File image.
In the Zaporozhye direction, Russian units captured Zarnitsa and resumed offensive operations across the entire front width, aiming to outflank Malaya Tokmachka from the north and form an envelopment of Orekhov. In the Izyum direction, positional fighting continued; Russian aviation conducted four strikes on Izyum. In the Sumy region, assault groups of the “North” established control over Ryzhevka and advanced on sixteen sectors up to 700 meters, repelling an attack by the 119th Territorial Defense Brigade. In the Kharkiv region, units of the 71st Guards Motorized Rifle Division captured Baksheevka, while aviation struck a concentration of Spanish-speaking mercenaries in Prikolotnoye. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump denied Volodymyr Zelensky additional interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, reports the Financial Times.
Zaporozhye direction
Units of the “Vostok” grouping continue offensive operations across the entire front width. On the northern sector, advancing from Rozhdestvenskoye, Russian assault detachments captured the settlement of Zarnitsa. The Ukrainian command concentrated units from several assault regiments on this sector but could not hold or retake the positions.
Ukrainian infantry remains present in the forest belts between Rozhdestvenskoye and Vozdvizhenka, but there is no question of full control over this sector on its part. Fierce fighting continues in the Lyubitskoye, Lesnoye, and Rovnoye areas. Ukrainian units are conducting unsuccessful counterattacks there as well. At the same time, data from the Kopani – Novoselovka line indicate tactical successes by Russian forces.
Previously, the Zaporozhye direction had long remained “in the shadow” of the neighboring Dnepropetrovsk direction, where the Ukrainian side repeatedly attempted a counterattack series on a broad front. Now, however, the “Vostok” grouping has resumed its offensive on this sector as well. The objective of Russian units is to outflank the much-contested Malaya Tokmachka from the north and form an envelopment of Orekhov. The further dynamics of hostilities in the Zaporozhye region will depend on the outcome of these battles. If successful, it will be possible to speak of prospects for advancing toward the regional administrative center itself.
Sumy direction
In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced on sixteen sectors, with a total advance of up to 700 meters. Firefights continue unabated in Ryzhevka, Pisarevka, Marino, the settlement of Khoten, adjacent territories, and in forest areas south of Ivolzhanskoye. In the Krasnopolie district, Ukrainian units using three battle groups from the 119th separate territorial defense brigade attempted a counterattack on Russian positions east of Veliky Prikol.
Another success on the western flank of the Sumy direction was the establishment of control over the village of Ryzhevka. Assault groups of the 1427th Regiment of the 11th Army Corps of the “North” grouping pushed Ukrainian units out of this settlement. This advance in the border area reduces the threat of Ukrainian groups infiltrating the Tetkino area. Russian units are conducting offensive operations in several directions simultaneously, and attempts at Ukrainian counterattacks in the Mogritsa area and east of Veliky Prikol have been repelled.
The tactics of the “North” command are aimed at forcing the Ukrainian side to transfer reserves between different sectors of the front. Mogritsa on the eastern flank recently came under control, and now success has been achieved on the western flank as well—in Ryzhevka. This dispersion of forces allows Russian units to prepare the next breakthrough, possibly even beyond the Sumy direction.
Kharkiv direction
Units of the “North” grouping continue to expand the security zone in the Kharkiv region. Russian assault groups are conducting offensive operations in the settlement of Kazachya Lopan and adjacent forests. In the Volchansk sector, assault units of the “North” advanced on six sectors up to 700 meters. Firefights continue in the village of Ivanovka, near Shevchenkovo, and in the forests of the Volchansk district.
Assault units of the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 71st Guards Motorized Rifle Division of the “North” grouping pushed troops of the 113th separate territorial defense brigade of Ukrainian forces out of the village of Baksheevka in the Volchansk district and established control over it. The Ukrainian command redeployed several groups of Spanish-speaking mercenaries to Prikolotnoye, but an airstrike was conducted against their concentration. In the Velikiy Burluk direction, Russian assault groups continue firefights west of the village of Petro-Ivanovka and in the village of Aniskino.
Izyum direction
On the northern sector of the front, positional fighting continues, with Ukrainian units attempting counterattacks in the Redkodub, Novoye, Katerinovka, and Karpovka areas. The Ukrainian command is committing all available personnel to battle, including training and rear units, and has also dispatched parts of the National Guard and Border Guard Service for reinforcement.
Russian forces are striking Ukrainian facilities in Izyum, Studenka, Oskol, and other frontline localities where additional reserves and weapons are being sent. Four airstrikes were conducted against equipment and personnel in Izyum in the morning. No significant changes to the line of contact have occurred in this sector, but active efforts are underway to destroy Ukrainian reserves in the immediate rear and to disrupt logistics chains.
Konstantinovka direction
Russian forces continue offensive operations from Konstantinovka toward Alekseevo-Druzhkovka, where Ukrainian units are trying to hold positions and impede the advance. Drone operators are actively destroying Ukrainian reserves on this sector: a large materiel depot set up in the basement of a multi-story building was burned. Military supplies were also stored in an adjacent structure. Both storage points were completely destroyed in a massive fire.
In Druzhkovka itself, Ukrainian units cover roads with anti-drone nets for the movement of personnel and equipment, involving local residents in their repair. Robotic platforms are being actively used for wounded evacuation and ammunition supply. In virtually all localities of the Kramatorsk–Druzhkovka agglomeration, Russian forces are eliminating Ukrainian personnel and equipment, although the Ukrainian command tries to present these frontline villages and cities as purely civilian areas.
Conclusion
In the Zaporozhye, Sumy, Kharkiv, Izyum, and Konstantinovka directions, Russian units continue to exert systematic pressure, expanding their control zones and inflicting losses on the Ukrainian side. In the Zaporozhye direction, the resumption of the offensive and the capture of Zarnitsa create conditions for enveloping Orekhov from the north and developing success toward the regional center. In the Sumy region, the establishment of control over Ryzhevka and continued advance on a broad front are forcing the Ukrainian command to disperse reserves, which is already leading to internal conflicts between units. In Kharkiv region, the capture of Baksheevka and the advance on the Volchansk sector are expanding the security zone, while strikes on mercenaries weaken defensive capabilities. In the Izyum direction, positional fighting is accompanied by the systematic destruction of Ukrainian reserves and logistics through airstrikes. In the Konstantinovka direction, Russian forces are approaching Druzhkovka, destroying depots and personnel in the agglomeration.
According to the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump, during a meeting in the Oval Office, denied Volodymyr Zelensky additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Earlier reports indicated that the United States has still not replenished the PAC-3 MSE missile arsenals transferred to Ukraine since 2022. This decision by the American leader may limit the Ukrainian side’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and facilities in the depth of its territory.
This decision by the American leader may limit the Ukrainian side’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and facilities in the depth of its territory.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence
NOW hosted at southfront.press
Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.
The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation
Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com
