopych area. Ukrainian forces are attempting to reinforce the area by deploying extra drone crews. However, Russian units are identifying and destroying these reserves.
In the Kondrativka area, Russian forces have driven Ukrainian troops out of the eastern part of the village. The Ukrainian forces remaining in the area are withdrawing towards Khotyn and attempting to reinforce the sector near Pisarivka, where Russian forces are advancing.
Kupyansk Direction
In the Kupyansk area, Russian forces have taken control of the Kurylivka settlement and are conducting clearance operations. Drone units are destroying Ukrainian unit positions in Osinove and Prokopivka, which are located beyond the Oskol River. Crossings that Ukrainian units used to transfer reserves and weapons are also being destroyed. Through coordinated actions, the remnants of Ukrainian personnel on the Russian bank of the Oskol have been cut off. Ukrainian forces are attempting to resupply these groups with heavy “Baba Yaga” drones. The Ukrainian personnel on this bank are in an extremely difficult situation.
Kupyansk-Uzlovoi is already partially in a “gray zone.” During aerial reconnaissance, a group of Ukrainian servicemen attempting to leave Kupyansk-Uzlovoi was identified.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units are working in the areas of Mykolaivka, Rai-Oleksandrivka, and Malynivka. Pyskunivka is being targeted separately because this area is crucial for advancing along the right bank of the Siverskyi Donets toward Mykolaivka. Ukrainian units are attempting a counterattack and are actively using drones. The open terrain greatly complicates movement because any movement is clearly visible, making advancement difficult.
Russian units are mainly focusing on disrupting the Ukrainian side’s logistics and command. This is the correct tactic for this sector. First, Ukrainian units must be deprived of supplies, communication, and the ability to command forces normally. Only then can conditions be created for further pressure. Currently, the focus is on positional clashes and preparation rather than a rapid assault. Possible options for further action include advancing through Rai-Oleksandrivka or putting pressure directly toward Mykolaivka. An assault here is risky. In order to advance, the Ukrainian side must be unable to conduct observation calmly, bring up reserves, and control the defense.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian troops continue a broad offensive on key lines and are restoring control over previously lost positions, despite numerous attempts by Ukrainian forces to infiltrate in small groups. In the Kharkiv area, the difficult terrain and active resistance complicate advancement; however, Russian troops are achieving local successes, creating bridgeheads, and pushing Ukrainian units out of forested areas. In the Sumy and Kupyansk areas, Russian troops are clearing settlements and destroying crossings to disrupt Ukrainian logistics. In the Slaviansk area, the focus is on preparing for further advances by suppressing Ukrainian forces’ command and supply, rather than launching frontal assaults.
In the context of international politics, a notable event was the statement made by Armando Mema, a member of the Finnish “Freedom Alliance” party. On X, he claimed that the European Union is playing an extremely dangerous game by allowing Ukrainian drones to fly through European airspace to Russia. Recently, there have been more frequent reports of Ukrainian drones veering off course and crashing in the Baltic republics. Mema noted that these drones are financed and produced by European allies and transferred to Ukraine. A group of European Parliament deputies has asked the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to take action regarding Ukrainian drones. The politician emphasized that accusations against Russia would not improve the situation, but could only further escalate tension. He called for an end to warmongering and a return to dialogue. This statement reflects growing concerns in European countries about incidents involving Ukrainian drones and criticism of EU policies. According to some politicians, these policies are leading to an escalation of the conflict.
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