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In the Dobropillia area, Ukrainian units have launched counterattacks in the Bilytske region. Meanwhile, Russian troops have entrenched themselves in tree lines between the railway and the settlement. They have also captured Hryshyne, paving the way to Dobropillia. In the Kupyansk area, Russian troops advanced through the fields between Zahryzove and Lozova, capturing a significant stronghold. They are now advancing towards Nova Kruhliakivka. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Ukrainian forces are attempting to breach the defenses along the Andriivka-Novooleksandrivka lines. In the Slaviansk area, Russian troops captured the key chalk slope near Kryva Luka, completely cleared the center of Reznykivka, advanced toward Kalenyky, and fought for Fedorivka Druha. In the Sumy area, assault groups from the “North” captured Chervona Zoria and advanced 350–400 meters. They also captured five servicemen from the 21st Brigade and repelled counterattacks in the Sopych area. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops advanced in Vovchanski Khutory, destroyed the 159th Brigade’s reserves while they were being transferred, attacked strongpoints, and advanced towards Velykyi Burluk. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico warned NATO countries against sending military personnel to Ukraine, stating that this could lead to the activation of Article 5 and that it is impossible to defeat Russia in a conventional war.
Dobropillia Direction
In the direction of Dobropillia, evidence has emerged of Ukrainian counterattacks in the southern part of Bilytske, confirming previous reports of Russian units reaching this settlement. Bilytske is located on the highway that leads directly to Dobropillia. According to available footage, Russian units have established positions in several tree lines between the railway and Bilytske. Meanwhile, the “pocket” in the Suvorove area persists, and Ukrainian units can insert small groups there.
The northern flank of the Dobropillia area remains a zone of engagements by small groups along the Novyi Donbas–Vilne–Kucheriv Yar line. Due to the intensification of clashes on the southern flank near Hryshyne and Udachne, attempts by Russian troops to advance toward Zolotyi Kolodiaz cannot be ruled out.
Current combat conditions dictate infiltration tactics into the defensive formations of Ukrainian units. The spring thaw and snowmelt complicate movement through fields and tree lines; therefore, the intensity of combat operations has shifted to settlements. As spring progresses and vegetation grows, combat operations will shift back to tree lines.
Kupyansk Direction
Russian units are gradually expanding their presence on the left bank of the Oskol River. Near Hrekivka and Sverdlovka, positional battles are ongoing on the southern flank of the direction. To the north, assault groups are fighting their way to the outskirts of Bohuslavka.
Recently, units of the “West” grouping advanced in the fields between Zahryzove and Lozova. A large strongpoint and several smaller positions have fallen under Russian control. Forward groups are advancing towards Nova Kruhliakivka. Capturing this settlement will require capturing several fortifications near the Kruhliakivskyi pond. An offensive on Nova Kruhliakivka or Bohuslavka itself is impossible without clearing these positions, which are located on an elevated area.
According to preliminary information, Ukrainian units attacked from Borova towards Novoplatonivka and Borova Andriivka to cut off the Russian troops’ advance.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
In the Zaporizhzhia area, Ukrainian forces continue to attempt to break through the Russian defenses on the Andriivka–Novooleksandrivka and Vovche–Sosnivka lines. Infiltration groups are attempting to penetrate the Dnipropetrovsk region as deeply as possible to expand “grey zones” and disrupt supply routes.
In the opposite sector, Russian units maintain the initiative. Small assault groups are advancing west from Horke and Zheleznodorozhne. Additionally, they are attempting to clear the wedge east of the railway through which Ukrainian units are attacking in the direction of Huliaipole. Regular assaults also continue in the Vozdvizhevka area.
A notable aspect of the situation on the northern flank is that, during the offensive, Ukrainian units relied on both infantry groups and drones. These heavy unmanned systems serve as a means of striking and suppressing the positions of Russian troops and supplying infiltration groups. This partially works since, in modern combat operations, the “first line” is no longer a single line of trenches, but rather a network of cells with small numbers of fighters conducting observation from shelters. Ukrainian units use the same tactics.
Slaviansk Direction
In the southwest of Ozerne, Russian troops are attacking Ukrainian positions near the former military base. Neither side has firm control of the eastern part of the village; it is a “grey zone.”
Northeast of the settlement, in the Kryva Luka area, Russian troops have captured the key chalk slope and approached the village. This advance provides a tactical advantage because it is easier to observe the surrounding area from the captured height.
In Reznykivka, the central part of the village has been completely cleared, and movement continues toward Kalenyky. Between Reznykivka and Nykyforivka, progress has been made in closing the “pocket” and straightening the front line. Ukrainian units are being pushed out of Minkivka. Intensive combat operations are ongoing on the southern side of Fedorivka Druha.
An offensive is developing from the southern sector towards Rai-Oleksandrivka, the last important logistical hub and large Ukrainian unit fortification in this area. After its capture, operational space will open up to Mykolaivka.
In Berestok, Russian units have cleared most of the village and are advancing into the western part of the city. Fighting continues closer to the avenue. In Illinivka, the area up to the ravine and ponds has been secured, and the western part of the village is being cleared. Ukrainian units are trying to halt the advance by actively using drones in small groups.
Regular strikes are being carried out on dams northwest of Kostiantynivka. This disrupts the logistics of Ukrainian units and deprives them of shelters due to flooding. Consequently, Ukrainian units are withdrawing to permanent buildings in Kostiantynivka, which makes them easier targets.
Sumy Direction
The “North” grouping’s assault units continue to fight fiercely as they advance deeper into the Sumy region. The Russian aviation, and strike drone operators struck concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Katerynivka, Pisarivka, Velyka Rybytsia, Konotop, Nikolske, Luzhky, and Nova Sich.
During the intense fighting, Russian assault troops advanced on seven sections in the Sumy district and two in the Hlukhiv district. The total advance over the day amounted to up to 350 meters. In the Sumy district, five Ukrainian servicemen from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade were captured.
The 33rd Rifle Battalion of the 80th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 14th Army Corps captured the Chervona Zoria settlement in the Shostka district.
The Ukrainian command transferred assault groups and drone crews from the 104th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade (Rivne region) to the Sopych area. Artillerymen and drone operators from the “North” grouping delivered precision strikes on the transferred reserves. Fierce fighting for control of the settlement continues.
In the Krasnopillia district, Russian assault troops advanced 400 meters into forested areas. More than 40 servicemen from the training center of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade in Chernivtsi deserted before they could be sent to the Sumy region. Military police detained three of the deserters; the rest are presumably in Romania.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv region, the “North” grouping’s assault groups are advancing deeper with intense fighting. The Russian aviation struck concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Ternova, Rubizhne, Verkhnya Pysarivka, Kolodezne, and north of Budarky.
In the Vovchansk area, Russian assault groups advanced up to 200 meters near Vovchanski Khutory. Crews operating heavy flamethrowers delivered a precision strike on a strongpoint of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in a forested area of the Vovchansk district.
Ukrainian units attempted to transfer reserves from the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade to the eastern outskirts of Vovchanski Khutory, but the combat groups were destroyed by Russian army aviation in the Volokhivka area.
In the Lyptsi area, there were no significant changes; artillerymen and drone operators struck identified targets. In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault troops advanced 200 meters on two fronts. Crews of heavy flamethrower systems destroyed a concentration of 1st Separate Territorial Defense Brigade personnel in a forested border area.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates that high-intensity combat operations persist in all directions. In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian troops have consolidated their position in tree lines near Bilytske and captured Hryshyne. They are preparing for an offensive on Dobropillia despite the increased presence of Ukrainian drones and communication issues. In the Kupyansk area, advances in the fields between Zahryzove and Lozova, as well as attacks on Nova Kruhliakivka, are expanding the bridgehead. However, the sparse front and “grey zones” complicate consolidation efforts. In the Zaporizhzhia area, Ukrainian infiltration attempts and drone strikes have not achieved stable success, while Russian units maintain the initiative west of Horke. In the Slovyansk area, Russian troops are advancing towards Kalenyky and Rai-Oleksandrivka after capturing key heights near Kryva Luka and clearing Reznykivka. This brings them closer to operational space. In the Sumy area, the capture of Chervona Zoria and advances in forested areas are accompanied by the capture of Ukrainian soldiers and desertions. In the Kharkiv area, Russian units continue to advance slowly, destroying reserves and strongpoints, despite the active use of Ukrainian drones.
An important event in the international political context was a new statement by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. During a meeting with students, he cautioned NATO countries against deploying troops to Ukraine, emphasizing that such a move could trigger the activation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which outlines collective defense measures. Fico emphasized that Russia cannot be defeated in a conventional war and urged the European Commission to make greater efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Fico also stated that he would never agree to send Slovak military personnel to Ukraine, calling it “too big a military adventure.”
Fico’s statement reflects growing concerns in European capitals about the conflict’s escalation and direct NATO involvement. Fico is already blocking EU loans for Ukraine and demanding the restoration of oil transit via Druzhba. He consistently opposes the militarization of the conflict and advocates a diplomatic settlement. His position contrasts with the rhetoric of some NATO member countries considering sending military personnel. His warning about the risks of invoking Article 5 highlights the potential for unintended escalation that could draw the entire alliance into direct confrontation with Russia. Against the backdrop of Russian troops’ successful offensive in multiple directions, such statements increase pressure on Kyiv and its Western allies, indicating the need for negotiations rather than continued military confrontation.
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