Fire Control: The Influence of Drones On Ukraine’s Logistics In Zaporizhzhia And Vovchansk 

Ukrainian forces are attempting to break the blockade of their troops in Pokrovsk. Near Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces have taken control of the Lyman-Zakotne highway. The Ukrainian command is transferring reserves to Orikhiv. Hungary is seeking to form an anti-Ukrainian alliance with the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Pokrovsk Sector:

Over the past 24 hours, attacks by Ukrainian units from the Hirshyne and 8th Group areas have been recorded, with the aim of breaking the blockade on Pokrovsk. According to Russian sources, these attempts have not resulted in any change to the contact line.

There have been regular clashes in the vicinity of the Dinas settlement, where assault groups are engaged in combat in the residential area. Clearing operations continue south of the railway line. Intense fighting has been reported in the area around Shmidt Street and the Roh settlement.

In Myrnohrad, combat operations are underway in the industrial zone on the southern outskirts of the city. Clashes for control of Mine 5/6 are ongoing, with advances reported near the waste heap. There is also active fighting in the Molodizhny microdistrict, on 1 May Street and in Titov Lane.

Fighting for control of the ‘Pokrovske’ mine administration on the western approaches to Pokrovsk has concluded, following an advance from Lenino.

To the north of the settlement, clearance operations are ongoing in Rodynske, where Russian units are fending off attacks from the west and north-west. The northern flank of the sector remains an area of intense confrontation, particularly along the Rodynske–Razyno–Novotoretske line.

A significant ‘grey zone’ with undefined lines of control has formed in the Ivanivka-Zolotoy Kolodets-Shakhove triangle. An increase in the number of forces, including drone operators, has been recorded in this area by both sides.

Attacks involving armored vehicles continue in Shakhove. Footage has emerged on social media showing Ukrainian forces using anti-tank weapons. The outcome of these attacks is still unclear.

Meanwhile, in Myrnohrad, offensive operations are ongoing on the eastern outskirts. Russian units have taken full control of the settlements of Balaha, Moskovske and Luch, as evidenced by the unimpeded movement of armored vehicles through these territories.

In Pokrovsk itself, assault groups are strengthening their positions and expanding their control zone within the urban area.

Krasnolyman Sector:

Russian units are conducting an offensive along the entire perimeter of Lyman’s outskirts. Assault groups, supported by drone operators, are reportedly advancing deep into Ukrainian defenses. 

The most intense fighting is taking place in the forested area near Yarova and on the outskirts of Drobysheve, where Russian units reportedly consolidated some time ago.

Advancing Russian units operating in small groups from the direction of Zarechne are using the complex, ravine-cut terrain to approach Lyman. Reports from the Zarechne–Yampil line indicate that Russian groups have reached the Lyman–Yampil highway. Advanced detachments are operating on the approaches to Dibrova, on the road leading from Lyman to Zakotne. This could create additional difficulties for the defending forces on the southern approaches to Lyman, as well as in the adjacent Siversk sector.

It is reported that, on the Lyman-Zakotne highway, drone operators are systematically targeting armored vehicles and hunting for targets in Zakotne itself. Such control over logistical routes is estimated to enable constant pressure to be applied to the supply system of the defending units.

Advancing towards Dibrova could lead to tactical encirclement of the forces defending the approaches to Lyman. This could complicate the operational situation on both the Krasnolyman and Siversk axes. Russian troops continue to advance, constantly impacting the supply routes of the defenders. According to some sources, this limits the possibilities for stabilizing the front line.

Kharkiv Sector:

According to recent reports, assault groups have advanced on the left bank of the Vovcha River in Vovchansk, capturing and clearing more than ten technical buildings. The total advance in this area is estimated at up to 500 meters.

There have also been successes reported in the Tykhe area and in the woodland to the west of Synelnikove, where three strongpoints have been captured. In the Melove-Khatne sector, assault units advanced 550 meters along tree lines. According to some reports, the new commander of the Ukrainian 125th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade has arrived in Kharkiv to strengthen the grouping in this direction.

Zaporizhzhia Sector:

In the Zaporizhzhia sector, the main areas of conflict are Mala Tokmachka and Prymorske. According to preliminary information, Ukrainian units have begun withdrawing some forces from Mala Tokmachka, while simultaneously mining basements and structures. It is reported that the Ukrainian command is focusing its efforts on preparing the defense of Orikhiv, to which reserves are being transferred.

The situation in Prymorske remains extremely difficult. Russian paratroopers have advanced deeper into the built-up area, but Ukrainian units are putting up fierce resistance and using artillery and drones. Movement during daylight hours is significantly hampered due to constant fire.

Sumy Sector:

According to reports, Russian assault units have advanced 150 meters on the right flank of the border pocket, along the tree line. The Ukrainian side is regrouping its forces and has transferred units of the 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade, armed with Western equipment, to the region.

Kostiantynivka Sector:

There has been an improvement in the positions of the advancing units on the Stupochky–Predtechyne line. According to Russian sources, Stupochky has fallen under their control, while fighting continues in Predtechyne. The Oskovo tract has been cleared, stabilizing and straightening the contact line in this area.

Eliminating individual pockets of resistance creates conditions for the redistribution of forces and the reinforcement of the grouping near the borders of Kostiantynivka. Currently, Russian assault groups approaching Sobornosti Street (T-05-04 highway) are operating with limited forces.

To the north of Chasiv Yar, along the Maiske-Novomarkove line, combat operations are positional, with no significant changes to the deployment of forces. The main clashes are taking place in tree lines and on fortified positions.

In the Shakhove area on the western flank of the sector, attacks using armored vehicles have been reported. The situation here is tense, particularly given the counteractions of Ukrainian units attempting to stop the advance in the Zolotoy Kolodets area of the adjacent Pokrovsk sector.

The stabilization of the situation on the eastern flank of the Kostiantynivka sector paves the way for operations to be activated directly within the city limits of Kostiantynivka. Currently, reconnaissance and sabotage groups are mainly operating in the city. 

It should be noted that the Ukrainian command continues to use operational reserves to strengthen the defense, but their capabilities are limited by the need to respond to escalations on other sections of the front.

Click to see full-size image. (Telegram)

Conclusion:

As of 28 October, the operational situation is characterized by the continuation of intense combat operations along most fronts, with the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration remaining the focal point of tension. Fierce urban battles and meeting engagements are ongoing on the northern flank. Tactical successes by Russian units in the Krasnolyman sector, particularly the advance towards Lyman and the seizure of control over key roads, could lead to operational success and influence adjacent sections of the front. In the Kharkiv sector, methodical advancement continues in Vovchansk and the surrounding area, while in the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukrainian efforts are shifting towards defending Orikhiv, indicating an attempt to stabilize a new line. 

There have also been significant developments in the diplomatic sphere. According to reports, Hungary intends to form an alliance with the Czech Republic and Slovakia within the European Union, all of which hold a skeptical position regarding Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hopes to work with the recently elected Czech leader Andrej Babiš and the current Slovakian Prime Minister, Robert Fico, in order to coordinate their positions before EU summits. According to observers, the formation of such a bloc could significantly complicate the EU’s decision-making process regarding financial and military support for Ukraine. In Moscow, this initiative has already been viewed as a potential counterweight to the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’. However, the formation of a strong union is not imminent, as Andrej Babiš has yet to establish a government in the Czech Republic and Robert Fico has thus far avoided official alliances with Budapest on specific policy issues.

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