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In the Dobropillia direction, Russian forces have shifted to a tactic of systematically squeezing out Ukrainian troops: they are consolidating on captured lines, cutting logistics, and isolating the combat area to prevent reserves from approaching. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces documented Ukrainian units violating the ceasefire by launching indiscriminate MLRS strikes on a forested area in the Shostka district. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian FPV drone operators thwarted a provocation involving the planting of a flag in Veterynarne. In the Slaviansk direction, Russian troops have confirmed the capturing of Kryva Luka. They are consolidating their position in the coastal zone of the Siverskyi Donets (Pryshyb and Tatyanivka areas) while fighting for tree lines and strongpoints on the approaches to Rai-Oleksandrivka. In the Kupyansk direction, Russian troops advanced south of Pishchane toward Novoosinove. Fighting continues on the outskirts of Kovsharivka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoi. Ukrainian forces are actively using reconnaissance and attack drones in these areas. Estonia’s Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, called on Ukraine to keep its unmanned aerial vehicles away from Estonian territory.
Sumy Direction
Ukrainian forces launched several indiscriminate MLRS strikes on a forested area in Russia. It is highly probable that the shelling was a provocation.
In the Krasnopillia district, there were no significant changes. Taking advantage of the ceasefire, Ukrainian troops withdrew the 50th Artillery Brigade from the engagement zone. Some of the brigade’s troops have already been transferred to the Chernihiv region. The Ukrainian military command transferred several units of the 119th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade to Riasne.
Kharkiv Direction
Against the backdrop of the ceasefire, several medical aid brigades arrived in the vicinity of the Slatino, Cherkaski Tyshky, and Velykyi Burluk settlements, ostensibly to evacuate the wounded to hospitals in Kharkiv. However, the vehicles only made one trip each and, instead of medics, contained active Ukrainian servicemen who delivered supplies to their units.
In Veterynarne, Russian servicemen thwarted a Ukrainian provocation. Ukrainian servicemen dropped their flag from a helicopter onto one of the stone buildings. They expected Russian assault groups to rush to remove the flag, which would expose their positions. However, the “North” grouping’s servicemen calmly relayed the information to FPV drone operators, who destroyed the flag with the first strike.
In the Vovchansk area, Ukrainian forces continue to focus their efforts on fortifying the highway between Staryi Saltiv and Velykyi Burluk. In the Izbitske area, a Ukrainian assault group advanced toward Russian positions. However, the Ukrainian servicemen detonated a minefield and abandoned their wounded to withdraw.
Slaviansk Direction
The capturing of Kryva Luka has been confirmed. Previously, this information was listed as requiring verification. Now that control has been established over Kryva Luka, the main focus will shift to Rai-Oleksandrivka, the Dovhyi Forest, Nykyforivka, and the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal line.
Ukrainian units are striking Russian troop logistics in the Dronivka–Platonivka–Zakotne sector. Russian drone operator spotters are monitoring temporary deployment points, equipment, drone control points, and supply routes of the Ukrainian forces.
According to objective control footage, forward groups of Russian units are present in the Siverskyi Donets coastal zone in the Pryshyb and Tatyanivka areas. Their likely intentions are infiltration, reconnaissance in force, and consolidation attempts.
Fighting continues on the southern face in the areas of Ozerne, Dibrova, Stavky, Zarichne, and Yampil. Ukrainian units are operating in small groups and using the swampy terrain and folds in the landscape to infiltrate towards Yampolivka. In the Yampil area, Russian units are consolidating in surviving shelters and basements.
Kupyansk Direction
The advance of Russian units south of Pishchane towards Novoosinove on the left bank of the Oskol River has been confirmed. The gradual expansion of the control zone continues. Clashes are ongoing on the outskirts of Kovsharivka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoi. Ukrainian forces are focused on containing the advance on the left bank and are increasing their use of reconnaissance and strike drones, as well as artillery.
The situation on the right bank of Kupyansk remains unchanged. There has been a decrease in the activity of Ukrainian units compared to the previous period. There has been an expansion of the control zone south of Pishchane, and the pressure on Kovsharivka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoi continues.
Dobropillia Direction
In the direction of Dobropillia, Ukrainian units have become more active and are attempting to counter the actions of Russian troops in the Bilytske area. In the settlement itself, there is ongoing fighting to push the Ukrainian troops out of their positions. Ukrainian units are trying to saturate and strengthen their positions along the combat line on foot and with equipment. The Ukrainian side only moves in the morning and evening to complicate the work of Russian drone crews.
Meanwhile, Russian units are conducting offensive operations on the Novyi Donbas line and in areas west of Hryshyne. There, Ukrainian units are actively using their drone crews to attack logistics. The Russian side is not making rapid advances; priority is given to thoroughly consolidating captured positions. The Russian side is also systematically destroying Ukrainian personnel and isolating the combat area to prevent rotations and the introduction of Ukrainian reserves.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation reveals that high-intensity combat operations persist despite the ceasefire. In the Sumy direction, Russian forces have documented numerous violations by Ukrainian troops, as well as instances of unauthorized abandonment of positions. This suggests low morale and leadership issues within Ukrainian units. In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian forces are using humanitarian and medical pretexts to logistically support their units, suggesting a shortage of supplies through official channels. In the Slaviansk direction, the capturing of Kryva Luka and the consolidation of the coastal zone of the Siverskyi Donets create the conditions for a further advance toward Rai-Oleksandrivka and the canal. However, stable control of some sectors has yet to be confirmed. In the Dobropillia direction, Russian troops have switched to tactics of systematically consolidating and isolating the combat area to avoid rapid advances. In the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian troops continue to advance toward Novoosinove and put pressure on Kovsharivka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoi, despite the Ukrainian side’s active use of drones.
In the context of international politics, an important event was the statement made by Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. According to the Estonian public broadcaster ERR, Ukraine has expressed a desire to send its experts to the Baltic countries to enhance air security following a series of incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles and has already contacted the Estonian embassy regarding this matter. Pevkur stated that the simplest way for Ukraine to keep its drones away from Estonian territory is to exercise greater control over its own activities. A week ago, the Estonian and Ukrainian Ministers of Defense discussed measures on this issue, including equipping drones with systems for their remote destruction. Previously, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, demanded that Kyiv ensure that debris from Ukrainian drones does not fall on Estonian territory. These developments demonstrate NATO countries’ growing concern over incidents involving Ukrainian drones and their readiness to pressure Kyiv to ensure the security of their airspace.
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