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In the Kostiantynivka sector, combat has intensified within urban areas and on the southern flank near the Kleban-Byk Reservoir, where Russian units are advancing into the city center after clearing summer cottages southeast of Highway H-32. In the Izyum sector, Russian forces are pushing offensives in Oleksandrivka and Karpivka amid Ukrainian counterattacks. In the Sumy sector, Russian assault groups are advancing across multiple subsectors with heavy aviation and artillery support. In the Kharkiv sector, the offensive presses on near Vovchansk and the Burluk sub-sector. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the document on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine was “100% ready” following two days of negotiations involving Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives.
Kharkiv Sector
In the Kharkiv sector, the Russian “Sever” group continues to take offensive action in the Burluk sub-sector near Vovchansk. In the Starytsia area, assault units advanced toward Izbytske along the riverbank. They also cleared an additional part of the adjacent forest on the northern bank of the Vovcha River.
Near Vovchansk, efforts to dislodge Ukrainian forces from the tree lines persist, despite the limited presence of scattered groups, including attempts to infiltrate the city and demonstrate activity. The offensive continues in the Volchanskiy Khutora area as well. There, farms on the western outskirts of the settlement were captured, and an advance was made into the built-up area to the north.
In the Dehtiarne area, there have been no significant changes to the situation. Earlier reports of an advance toward Nesterne are linked to strikes on tree lines on the outskirts where Ukrainian reconnaissance groups could have been located. There has been no record of Russian forces establishing stable control in this area. Along the line from Dvurechna to Kamenske, Russian forces have advanced about six kilometers in recent weeks, capturing several forested areas near the settlement of Kolodezne.
Near Starytsia, they made progress, advancing up to 250 meters into the adjacent tree lines on two subsectors. In the forested area near Symynivka, Russian assault groups captured three strongpoints and advanced 300 meters. In the Volchanskiy Khutora area, heavy flamethrower systems targeted positions in the adjacent tree lines. Assault units advanced 200 meters in a southeastern direction. In the Khatnie area, after overcoming resistance, advances were recorded on seven subsectors along tree lines.
Kostiantynivka Sector
In the Kostiantynivka area, Russian units of the “Yug” group continue to be active on several fronts, both within the city limits and to the south. In Kostiantynivka itself, assault units are advancing into the central part of the city. This advance was made possible by clearing the dacha area southeast of Highway H-32 (T-0504). The situation remains difficult due to the high density of Ukrainian troops, which they built up during the period of adverse weather conditions despite losses from drone attacks.
The zone of control is expanding on the southern flank in the Kleban-Byk Reservoir area. Russian units have captured the northern bank of the reservoir and most of the landscape park territory. Areas to the north remain under the control of Ukrainian forces and partially represent a focal zone for ultra-small groups. Sorties are made from this area towards Ivanopillia and Plesheevka.
Russian advance was carried out on the approaches to Berestok from the “Traffic Police Post” strongpoint, and fighting has begun for a small industrial zone southwest of the village. North of Yablonivka, Ukrainian forces were pushed back beyond the highway. However, their focal presence remains to the south and is sustained by drone supply.
Despite the cold weather, combat operations in this sector are intensifying, as is the struggle for Kostiantynivka. Attempts are being made to increase troop density in the city, which is partly facilitated by weather conditions.
Izyum Sector
In the Izyum sector, Russian units from the “West” group continue to advance. A significant advance has been noted in Oleksandrivka, up to its northern outskirts, where clearing operations are ongoing. Counterattacks are being undertaken from Krymka to prevent consolidation.
In the Korovy Yar area, attacks are being conducted from the Popiv Yar gully area, near the electrical substation, and from the garden plots to the east. Counterbattles are also being fought south of Vovchyi Yar from this same area. Ukrainian units are counterattacking from Lozove and Karpivka.
To the south, combat operations are ongoing in Sosnove and the hospital area north of Sviatohirsk. West of Sviatohirsk, the Bohorodychne crossing was destroyed. To the east, Ukrainian forces in the Yarova area continue to face pressure.
Pokrovsk Sector
In the Pokrovsk Sector, Russian units of the 76th Airborne Division are conducting offensive operations in the Hrishyne area, pushing Ukrainian forces out of the settlement. Remaining groups are trying to hinder the advance, but control over the territory up to Horkoho Street and the northern bank of the Central Pond has been established. It is known that the Russian unit “The Irish” was transferred to this sector.
In the Udachne area, fighting continues, and attempts at infiltration through tree lines and railway tracks have been noted. These attempts are meeting stiff resistance. Meanwhile, reports from Kotlyne indicate that the Ukrainian units gained control of the industrial enterprise. There is ongoing fighting for the ambulatory building, which is being used as a fortified node.
Zaporizhzhia Sector
In the Zaporizhzhia sector, Russian airborne units have gained complete control of Stepovoye. Attempts were made the day before to dislodge the units from the village with a counterattack, but they were unsuccessful. Fighting continues in Lukyanivske, Novoboykivske, Novoyakovlivka, and Pavlivka.
In the Orikhiv sub-sector, there has been an increase in maneuver activity from both sides. However, the Russian forces have noticeably intensified their assault operations over the last 24 hours, seizing the initiative and forcing the Ukrainian units to respond with localized counterattacks rather than a systematic defense.
East of Nesterianka, Russian units have resumed active assault operations to straighten the front line. During the advance, they captured eight defense belts oriented towards the highway, one after the other. This is not a one-time breakthrough, but rather a methodical “cutting off” of defensive sections, which reduces the stability of the entire line and limits maneuvering along the road infrastructure.
In the Novodanylivka area, Russian assault groups have resumed attacks and have significantly strengthened their presence inside the settlement. They took control of new positions on the southern and southwestern streets, indicating a gradual deepening into the built-up area. Additionally, assault units have consolidated on a southeastern street, forming a denser control perimeter and reducing space for maneuvering inside the village.
On the far eastern flank, there has been an attempt to seize the tactical initiative. Ukrainian units launched a counterattack from fortifications south of Mala Tokmachka, restoring control over the ruins of a prison that were previously in a gray zone. This episode is local in nature and is likely intended to stabilize the subsector and prevent a further advance, rather than change the overall operational picture.
Sumy Sector
Intense fighting continues on all subsectors of the front in the Sumy region. The “Sever” grouping of forces is increasing the intensity of strikes on Ukrainian positions and logistical routes with aviation, strike drone crews, and artillery. The Ukrainian units is transferring drones crews to the Sumy region.
The “Sever” grouping’s assault units advanced on four subsectors in the Sumy district and three in the Hlukhiv district. The total advance amounts to up to 550 meters. In addition to the widespread use of drones, tanks in closed firing positions are being used for defense. Essentially, all available models of Soviet-era weaponry have been mobilized.
Russian aviation struck the Ukrainian 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade’s positions in the Budkiv area.
Conclusion
The operational situation remains tense in various parts of the front. In the Kharkiv sector, particularly in the Vovchansk area, the offensive is multifaceted, involving operations in forested areas, residential areas, and approaches to the outskirts of Krasnyi Liman. The Kostiantynivka sector is notable for the increasing intensity of street fighting and the struggle for control of adjacent territories, such as the Kleban-Byk Reservoir. In the Izyum sector, the key areas are Oleksandrivka and Korovy Yar, where there are ongoing counterattacks. In the Pokrovsk sector, the main focus is Hrishyne and Udachne, where the advance is met with fierce resistance. In the Zaporizhzhia sector, particularly in the Orikhiv sub-sector, the tactic involves methodical pressure to straighten the front line and limit the Ukrainian unit’s maneuverability. In the Sumy sector, there has been a steady advance by assault groups with active support from aviation and artillery. Meanwhile, the defense is being strengthened by transferring specialized assets and using old equipment.
On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the document outlining U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine was “100% ready” following two days of negotiations involving Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives. While visiting Lithuania, Zelenskyy told journalists in Vilnius that Ukraine is waiting for its partners to set a signing date. Afterwards, the document will be sent to the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament for ratification. Zelenskyy also emphasized Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union by 2027, calling it a “guarantee of economic security.” He characterized the negotiations in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, as the first trilateral talks in “quite a long time” to involve military representatives from all three sides, not just diplomats. The negotiations, which began on Friday and continued on Saturday, were the latest aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year-long invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy acknowledged fundamental disagreements between Ukraine and Russia, confirming that territorial issues are one of the main stumbling blocks.
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according to the institute for the study of war: kostiantynivka is kapputt.