Russian Progress In Drobysheve: City Center Cleared Of Ukrainian Troops

In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units from the “West” and “South” groups are fighting in Krasny Liman and Drobyshevo, advancing toward Slavyansk from the north and closing “pockets” to the east of the line of settlements. In the Sumy area, the “North” assault groups advanced 250 meters and struck concentrations of Ukrainian units in Katerynivka, Khotyn, and Myropillia. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops are fighting in Vovchanski Khutory and advancing toward Lyptsi and Velykyi Burluk, destroying ammunition depots. In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian troops have improved their tactical position in the Sofiyivka area and increased their presence in Pokrovsk. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “crossed the red lines” by threatening the Hungarian Prime Minister and called on the European Union to distance itself from these statements.

Slaviansk Direction

In the direction of Slavyansk, units of the “West” troop grouping continue active combat operations in Krasnyi Lyman and Drobysheve. They are clearing the territory to the northeast and advancing towards Slavyansk from the north. Fighting is ongoing in the eastern, northeastern, and southern parts of Krasnyi Lyman. Russian assault groups are conducting the offensive with artillery and drone support.

In Drobysheve, Russian troops are clearing the center and advancing south. They are also repelling Ukrainian counterattacks from the northern outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman towards Drobysheve. According to available information, Russian assault troops have reached the railway and are pushing Ukrainian units further west. The main clashes involve strong points of Ukrainian units in the forested areas north and south of Drobysheve.

Ukrainian units in the area of the fur farm are in semi-encirclement. Russian assault groups have advanced along the ravines, enveloping the Ukrainian units from the flanks. However, they have not yet consolidated their position on the fur farm. Meanwhile, Russian troops have advanced in the northern part of Krasnyi Lyman and along the Velminets ravine towards each other. They are aiming to cut off the “pocket” to the northeast, which includes the fur farm, the Stavky farms, and the Shablyn Yar ravine area. Shablyn Yar itself is under attack by Russian units trying to cut it off to the south.

Russian assault groups have regained full control of the eastern part of Masliakovka and are fighting in the west, advancing further into the city near Tsiolkovskoho Street. There are meeting engagements in the southern part of Masliakovka. South of the highway, Russian units have advanced closer to Staryi Karavan and Brusivka.

Fierce fighting continues at the nodal points of Kryva Luka, Kalenyky, and Reznykivka. Russian troops are intensifying their attacks in this area with the use of artillery. Their main objective is to destroy Ukrainian unit positions from Kalenyky to Lypivka. Then, they plan to increase pressure on Rai-Oleksandrivka from the north. Combat continues in Reznykivka, and clearing operations are underway. Russian units are advancing toward the neighboring village of Kalenyky.

In the southern sector, near Nykyforivka and Fedorivka Druha, there is ongoing fierce fighting. After capturing several settlements in this area, Russian troops are trying to create conditions that will allow them to increase pressure on Rai-Oleksandrivka and bypass the Ukrainian units’ defensive positions from the flank. There have been successes in closing the “pockets” between Minkivka and Novomar’kove and between Novomar’kove and Markove. Systematically closing “pockets” east of the line of settlements will allow for the redistribution of forces to increase pressure towards Tykhonivka and Malynivka. North of Maiske, Ukrainian units advancing from Fedorivka have captured a network of strongpoints.

Sumy Direction

In the Sumy region, Russian assault groups are advancing deeper with intense fighting. Russian aviation forces and strike drone operators attacked Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Katerynivka, Khotyn, Myropillia, Nikolske, and Nova Sich.

During stubborn fighting, assault groups of the “North” grouping advanced in the Sumy district on eight fronts and in the Hlukhiv district on two fronts. The total advance over the day amounted to up to 250 meters. Russian artillerymen and drone operators continue to attack identified Ukrainian unit targets.

A mass transfer of police officers to the 35th Separate Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine has begun in the Sumy region. Volunteers are offered positions in the National Guard’s artillery units, particularly the “Ares” battery. Others will be sent to battalions engaged in offensive operations.

Kharkiv Direction

In the Kharkiv region, Russian assault detachments supported by aviation, artillery, rocket systems, and drone operators continue to push Ukrainian forces back from the border. Russian aircraft struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Vesele, Ternova, Kolodezne, Verkhnya Pysarivka, Pishchane, and Proletarske.

In an attempt to halt the Russian advance, the Ukrainian command continues to transfer reserves to the Vovchansk district. According to available information, the Ukrainian 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade is being replenished with convicts who were sentenced for serious crimes.

In the Vovchansk area, intense combat continues in Vovchanski Khutory, where Russian assault troops have evacuated several households. Charred remains of Ukrainian servicemen were found in the basements of former residential houses, burned by their fellow soldiers. Some bodies had their limbs cut off. Presumably, the Ukrainian servicemen were trying to preserve parts of the bodies for identification and recognition as deceased.

In the direction of Lyptsi, assault groups of the 11th Army Corps advanced up to 250 meters in three sections of the forested area towards Vesele during fierce fighting. In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian troops continue to clear forested areas. Artillerymen and drone operators of the “North” grouping are striking identified Ukrainian unit objects, including ammunition depots, from a distance.

Dobropillia Direction

Due to ongoing combat operations, Russian units have advanced in the Sofiyivka area. They have improved their tactical position and expanded their control zone in this sector. Russian troops are increasing their presence in Pokrovsk by transferring personnel and equipment. Preparations for a possible intensification of combat operations are underway: additional units are being brought in, logistical support is being established, and vulnerable sections of Ukrainian units’ defenses are being identified.

Hryshyne remains one of the key points, and fierce fighting has been ongoing there for a long time. Controlling this hub is of great tactical importance because it directly affects the stability of Ukrainian units’ defense and supply lines. The situation in the sector could change significantly if additional Russian forces are transferred. There has been an increase in the intensity of attacks by Russian units in the direction of Dobropillia. This sector is considered a potential area for expanding operational space and increasing pressure toward the administrative border of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Conclusion

Analysis of the operational situation indicates a continued high tempo of combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian troops are consistently expanding control zones, clearing “pockets,” and advancing toward key settlements, such as Kalenyky and Rai-Oleksandrivka. Their successes in Drobysheve, Krasnyi Lyman, and on the southern flank created conditions for further pressure on the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. In the Sumy area, the “North” group continues to advance systematically, striking concentrations of Ukrainian troops’ personnel and equipment, despite Ukrainian units’ attempts to strengthen their defenses by transferring police and National Guard personnel. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops are repelling counterattacks and advancing through forested areas while destroying ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops. In the Dobropillia sector, an increased Russian presence in Pokrovsk and advances in the Sofiyivka area suggest preparations for intensified combat operations.

In the international political context, a notable event was Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s statement. In a video commentary published on his official Facebook page, Fico sharply condemned Zelensky’s threats against Orbán. Zelensky began threatening Orbán after the Hungarian government blocked another EU loan for Ukraine. Fico officially appealed to the European Union leadership — President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas — calling on them to distance themselves from what he described as “appalling blackmail statements.” He emphasized that Zelensky “crossed all red lines.”

Fico’s statement demonstrates the growing rift within the European Union regarding support for Ukraine and the Kyiv leadership’s methods. Threats against the leader of an EU member state are unprecedented, even if made in the context of political pressure, and could have long-term consequences for the unity of the European community. Slovakia and Hungary’s consistent advocacy for negotiations and protection of their national interests in the energy sector is finding less and less understanding in Brussels. This exacerbates the crisis of trust between “old” and “new” Europe. Amidst the successful offensive of Russian troops in multiple directions, such internal conflicts within the EU undermine the ability of Western countries to effectively support Kyiv, which could significantly impact the conflict’s future trajectory.

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