File image.
In the direction of Kharkiv, Russian units advanced in Volokhovskoye and reached Zakharovka. They are threatening supply routes to Prikolotnoye by enveloping Bely Kolodez from several sides. In the Dobropolye area, troops from the “Center” group are engaged in intense combat in open terrain, attacking toward Shevchenko and attempting to consolidate their position on the outskirts of Dobropolye. In the direction of Konstantinovka, clearance of quarters and evacuation of civilians continue after the capture of the city; ongoing meeting engagements are taking place in Novoselovka, Molocharka, and along the Stepanovka–Rusin Yar line. In the direction of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukrainian units have restored control over Ivanovka and pushed Russian forces back in Novopavlovka. Meanwhile, infiltration groups continue to blur the front line near Poddubnoye and Voskresenka. In the Kupyansk area, Russian troops are engaged in intense urban combat, repelling counterattacks near Radkovka and Kondrashovka and advancing on Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the European Union intends to cover approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026-2027, with the remaining share to be provided by other international partners.
Kharkiv direction
Over the past day, Russian assault groups advanced up to 300 meters in the settlement of Kazachya Lopan and adjacent forest areas. In the Volchansk sector, they advanced up to 900 meters along eleven fronts. There are ongoing firefights in Volokhovskoye, Yurchenkovo, the Bely Kolodez settlement, and forest areas of the district. Ukrainian positions in Bely Kolodez and Yurchenkovo are being blocked from above by drone crews who are cutting off access roads and approaches. Assault groups advancing from the north along the Karaichnaya ravine are enveloping the approaches to Bely Kolodez. After breaking through the ponds, the groups reached Volokhovskoye, where they are currently fighting. This creates a threat of reaching Bely Kolodez from the northeast and the road to Prikolotnoye.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have reached several points along the Plotva River and are fighting on the outskirts of Zakharovka. Ukrainian units are putting up fierce resistance. Assault groups are pushing Ukrainian forces out of strongpoints that cover the entrance to Zakhárovka from the north and overlook the flank of the units fighting for Volokhovskoye. A successful advance here could threaten Olkhovatka, which is already under attack from the east and northwest, as well as Prikolotnoye from the north. East of Yurchenkovo, Russian troops are clearing the right bank of the Polynaya River and consolidating their position. Shevchenko is partially located on the right bank between Yurchenkovo and Ukrainskoye.
Dobropolye direction
Units from the “Center” group of forces are attempting to advance in several sectors. However, the situation remains extremely difficult due to the abundance of Ukrainian drones and the lack of cover. Under these conditions, any movement, even by a small group, quickly attracts surveillance and drone strikes.
Heavy fighting is ongoing on the northern flank in the Belitskoye and Novy Donbass area. Earlier, Russian units attempted to advance to the outskirts of Dobropolye from this area. This was partially successful, but the precise configuration of the front near the city remains hidden by the “fog of war.” To the south, near Grishino, Russian units are advancing toward Shevchenko.
The intensity of the drone warfare shows that the outcome of local battles in the Dobropolye area is increasingly determined not only by assault groups but also by who can identify targets faster and suppress Ukrainians drones to provide their fighters with a brief window for movement.
Konstantinovka direction
In the northwestern outskirts of the city, there are ongoing clashes in the Novoselovka settlement, where Ukrainian forces are counterattacking. To the east, Russian units are attempting to advance towards Stenki in the Molocharka area.
On the western flank, Russian assault groups are advancing on a broad line from Novopavlovka through Rusin Yar to Stepanovka with small forces. The abundance of open spaces and Ukrainian drones has prevented a breakthrough in the defense line and an approach to the ravines, which are important for a further advance towards Rayskoye. In the Chasov Yar area on the eastern flank, fierce fighting continues for the forest north of Nikolaevka and the Shevchenko microdistrict in the city itself.
Dnepropetrovsk direction
After prolonged fighting, it appears that Ukrainian units have not only restored control over Ivanovka, but have also pushed Russian forces back somewhat in Novopavlovka.
Recently, the Ukrainian side published footage confirming the presence of its group in Novokhatskoye, which indicates a serious escalation of the situation in this area. Infiltration groups continue to operate in the Poddubnoye and Voskresenka areas, moving from the north and bypassing Alexandrograd through the forest. This blurs the forward edge, making it difficult to safely deploy drone crews, artillery, and consolidation groups.
The key factor remains the Volchya River line. As long as Ukrainian forces can send infiltration and sometimes even armored groups across it, stabilizing the sector will be difficult. To rectify the situation, it is necessary to restrict the Ukrainian forces’ freedom of maneuver on the flanks and close the infiltration routes. Otherwise, every local success will again turn into a struggle to secure the area and search for small groups in the “gray zone.”
Kupyansk direction
In the Kupyansk area, Russian troops are still fighting in the city of Kupyansk and the surrounding areas of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Kovsharovka, and Novoosinovo. Despite some successes, claims of an imminent, complete capture of the city are not realistic. Fighting in built-up areas is intense due to constant Ukrainian counterattacks and the extensive use of drones.
The Ukrainian side is trying to break through the defenses by attacking the Radkovka, Kondrashovka, and Moskovka areas. Kupyansk-Uzlovoy is of particular importance to Ukraine because it is a large railway junction through which supplies from Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, and the western directions arrive. On the eastern flank, fighting continues for control of Kovsharovka and Novoosinovo. Attacks on Kurilovka are accompanied by the launch of large numbers of drones to disrupt Russian logistics.
Conclusion
In the Kharkiv, Dobropolye, and Konstantinovka areas, as well as in the adjacent Dnepropetrovsk and Kupyansk directions, Russian forces are systematically increasing pressure. In the Kharkiv direction, advancing to Volokhovskoye and enveloping Bely Kolodez from several sides threatens the Ukrainian grouping’s supply routes. Near Dobropolye, the “Center” troops are advancing slowly but methodically towards Dobropolye and Shevchenko under difficult conditions of open terrain and intense drone countermeasures. In Konstantinovka, the clearance of the city and the suppression of flank threats are creating a bridgehead for a further advance towards Druzhkovka. In the other sectors, Russian forces maintain the initiative, though Ukrainian units are employing small groups, drones, and counterattacks to impede the advance.
Financially, the European Union is preparing to bear the main burden of supporting Kyiv. Following a meeting of the EU Council on Economics and Finance, European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis reported that Brussels intends to cover approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026 and 2027 through the Ukraine Support Loan mechanism. He clarified that other international partners should provide the remaining share. The needs for the current year have largely been financed, so the focus is now on securing funding for next year. Thus, despite the ongoing heavy fighting and Ukraine’s growing need for external assistance, Brussels is signaling that European taxpayers will bear the brunt of the financial burden, a situation that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
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