File image.
In the Sumy direction, assault groups of the Russian “North” grouping are advancing through forest areas near Pisarevka and Kiyanitsa, preparing a bridgehead for a potential push toward Sumy. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian units have cut Ukrainian logistics in Kazachya Lopan and reached the center of the settlement, while also advancing near Volokhovskoye and Zakhárovka. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces are attempting to split the Ukrainian bridgehead east of Oskol and are expanding their control in Kurilovka, Kovsharovka, and Petropavlovka. In the Slaviansk direction, fighting continues for Nikolaevka and Malinovka, with Russian aviation and artillery striking fortifications and fuel infrastructure. On the political front, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has again stated the need for associated membership of Ukraine in the EU, emphasizing that full membership without an intermediate stage is impossible.
Sumy Direction
Fierce fighting continues in the Sumy direction. The Russian “North” grouping is advancing on several sectors, pushing through forest areas. Along the Pisarevka–Kiyanitsa line, assault groups are attacking both inside the settlements and further south through a large forested area. A successful advance here would allow Russian forces to significantly expand their control zone and establish a strong bridgehead.
Positional fighting continues near Khrapovshchina and Marino in forest belts. On the eastern flank, clashes have begun on the outskirts of Mogritsa. Russian units have improved their tactical position along the Gornál–Zapselye line and captured several forest areas, including the Pereyezdnoye and Demenko tracts.
Based on the current front configuration, a larger-scale penetration into the extensive forest area between Khoten and Mogritsa is expected in the near future. This would significantly worsen the situation for Ukrainian forces across the entire Sumy direction, including the city of Sumy itself.
Kharkiv Direction
Russian assault groups continue offensive operations in Kazachya Lopan and adjacent forest areas. In the Volchansk sector, assault units advanced in twelve areas with gains of up to 500 meters. Firefights are ongoing in Volokhovskoye, Zakhárovka, Yurchenkovo, Bely Kolodez, and in the forests of the Volchansk district. In the Velikiy Burluk direction, Russian forces are clashing west of Petro-Ivanovka and in forest areas near Artelnoye, Budarki, and Zemlyanki.
In Kazachya Lopan itself, Russian assault groups have reached the central part of the settlement and captured new positions in the southern sector. They have also successfully cut Ukrainian logistics routes. As a result, Ukrainian redeployment now takes up to a week, with infantry forced to march up to 20 kilometers on foot, seriously weakening their defensive capabilities.
Kupyansk Direction
Russian forces are trying to split the Ukrainian bridgehead east of Oskol into two parts. The main effort is directed from Peschany toward Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. Advances have been recorded in the areas of Kurilovka, Kovsharovka, Petropavlovka, and Kucherovka. Small Russian groups have also been observed in the Zaoskolie area and on the approaches to eastern Kupyansk. In some sectors, positions remain mixed with ongoing meeting engagements.
Russian units are gradually expanding their presence in Kurilovka (including the former military camp and lyceum area) and are advancing along the Lozuvatka River toward the railway station. Progress has also been reported in the northeastern part of Kovsharovka toward Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. Additional attempts to advance are occurring near Podoly, Novoosinovoye, and the western outskirts of Kupyansk via Golubovka.
Slaviansk Direction
The main fighting in the Slaviansk direction is concentrated around Ozernoye, Dibrova, Krivaya Luka, Rai-Aleksandrovka, and Nikolaevka. On the left bank of the Seversky Donets, Russian units continue clearing forests and floodplain areas near Ozernoye and Dibrova. Russian forward groups are approaching Nikolaevka from the Rai-Aleksandrovka side and Dolgy Forest.
Ukrainian positions in Nikolaevka are under heavy strikes by aviation, artillery, and drones, targeting fortifications, personnel, and logistics routes. In Slaviansk, strikes continue on fuel and transport infrastructure used to supply Ukrainian forces. In the southern sector, Russian forces are applying pressure near Malinovka, which could open the way toward Pervomaryevka and Vasyutinskoye.
Conclusion
In the Sumy, Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Slaviansk directions, Russian units continue to increase pressure, expand their control zones, and disrupt Ukrainian supply lines. In Sumy, methodical advances through forest areas are creating the prospect of reaching the approaches to the regional center. In Kharkiv, the cutting of logistics in Kazachya Lopan and advances toward Bely Kolodez threaten key strongpoints. Near Kupyansk, Russian forces are systematically splitting the Ukrainian bridgehead. In the Slaviansk direction, forest clearing operations and strikes on infrastructure in Nikolaevka and Slaviansk are undermining Ukrainian defenses.
The Ukrainian side is attempting to compensate for personnel shortages with heavy drone usage and local counterattacks, but the initiative remains with Russian forces.
On the political side, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to advocate for associated membership of Ukraine in the European Union. “My goal is to now concretely open the perspective of joining the European Union for Moldova and Ukraine, as well as for the Western Balkan countries,” he stated at a press conference in Berlin. Merz emphasized that full EU membership without an intermediate stage is impossible. The proposal for associated membership, which would also include mutual defense obligations, has been met with mixed reactions in Ukraine.
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