Russia Advances In Kostiantynivka, Expands Control In Donbas

In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units advanced beyond Lomonosov Avenue and crossed the Kryvyi Torets River. They are now conducting an offensive in the industrial zone and threatening to encircle part of the Ukrainian garrison in the southern part of the city. In the Sumy area, Russian assault groups advanced 450 meters and continued to clear Zapsillia and Kondrativka. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops advanced up to 900 meters in the Vovchansk sector and fought in Shesterivka, Karaichne, and Okhrimivka. In the direction of Slovyansk, Russian troops are expanding “grey zones,” capturing forested areas and exerting pressure along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. Florian Philippot, the leader of the French “Patriots” party, called the idea of granting Ukraine special status in the EU “madness,” stating that it would lead to the ruin of the European Union and guaranteed war with Russia.

Kostiantynivka Direction

Units of the “South” troop grouping are conducting intense offensive operations in the western, eastern, central, and southern parts of Kostiantynivka, as well as on the flanks. From the southwest and from Illinivka, Russian units advanced beyond Lomonosov Avenue, reached Promyslova Street, crossed the Kryvyi Torets River, and conducted an offensive in the industrial zone toward the railway. Simultaneously, units are advancing along the railway from the area north of the railway station. Fighting for the station itself continues. The Ukrainian garrison in the southern part of the city may find itself encircled.

The offensive continues on the flanks. In the Artem settlement (Dovha Balka), there are ongoing fierce engagements. From Novodmytrivka, Russian units advanced through the forested area towards the northeastern outskirts of the city. They are fighting in Molocharka and attacking Stenky in the area of the Hruzka River. Russian assault groups are also attacking Stenky from the direction of the railway.

Fighting continues in Mykolaivka and for a Ukrainian unit strongpoint to the northwest (near the railway). There are fierce clashes for strongpoints in the Krasne and Podolske area, as well as in the eastern part of Veroliubivka. Ukrainian units are offering fierce resistance with massive drone support.

Sumy Direction

Assault units from the “North” group continue to advance into the Sumy region. Russian troops have struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the Ulanovo, Dehtyarne, Katerynivka, Mohrytsia, Krovne, Konotop, Vilna Sloboda, Zarichchia, Pustohorod, Tolstodubove, Havrylova Sloboda, and Riasne areas.

In the direction of Tetkino-Hlushkivka, the Ukrainian 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade is suffering significant losses. In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced up to 450 meters along nineteen fronts. The clearing of basements in former residential buildings in Zapsillia and Kondrativka continues, and firefights are ongoing in the vicinity of Ivolzhanske.

In the Krasnopillia district, Russian assault groups advanced up to 200 meters in Riasne and the surrounding area.

Kharkiv Direction

In the Kharkiv area, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to expand the security zone. Russian troops have attacked Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the Kharkiv, Izbitske, Vodiane, Velykyi Burluk, Zavadske, and Budarky areas.

In Hranove, fighting continues. Russian troops are forcing Ukrainian soldiers out of the basements and cellars of former residential and farm buildings. Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews struck positions of the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian units in the Kozacha Lopan area with heavy flamethrower systems.

In the Lyptsi area, Ukrainian units did not take any action. Russian artillerymen and drone operators attacked previously identified positions.

In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault units advanced up to 900 meters across six sectors. Russian assault units are engaged in firefights in Shesterivka and the Karaichne and Okhrimivka areas. Crews of the Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense used heavy flamethrowers to attack the positions of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian units in the Ternova area.

In the Velykyi Burluk area, fighting continues in Budarka and the surrounding area, as well as in the forested areas northwest of the Kupyansk district.

Slaviansk Direction

Heavy combat operations are ongoing in the Krasnyi Lyman area. Both sides are highly active, using artillery, unmanned systems, and assault groups to maintain and strengthen their positions. In the Yampil area, Ukrainian units are actively employing reconnaissance and strike drones. They are not allowing Russian forces to accumulate personnel in residential areas and shelters. Any signs of concentration are promptly detected by aerial reconnaissance, and precision strikes are then carried out on the targets.

Russian troops have pushed through some Ukrainian positions west of Kalenyky and continue to expand their control in this sector. Russian forces have also captured parts of the Sorochyi and Babychyi forests. As a result, the salient of the front line east of Nykyforivka has noticeably shrunk. These actions aim to straighten the contact line and eliminate opportunities that allow the Ukrainian side to threaten the logistics and flanks of Russian units.

Russian troops continue to gradually expand the “grey zone” west of the Minkivsky Forest along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. The main emphasis is on pushing through sectors with limited control and creating constant pressure along the entire canal line. Simultaneously, Russian forces are seeking to expand the penetration zone towards Tykhonivka. They are consolidating in contested sectors and bringing up infantry under the cover of artillery and drones. They are systematically working to identify vulnerable sections of the Ukrainian units’ defense. East of Vasyutynske, Russian aviation has been used extensively. Strikes are being carried out on shelters, logistical routes, and areas where personnel are concentrated. This complicates the transfer of Ukrainian reserves and supplies in the frontline zone.

Conclusion

Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Kostiantynivka direction, Russian units, having crossed the Kryvyi Torets River and advanced beyond Lomonosov Avenue, are creating a threat of encircling Ukrainian forces in the southern part of the city; however, Ukrainian units are offering fierce resistance with drone support. On the Sumy and Kharkiv directions, Russian troops continue methodical advancement, expanding control zones and striking positions and reserves of the Ukrainian side. In the Slaviansk direction, Russian units are expanding “grey zones,” capturing forested areas, and straightening the front line, creating conditions for further pressure.

In the international political context, an important event was a statement by the leader of the French right-wing “Patriots” party, Florian Philippot. He called the idea of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to grant Ukraine a special status in the EU madness, stating that it would lead to the ruin of the European Union. Earlier, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported on Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine the status of an “associate member” of the EU and extend to it the mutual defense obligation from the EU Treaty. Philippot, who has announced his intention to run for president of France in 2027, emphasized that such a status would give Ukraine access to European funds, which would mean ruin for European countries, and extending the mutual defense obligation would guarantee war with Russia. This statement reflects growing criticism in European countries of expanding support for Ukraine and concerns about the financial and military consequences of such a policy.

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