File image.
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units have consolidated in Kalenyky, finally forming a bridgehead to envelop Rai-Oleksandrivka — the last major transportation hub for Ukrainian troops on the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces are gradually expanding their presence on the eastern bank of the Oskol River, compressing the Ukrainian troops’ bridgehead. The Ukrainian forces maintain a presence, even in tactically disadvantageous positions. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces advanced up to 650 meters and cleared forested border areas. They struck concentrations of Ukrainian troops’ personnel and equipment in Yastrebyshchyna, Pisarivka, Myropillia, and Bachivsk. In the Kharkiv area, units of the “North” grouping finally pushed Ukrainian troops out of Vovchanski Khutory and are fighting along the Zybine–Volokhivka–Okhrimivka line. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukraine is completely unprepared for accession to the European Union and that an unprepared country could have fatal consequences for everyone.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian troops are fighting along the Kryva Luka–Kalenyky line. Based on recently published footage of the 6th Cossack Brigade raising Russian flags in Kalenyky, it is clear that units of the “South” grouping have firmly established themselves in this settlement. This indicates the completion of a bridgehead for a future offensive aimed at encircling Rai-Oleksandrivka. Rai-Oleksandrivka is the last major transportation hub for Ukrainian forces on the bank of the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal.
Local skirmishes continue in the vicinity of Lypivka and Fedorivka Druha. Ukrainian units are trying to slow the advance of Russian troops near the M-03 highway to prevent the encirclement of Rai-Oleksandrivka. They are also regularly sending small groups to hold isolated positions in tree lines. At the same time, work is being carried out on Ukrainian supply routes. Drone operators pay particular attention to the road from Slovyansk to Mykolaivka. Remote mining is being used extensively. Recently, the Ukrainian side lost two armored vehicles on the road to Starodubivka. Meanwhile, over ten strikes with high-explosive aerial bombs were carried out on Ukrainian unit positions in Mykolaivka itself, a tactic that had not been seen before.
In the Krasnyi Lyman area, the fiercest fighting in several months has taken place near the city of the same name. Aware of the potential ramifications of losing Krasnyi Lyman, Ukrainian forces occasionally launch localized counterattacks to prevent Russian assault troops from establishing a foothold in the northeastern part of the city. To the north, Ukrainian units are advancing toward the Penkovyi Yar ravine.
Kupyansk Direction
Russian units are gradually expanding their operating area on the eastern bank of the Oskol River and compressing the Ukrainian bridgehead. These small groups are operating near Kucherivka, Podoly, Kurylivka, and Novoosinove.
In Kupyansk, fighting continues in the northern part of the city. Most of the city is a “grey zone,” which is increasingly turning into ruins over time. Both Russian and Ukrainian aircraft are flying over the city, and sometimes more bombs are dropped on it than there are assault groups operating there from both sides.
There are unconfirmed reports of Ukrainian attempts to push Russian troops back from the western bank of the Oskol River and destroy the Russian bridgehead in the Dvorichna area. Ukrainian units did conduct attacks here with assault pairs and trios, but these were merely tactical attempts to advance. There were no large-scale efforts to push Russian troops back across the river. Furthermore, Ukraine has even withdrawn some reserves from the Kupyansk area and redeployed them to the Burluk area, where they are facing challenges near Vovchansk and along the Siverskyi Donets River.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
The “Center” and “East” groups continue to engage in fierce combat in the Dnipropetrovsk region. There are ongoing clashes for Ivanivka and Novopavlivka, as well as on the approaches to Havrylivka. Russian units repelled Ukrainian forces advancing on Komar, stabilized the situation in the Oleksandrohrad area, crossed the Vovcha River, and established a bridgehead on its right bank. Ukrainian troops have been pushed out of half of the Novopavlivskyi Lis nature reserve, and Russian troops are advancing toward Lisne. The area south of Velykomikhailivka is being cleared of Ukrainian units that infiltrated in February. To the west, on the border of the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, Russian troops are attacking Ukrainian forces in the Nove Pole, Zorevka, and Zarnytsia settlements.
In the Pokrovsk sector, between Velykomikhailivka and Pokrovske, Ukrainian forces are attempting to counterattack and advance deeper into Russian defensive lines. Ukrainian units are entering Vyshneve and Verbove in small groups and have indicated their presence near Kalynivske, advancing from the west as far as Rybne. The goal is to cut off the salient from Kosovtsevo to Oleksandrohrad. Units of the 36th, 5th, and 35th Armies continue to breach Ukrainian troop defenses in the Vozdvizhevka and Verkhnia Tersa areas. Offensive actions are ongoing in the directions of Komsomolske and Charivne.
Sumy Direction
Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Yastrebyshchyna, Pisarivka, Pishchane, Myropillia, Bachivsk, and Nova Sich.
In the Shostka district, Russian units are continuing to clear border forested areas. Assault groups advanced up to 200 meters. In the Sumy district, assault units advanced on eighteen sections, advancing up to 650 meters over the day.
In the Krasnopillia district, there are ongoing fierce firefights in the Novodmytrivka area. Russian assault groups advanced up to 350 meters. In an attempt to halt the Russian advance, the Ukrainian command is urgently transferring strike drone operators from the 442nd Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion and forcibly mobilized soldiers from the 122nd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade to this sector. They are expected to reinforce the demoralized personnel of the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade and the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Kharkiv Direction
Russian troops struck concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Polne, Izbitske, Nikolske, and Zemlianky.
In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping finally pushed composite combat groups of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and the 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade out of Vovchanski Khutory during fierce fighting and established control over the settlement. Stubborn fighting continues near the state border along the Zybine–Volokhivka–Okhrimivka line, as well as along the tree line east of Symynivka. In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault groups advanced 200 meters along four fronts.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Slaviansk, the consolidation of Russian units in Kalenyky and the formation of a bridgehead to envelop Rai-Oleksandrivka create the conditions for a further advance toward the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian units are gradually compressing the Ukrainian troops’ bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Oskol, despite the complex drone situation. In the Sumy area, Russian troops are advancing systematically, clearing forested areas and striking Ukrainian reserves. The Ukrainian side is forced to replenish its units with border guards because its troops have lost combat capability. In the Kharkiv direction, the capturing of Vovchanski Khutory and advances in other sectors demonstrate steady pressure by Russian troops along the state border.
In the context of international politics, an important event was a statement made by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. During a meeting with students, he said that Ukraine is not ready to join the European Union and that unpreparedness could have fatal consequences for everyone. Fico reiterated his support for Ukraine’s EU ambitions, provided all the necessary conditions are met. However, he noted that other countries, such as Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, are significantly better prepared and are carrying out reforms.
According to Fico, “one cannot overtake other countries that are significantly better prepared” when joining the European Union. In June 2022, the EU granted Ukraine candidate status, but European commissioners acknowledged that the decision was largely symbolic, intended to support Kyiv in its confrontation with Russia. Obtaining candidate status is only the beginning of a long journey. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999; North Macedonia, since 2005; Montenegro, since 2010; and Serbia, since 2012. Croatia was the last country to join the EU, in 2013, and the process took ten years. The Slovak prime minister’s statement reflects growing skepticism in European capitals regarding Ukraine’s prospects for rapid accession to the European Union, especially given the successful offensive of Russian troops in multiple directions.
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