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In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian forces have seized Staroukrainka and increased pressure in the Zheleznodorozhne sector, advancing toward Tsvitkove and Krynychne. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units are engaged in combat in the areas of Stepanivka and Yablonivka and are operating in Ivanopilila. In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian assault groups advanced two kilometers southwest of Zakotne and engaged in fierce fighting for Reznykivka, where Ukrainian units captured the dominant heights. In the Krasnyi Lyman area, the “West” grouping is advancing toward Lyman and has achieved localized successes along a 17-kilometer-wide front. In the Kharkiv and Sumy areas, Russian assault units are advancing through forested areas near Staritsa and Symynivka and in several Sumy districts. Participants in the Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi discussed ways to implement a ceasefire and monitor the cessation of hostilities.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian units took control of the Staroukrainka settlement. Following this advance, the operational initiative shifted towards Zheleznodorozhne. The sector is under pressure from the south, east, and northern flank, which makes it difficult for Ukrainian units to hold defensive lines.
Building on their success, Russian units are advancing towards Tsvitkove and Krynychne. Their actions are gradual, accompanied by reconnaissance of defenses and expansion of the control zone.
As a result of combat operations, Russian units have expanded their control over the Dorozhnianka area, improving their tactical position and straightening the contact line in this sector.
In the Orikhiv sector, clashes continue in the Lukianivske and Prymorske areas. The fighting is intense, with both sides actively using firepower and frequently changing their tactical initiative. North of Malokaterynivka, Ukrainian units have established new defensive lines, suggesting an attempt to stabilize the front and prepare for a potential increase in pressure from Russian troops.
Kostiantynivka Direction
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, the most intense combat operations continue on the southern flank. Clashes between small groups are ongoing in several sectors, while Russian aviation and drone operators are striking the logistical routes of Ukrainian units.
The tactical situation remains complex in the area of the Stepanivka settlement, which the Russian army officially announced it had captured earlier. According to the latest data, both sides were present in this area simultaneously for a certain period without clear control by either side.
South of Stepanivka, Ukrainian units periodically attempt to advance through tree lines toward the outskirts of Yablonivka. To the east, Russian units continue to move in small groups towards Illinivka in a northern direction.
In the Ivanopilila area, Ukrainian units can move small groups through the fields north of the Kleban-Byk Reservoir. The focal presence of Ukrainian groups in Ivanopilila has been noted for about a week. Russian units are conducting clearing operations of fortifications and employing drone strikes against infiltrating groups.
In Kostiantynivka itself, no significant changes have been noted. Russian troops have consolidated on the southeastern outskirts of the city and are continuing to reconnoiter the defenses of Ukrainian units north of Kostiantynivka. Advancement in this sector is facilitated by the “South” troop grouping, while the northern flank remains static.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian units are expanding their controlled territory by advancing along the ravine southwest of Zakotne. They have advanced about 2 kilometers in this sector. Russian assault groups are continuing to attack and push Ukrainian units out of strong points on the slopes toward Kryva Luka and the dominant heights.
There is fierce fighting underway in the Reznykivka area. Russian units have achieved some success advancing within the village itself and on its southern outskirts. However, Ukrainian forces still control the high ground to the north and south of Reznykivka. The Ukrainian side’s active use of a large number of drones significantly complicates the Russian troops’ further advancement.
Russian units have also advanced in the southern part of Illichivka and captured the adjacent forest area.
In the southern sector, Russian units are pulling up the southern flank and advancing toward Fedorivka Druha in the Nykyforivka area. Simultaneously, an offensive is developing towards Pryvollya, which could lead to the encirclement of Ukrainian units located between Bondarne and Pryvollya.
Combat continues in the southern and central parts of Minkivka. Russian troops are advancing gradually, without rapid assaults, and are methodically pushing Ukrainian units out of their captured positions.
West of Reznykivka, in the Kalenyky area, Russian drone operators are systematically striking Ukrainian artillery positions and transport, which is affecting their supply.
In the Zakotne area, fighting continues in the “Melovy Mountains” nature reserve. As in Bilohorivka, Ukrainian units have built a large number of shelters here, which complicates assault actions. Nevertheless, some problems characteristic of fighting in such terrain have been overcome.
At the junction with units of the “West” troop grouping, Russian troops have taken control of approximately half of the Ozerne settlement. Fighting continues for the rest of the settlement.
Krasnyi Lyman Direction
In the direction of Krasnyi Lyman, the “West” grouping is conducting an offensive directly on Lyman. Local successes have been recorded in a sector approximately 17 kilometers wide.
Along the Stavky–Zarechne line, several tree lines where Ukrainian units had a strong presence for a long time found themselves partially encircled. Russian assault groups captured one of the adjacent strongpoints, leaving Ukrainian units practically surrounded. The key factor remains the number of Ukrainian personnel in this sector. If Russian troops capture strong points south of Stavky, Ukrainian units will be completely blocked.
Fighting is developing on the northern and southern outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman. The area under the control of Russian assault groups is gradually expanding. However, they have not yet established firm control over the approaches to the city. North of the Masliakovka microdistrict, Russian troops have captured several tree lines and one strongpoint.
Significant events are unfolding on the southern flank, where Russian assault groups are advancing through forested areas. This affects the Krasnyi Lyman area as well as the neighboring Slaviansk area. A foundation is being formed for the partial encirclement of Krasnyi Lyman. Physical control has been established over one of the roads leading into the city: the T-05-14. The positions of Russian troops in the Dibrova area have also improved.
The forested areas south of the settlements enable the Russian assault groups to advance even in winter and reduce the risk of Ukrainian drone attacks, which the opposing side relies on heavily.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv region, Russian assault groups are advancing deeper with heavy fighting, putting pressure on Ukrainian defenses. In order to maintain their positions, the Ukrainian command has been forced to transfer units from one sector of the front in the Sumy region to another.
In the Staritsa area, Russian units advanced 300 meters through tree plantations, overcoming resistance.
In the forest southwest of Symynivka, Russian assault groups advanced 150 meters on three fronts, capturing a large area of terrain.
In the Vovchanski Khutory area, the positions of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and the 15th Operational Purpose Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine were destroyed by Russian airstrikes and flamethrowers.
In the Kharkiv sector, Russian units advanced 250 meters along tree lines. Airstrikes hit the positions of the Ukrainian 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Kolodezne area.
Also in the region, Russian units located and destroyed a drone crew position of the “Rugby Team” unmanned systems battalion of the 129th Separate Tank Mechanized Brigade, along with its commander.
Combat continues in the Hrafskoho and Kotivka areas. A Ukrainian ammunition depot was detected and struck by Russian forces, who also destroyed armored vehicles.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy region, Russian forces are carrying out offensive operations in multiple districts simultaneously, with support from aviation, drones, and artillery. Ukrainian units are regrouping and seeking additional reserves in an attempt to halt the advance.
Assault units of the “North” grouping advanced on eight sections in the Sumy district, five in the Krasnopillia district, and two in the Hlukhiv district. The total advance was up to 950 meters.
Russian aviation struck the positions of the Ukrainian 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade and the 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Yastrebyne and Iskryskivshchyna areas.
Conclusion
All in all, the operational situation in the main areas is characterized by Russian units continuing offensive actions in the face of stubborn resistance from Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian troops are making extensive use of terrain features, engineering fortifications, and unmanned systems. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian forces consolidated their tactical success in Staroukrainka and shifted their operational focus towards Zheleznodorozhne. They are exerting pressure from multiple directions, which complicates the Ukrainian troops’ ability to maintain a unified defense line. Advancement toward Tsvitkove and Krynychne is methodical. Meanwhile, a tense positional struggle continues in the Lukianivske and Prymorske areas of the Orikhiv sector, and north of Malokaterynivka, Ukrainian units are strengthening new defensive lines.
In the Kostiantynivka area, the focal points of tension are Stepanivka, Yablonivka, and Ivanopilila, where the fighting is intense and of a meeting-engagement nature. In the Slaviansk area, Russian units have made significant progress southwest of Zakotne. However, the fighting for Reznykivka is complicated by the Ukrainian side’s control of dominant heights and their active use of drones. In the Krasnyi Lyman area, the “West” grouping is mounting an offensive on Lyman, achieving localized successes and threatening to encircle Ukrainian units in certain sectors. In the Kharkiv and Sumy sectors, Russian assault groups are advancing systematically through forested areas and settlements, putting constant pressure on the Ukrainian’s defenses and forcing them to maneuver reserves. The general trend is a combination of tactical advances by small groups and massive use of artillery, aviation, and drones to suppress defenses and logistics.
On the political front, participants in the Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi discussed ways to implement a ceasefire and monitor the cessation of hostilities, said Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy. In a post on X, Witkoff noted that the delegations held extensive discussions over two days on unresolved issues, including mechanisms for monitoring the cessation of military actions. A second round of negotiations within the trilateral group, which includes delegations from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, took place in Abu Dhabi. Earlier, Witkoff reported that during these negotiations, the parties agreed to an exchange of prisoners of war. He called the negotiations themselves detailed and productive. Both rounds were held in a closed format.
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no retreat no surrender!!!
come and get some you orc bastads…heheheheh