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In the Pokrovsk sector, intense fighting continues on the southern outskirts of Hirshyne. The advance of Russian troops is being slowed by well-prepared defensive positions and the extensive use of drones. In the Krasnolimansk sector, troops have seized control of part of the Kirovsk–Krasnyi Liman highway and begun offensive operations on the eastern outskirts of the city, advancing to Sovetskaya Street. In the Zaporizhzhia sector, specifically the Orikhiv sub-sector, troops advanced along the former shoreline of the Kakhovka Reservoir. In Huliaipole, they consolidated positions in the western part of the city. In the Sumy and Kharkiv sectors, assault groups advanced into several subsectors, reaching depths of up to 600 and 400 meters, respectively. They repelled attempts to transfer Ukrainian reserves. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó accused the Ukrainian authorities of interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs.
Kostiantynivka Sector
In the Kostiantynivka sector, operations are unfolding along two primary lines: the systematic encirclement of the city from the flanks and the infiltration of urban areas in the central sub-sector. Russian assault units are advancing deeper into the city. According to available data, forward groups have reached the urban districts of Shanghai and Gora.
Ukrainian forces primarily use unmanned aerial vehicles and other means of remote engagement to defend the city. Infantry is dispersed in small groups to hold key tactical nodes. This configuration enables Russian assault groups to infiltrate the spaces between fortified positions.
Heavy fighting continues in the vicinity of Plesheevka as well. Russian units are not attempting to establish full control over this area because doing so would make their personnel vulnerable to drone strikes from the dominant heights of the northern bank of the Kleban-Byk Reservoir. Consequently, much of the left bank of the Kryvoy Torets River remains in the so-called “gray zone.” A full change in the situation in this subsector will be possible after Berestok is captured, which will threaten the rear of the groupings on the northern bank of the reservoir.
Krasnyi Liman Sector
Reports from the Krasnyi Liman sector indicate that Russian troops are advancing on the approaches to the city. The most intense fighting is occurring in the northeastern sub-sector of the city’s defenses. Units of the Russian 25th Army are gradually pushing Ukrainian forces out of the fortified area near Stavki and from their positions in Penkov Yar. Controlling the network of strong points here is seen as necessary for reaching the northern outskirts of Krasnyi Liman.
Within the city limits, combat is ongoing near the city hospital and at fortified positions along the Krasnyi Liman–Zarechnoye highway. According to preliminary information, Russian units have consolidated positions in the Lesnoy microdistrict, on the territory of the forestry farm, and in the area of a nursing home on the southern and southwestern outskirts. These attacks aim to bypass the main defensive lines in residential areas through forested terrain. Meanwhile, other units are consolidating their positions in Dibrova and fighting for strongpoints adjacent to Ozerne. These strongpoints are the last significant obstacle before reaching the settlement on the bank of the Siverskyi Donets River.
Pokrovsk Sector
Ukrainian troops are infiltrating the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk in small groups and counterattacking near Hirshyne and the surrounding farmsteads. Meanwhile, Russian units are attacking positions north of these farms. North of Rodynske, the offensive is advancing along the railway toward Shevchenko and Belytsky.
In the Hirshyne area, advancing units—including parts of the 27th Division and the 41st Army—are conducting combat operations along the southern outskirts of the settlement and advancing along the banks of ponds. Consolidation on the northern bank has not yet been successful. The operation is complex because the Ukrainian command previously pulled the most combat-capable reserves to this area and concentrated a significant number of drone operators here. Additionally, Russian units have not yet established full control over the road leading to Hirshyne from the east. This section is in a lowland area and is under fire from heights to the north and east. Capturing these dominant heights and establishing stable logistics are seen as key conditions for future success.
Russian assault groups have taken control of Novyi Donbas. According to operational data, Russian units have reached the outskirts of Dobropillia and have made incursions on its southeastern outskirts. Counterbattles are ongoing in Volnoye, northwest of Shakhtovo, heading toward Kucheriv Yar. Northeast of the area, Russian units are fighting for Toretske. North and northeast of Sofiyivka, Russian units have reached Novopavlivka, pushed Ukrainian forces out, and begun fighting for neighboring Pavlivka. The distance from this line to Druzhkivka is estimated at approximately nine kilometers.
The situation in the Suvorovo area remains positional, and the settlement remains a “gray zone.” Ukrainian troops are continuing to transfer forces through Sukhetske. They are advancing towards Kucheriv Yar, using the terrain’s folds and gullies for cover and maneuvering, and avoiding frontal clashes. Meanwhile, activity has been observed southwest of Toretsky. Russian troops have also taken control of Novopavlivka and continue to advance north of it. In the Udachne area, the frontline remains stable with sporadic fighting and artillery fire impacting fortifications on the embankment.
Zaporizhzhia Sector
In the subsector that includes Lukyanivske, Novoboykivske, Novoyakovlivka, and Pavlivka, there is a high intensity of close-quarters combat, with the opposing sides’ positions intermingled. Under these conditions, air assault units are fighting in settlements where the distance between opposing groups is minimal. West of Novoboykivske, the defenders were pushed back, allowing the attackers to advance towards Magdalynivka and Lukyanivske.
In the Prymorske area, paratroopers are advancing toward Richne. This area is essentially one large residential complex where Ukrainian units continue to return, which complicates consolidation efforts. The situation in Malokaterynivka is more challenging due to the open, swampy terrain between it and Prymorske. This terrain allows for full observation, ruling out the possibility of a covert assault.
In the Orikhiv sub-sector, units advanced along the former shoreline of the Kakhovka Reservoir in the Prymorske area. They used the open coastal strip to straighten their positions and consolidate them on new lines. Simultaneously, the zone of control along the Shcherbaky–Nesterianka line is increasing sequentially through systematic fire impact and actions by small groups. In the Bilohiria area, they advanced up to 1.5 kilometers and captured positions in the western part of the built-up area.
In the Huliaipole sub-sector, Russian units have consolidated their positions in the western outskirts of Huliaipole. An advance is also noted in the Dorozhnyanka area, which is progressive in nature and aimed at increasing pressure on adjacent defense subsectors.
Sumy Sector
Intense combat operations continue throughout the front in the Sumy region. Units supported by aviation and artillery are advancing on several subsectors amid heavy fighting. Ukrainian defensive forces are deploying armored vehicles and laying mines near their positions.
Assault groups advanced on six subsectors in the Sumy district, two in the Krasnopil district, and three in the Hlukhiv district. The total depth of the advance reached 600 meters. Aviation struck identified targets in the Bilopillia and Solyanyky areas.
Kharkiv Sector
In the Kharkiv region, units are advancing through settlements in the Vovchansk area. Russian aviation is actively targeting rear areas and logistical hubs. Under pressure from the advancing troops, Ukrainian forces are forced to abandon some positions.
In the Starytsia area, assault groups advanced on three subsectors and captured part of a forested area. They advanced up to 400 meters in total. Southwest of Liman, two strong points in the forest were captured with an advance of 350 meters. Heavy flamethrower systems were used against troop concentrations. An attempt to transfer two groups of reinforcements in pickup trucks was thwarted when they were destroyed by combined fire. In Volchanskiy Khutora, five homesteads were captured with an advance of 250 meters to the east; aviation targeted the eastern outskirts. In the Melovoye-Khatneye subsector, assault groups advanced 600 meters along tree lines and captured two positions.
Conclusion
The analysis of the operational situation reveals a shift towards complex, protracted battles in urban and forested-swampy terrain. Success in these battles hinges on the ability to execute small-group tactics, manage logistics effectively, and utilize artillery and drones efficiently. In the Pokrovsk sector, Hirshyne remains the key resistance node. It has been transformed into a fortified area with a large number of drone operators. The offensive is developing slowly there due to unfavorable terrain and supply issues. Meanwhile, the arrival of Russian units on the outskirts of Dobropillia and their consolidation in Novopavlivka threaten the flank of this defense.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the tactic of gradually “infiltrating” urban areas is being implemented while simultaneously creating conditions to isolate the city garrison by capturing Berestok and establishing control over the heights near the Kleban-Byk Reservoir. In the Krasnyi Liman sector, the most consistent advance is occurring. The methodical tightening of the ring around Krasnyi Liman by capturing sections of highways and reaching the eastern quarters of the city is seriously limiting the defenders’ capabilities. However, a full blockade will require time.
In the Zaporizhzhia sector, successes such as the advance near Prymorske and the consolidation in Huliaipole are limited to specific areas. In the Sumy and Kharkiv sectors, the strategy of constant tactical pressure continues to allow for the daily capture of territory. This strategy exhausts the reserves of Ukrainian units and disrupts their attempts to transfer reinforcements. This was evident in the thwarting of such attempts near Krasnyi Liman.
Further developments depend on Russian units’ ability to cut the main logistical routes supplying Hirshyne and Krasnyi Liman.
Meanwhile, diplomatic friction between Ukraine and some EU member states continues to intensify. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó accused the Ukrainian authorities of interfering in Hungary’s internal affairs. The reason was the summoning of the Hungarian ambassador in Kyiv to protest a national petition initiated by the Hungarian government. The petition opposes Brussels’ plans to allocate 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
According to the Hungarian government, this aid would come from EU member states’ funds. An official statement declared that Hungary has the right to decide independently how to spend its taxpayers’ money and views Kyiv’s protest as gross interference in its internal processes. Szijjártó also pointed out Ukraine’s intention to restrict the travel of Hungarian officials to Zakarpattia. He believes this contradicts European values and aims to limit contacts between Budapest and the Hungarian community in that region. This incident occurs amid ongoing debates about the extent of financial support for Ukraine and its potential EU membership, highlighting the growing divide within the European community.
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