Unsuccessful Ukrainian Counterattack In Zaporizhzhia: Russian Army Holds Its Ground In Three Directions 

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian troops have reinforced their presence in southern Ternovate and intensified their offensive in the northwest of Zheleznodorozhne. They have repelled Ukrainian groups’ attempts to infiltrate from Orestopil, Novooleksandrivka, and Kosovtsevo. In the Slaviansk direction, Russian troops have expanded the “grey zone” from Zakotne to Dibrova. They have established control over Yampil and are fighting for fortifications to the south. Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the forested area southwest of Dibrova towards Brusivka and Staryi Karavan. In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian forces have attempted to exploit gaps in Russian defenses by launching mass drone strikes followed by the infiltration of small groups. However, Russian troops have advanced two kilometers towards Bilytske and Novyi Donbas. In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping’s assault groups advanced 300 meters and repelled attempts to transfer Main Intelligence Directorate special forces. In the Krasnopillia district, the advance reached 700 meters. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops advanced 400 meters towards Vovchansk and Velykyi Burluk, striking Ukrainian unit positions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that security guarantees for Kyiv will only take effect after the conflict in Ukraine ends.

Zaporizhzhia Direction

In the Huliaipole sector, Russian units are operating in small groups and consolidating their positions. Offensive actions have intensified northwest of Zheleznodorozhne under the cover of drone crews, effectively transitioning the sector into a “grey zone.” In the Ternovate area, combat operations continue at the same intensity. Russian units have consolidated in the southern part of the settlement and are mounting an offensive.

Ukrainian units continue to attempt infiltration in small groups from Orestopil towards Berezove, from Novooleksandrivka towards Vyshneve, and from Kosovtsevo towards Rybne. Despite the blocking of the main logistical routes in the Kosovtsevo area, Ukrainian units are attempting to break through tree lines and secondary dirt roads to cut the Russian defense line into sectors. The “East” grouping, together with other units, is repelling these attempts.

Similar to the tactics in Berezove, attacks are also recorded from Lisne towards Andriivka–Klevtsovo and Fedorivka, bypassing these villages. In the sector between Aleksandrgrad towards Komar, an Ukrainian tank is operating. North of Ivanivka and towards Havrylivka, Russian units are attempting to advance and consolidate.

Pokrovsk Direction

Activity has resumed in the direction of Pokrovsk: Ukrainian units are attempting to exploit gaps in the defense by inserting small groups — a tactic they previously employed in the Kupyansk area and near Huliaipole. In Hryshyne, Ukrainian forces are attempting to consolidate their position in the western part of the village and advance toward the center, but without success. Meanwhile, Russian units are grinding down Ukrainian forces and advancing north. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Novooleksandrivka.To prevent attacks, Russian units are advancing in the “pocket” between Udachne and Hryshyne and have managed to close the sector along the highway. The Ukrainian command has transferred additional drone operator reserves, confirming the tactic of first using drones en masse, followed by the entry of infantry groups.Drawing on experience from other sectors, Russian troops are taking preventive measures to stop breakthroughs and are destroying personnel and equipment heading from Pavlohrad along the main logistical route. Aviation strikes positions of Ukrainian units daily in the tree lines west of Hryshyne. Drone operators have resumed striking equipment moving from Pavlohrad along the E-50 highway towards Krasnoarmiysk. The Ukrainian side is trying to transfer additional reserves to break through.

Russian troops continue to advance toward Bilytske. The tree lines along the railway branch have been cleared almost up to the city itself, and the advance has amounted to two kilometers. West of Bilytske, the Ukrainian units’ positions are being struck by aviation; drone crews are actively working. The advance from Ivanivka toward Novyi Donbas has also advanced two kilometers. These positions were previously lost as a result of a Ukrainian counterattack. The Ukrainian side is offering fierce resistance because the complete loss of this sector would open a direct path to Dobropillia.

Slaviansk Direction

In the direction of Slaviansk, the sector near Dibrova has transitioned into a “gray zone.” Ukrainian units withdrew from the forested area southwest of the village and moved their forces to Brusivka and Staryi Karavan. From Raihorodok, the Ukrainian side has reinforced its drone crews and increased the number of sorties. A “grey zone” also persists from Zakotne west to Dibrova. Russian units are attempting to advance; however, the sector is complicated by mines. Ukrainian units are counterattacking, and Russian drone crews are identifying and destroying groups, which hinders their consolidation and movement. Yampil is under Russian control, and fighting continues for the fortified positions south of the village.

Sumy Direction

In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping’s assault groups continue to fight fiercely, advancing deeper into the area. Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Mala Rybytsia, Velyka Chernechchyna, Vilna Sloboda, Sukhodil, Korenek, Nova Sich, and Khotyn. The assault groups advanced on seventeen sections in the Sumy district and three in the Hlukhiv district. The total advance over the day amounted to up to 300 meters.

In an attempt to stabilize the situation in the Shostka district, the Ukrainian command is transferring special forces from the Main Intelligence Directorate to the area. Russian units detected the movement of personnel and engaged them with fire. According to available information, the “Shamanbat” special unit was scheduled to participate in combat operations in the Middle East. However, its personnel were redeployed to the Sumy region for “front stabilization” and placed under the command of mechanized infantry units.

In the Sumy district, there have been no significant changes; artillerymen and drone operators are delivering precision strikes on previously identified targets. Analysis of loss data shows that the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade’s assault groups are primarily composed of Ukrainians forcibly mobilized in early 2026, which effectively negates its “NATO standards.”

In the Krasnopillia district, Russian assault detachments advanced up to 700 meters on four sections during fierce firefights. As a result of the firefight, demoralized servicemen of the 119th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade abandoned their positions in the forested area near Novodmytrivka.

Kharkiv Direction

In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping’s assault groups continue to fight fiercely, pushing Ukrainian units back from the state border. Russian troops struck concentrations of personnel and equipment in Ternova, Sosnovyi Bir, Khrypuny, and Pechenihy.

In the Vovchansk area, the assault groups advanced up to 400 meters along nine fronts. In support of the assault groups, Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews used heavy flamethrowers to attack the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade’s positions in the forested area east of Pokalyane.

In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault groups advanced up to 200 meters on two fronts amid intense fighting.

Conclusion

Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian troops have consolidated their position in the southern part of Ternovate and are expanding “gray zones” to the northwest of Zheleznodorozhne. They continue to repel Ukrainian groups’ attempts to infiltrate through tree lines and dirt roads. In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian mass drone strikes followed by infantry entry have not been successful. Russian units are advancing toward Bilytske and Novyi Donbas, threatening to reach Dobropillia’s operational space. In the Slaviansk direction, the transformation of Dibrova into a “grey zone” and the Ukrainian withdrawal from the forested area southwest of the village suggest a weakening of their defenses. Control of Yampil and advances on fortifications to the south create prerequisites for a further offensive. In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping is advancing systematically, depleting reserves, including the Main Intelligence Directorate’s special forces, while facing demoralization and mass desertion in Ukrainian units. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops are maintaining the initiative by advancing along the border and striking strong points.

In the context of international politics, a significant event was ش statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He emphasized that security guarantees for Kyiv would only take effect after the conflict in Ukraine ends. He said that he had clearly explained this position to Volodymyr Zelensky and that the United States would not provide security guarantees until the end of hostilities because otherwise, they would be directly involved in the conflict. This statement demonstrates Washington’s intention to distance itself from direct participation in military actions. It also underscores that any commitment to protect Ukraine will only be possible after a peaceful settlement is reached. This position could pressure Kyiv to negotiate, especially given the successful Russian offensive and intra-European disagreements over further supporting Ukraine.

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