File image.
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units are advancing towards Rai-Oleksandrivka from the south, east, and north. They placed Ukrainian units’ main logistical routes under fire and are advancing southwest of Kryva Luka. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian troops are repelling Ukrainian attempts to gather along the Vyshneve–Verbove line. They are expanding the bridgehead north of the Vovcha River and striking positions in Novoselivka, Dolynka, Kopani, and Liubitske. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that clarifying bilateral issues between Hungary and Ukraine should not distract from launching negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian troops are advancing towards the southern, eastern, and northern parts of Rai-Oleksandrivka. Artillery, drone crews, and assault groups are systematically destroying identified positions of Ukrainian units. The main logistical routes used by the Ukrainians to supply the eastern flank have been taken under fire control.
An extensive “grey zone” remains in the area between Dibrova and Pyskunivka, with forested areas and the banks of the Siverskyi Donets River. Ukrainian units realize that if the Russians establish control over this zone, they will have a direct exit to Slaviansk, which would effectively mean the city’s complete loss. This is precisely why the Ukrainian side is throwing all its personnel reserves into counteracting this advance, as drone operations over forested areas are difficult.
From Kryva Luka, Russian units have advanced southwest. Ukrainian units are counterattacking and attempting to consolidate in small groups, but without success. The forested area from Kryva Luka to Mykolaivka has also been taken under control. In the tactical “pocket” between Kryva Luka, Kalenyky, and Reznykivka, groups of Ukrainian soldiers hiding in prepared positions are being identified and destroyed.
In the southern sector, the clearing of Lypivka is underway. Fighting continues in Fedorivka Druha and Dibrova, which is located to the west. There are still many Ukrainian groups in these areas. The Ukrainian side has entrenched itself well here over the years, so even an advance of 10–15 kilometers does not provide complete clearance. Forested areas in the Pazeno area and to the north are still being cleared.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
Along the eastern flank of the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian forces are applying intense pressure in the form of small-group attacks and attempts to amass troops along the Vyshneve–Verbove line. However, Ukrainian units’ attempts to push through Russian troops’ defenses have led to nothing but significant, systematic losses. There is constant activity by small Ukrainian groups trying to supply themselves with the help of copter drones. Due to the high activity of Russian drone crews, however, the Ukrainian side cannot linger on achieved lines for long due to supply difficulties and an inability to bring up reserves for consolidation.
In the northern sector, Russian units are advancing into the Ukrainian forces’ defenses northwest of Oleksandrohrad and conducting offensive operations in the forested area beyond the Vovcha River. The consolidation and expansion of the bridgehead north of the river continues.
In the western sector, Russian troops continue to advance on Ukrainian positions in the Komsomolske area. The “East” troop grouping’s strike assets are attacking Ukrainian forces’ positions near Novoselivka, Dolynka, Kopani, and Liubitske.
Sumy Direction
In the Shostka district, Russian assault units are engaged in firefights in and around Bachivsk. Artillerymen and drone operators struck previously identified Ukrainian unit targets. In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced up to 500 meters along eleven fronts. Firefights are ongoing in Ivolzhanske and Pisarivka. The Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews of the “North” grouping used heavy flamethrowers to attack the positions of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian units in the Mala Rybytsia area.
Due to significant losses in the Sumy district, the Ukrainian command is transferring replenished units of the 5th Separate Tank Brigade and crews of the 44th Artillery Brigade from rear areas to this sector of the front.
In the Krasnopillia district, fighting continues between Lisne and Taratutyne.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv area, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to expand the security zone. Russian troops have struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the areas of Kozacha Lopan, Lyptsi, Rubizhne, Izbitske, Bilyi Kolodiaz, Mytrofanivka, Bohodukhiv, Velykyi Burluk, and Liutivka.
Russian assault units are advancing toward the large logistical center of Ukrainian forces in the Kozacha Lopan settlement. Several Ukrainian servicemen from the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade surrendered during a firefight.
In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault units advanced up to 400 meters along eight fronts. Russian assault groups are engaged in firefights in Okhrimivka and the forested areas of the Vovchansk district.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Slaviansk, Russian units are systematically advancing towards Rai-Oleksandrivka. They are clearing forested areas and cutting off the logistical routes of Ukrainian units. This creates conditions for further pressure on the Slaviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Russian troops are successfully repelling Ukrainian attempts to amass forces. They are also expanding the bridgehead north of the Vovcha River and striking rear positions. In the Sumy and Kharkiv areas, Russian troops are advancing methodically, depleting the Ukrainian reserves and expanding the security zone along the border.
In the international political context, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an important statement. During a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Merz stated that clarifying bilateral issues between Hungary and Ukraine, such as the rights of the Hungarian minority, should not distract from launching negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Earlier, a European Commission representative confirmed receipt of Merz’s letter proposing special “associated member” status for Ukraine in the EU. Merz emphasized that accession negotiations should begin now, without waiting for all bilateral issues to be resolved. This statement reflects the position of some European leaders who are seeking to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into Europe, despite persisting disagreements within the EU.
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