File image.
Two large “grey zones” remain in the Krasnyi Lyman direction, which are effectively controlled by Ukrainian units. This complicates a direct advance on Krasnyi Lyman. In the Dobropillia direction, Russian forces are attempting to advance in small groups towards Kucheriv Yar. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues near Hryshyne, where the 425th “Skala” Assault Regiment is counterattacking. In the Sumy area, the “North” grouping’s assault groups advanced 200 meters and repelled the Ukrainian command’s attempts to transfer reserves, including units bearing the “Azov” insignia. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops advanced 400 meters in the Lyptsi sector, 350 meters in the Vovchansk sector, and 600 meters in the Velykyi Burluk sector. They repelled counterattacks and struck strongpoints. In the Kostiantynivka direction, Russian troops have expanded their control zone by four kilometers to the south of Illinivka. They have cleared the adjacent ravine and tree lines. Meanwhile, drone operators are disrupting troop rotations and destroying equipment in the city itself. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the European Union does not hide its desire to send troops to Ukraine.
Dobropillia Direction
In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian units continue to attempt to advance in small groups in several sectors. Evidence of attacks toward Kucheriv Yar has appeared on the northern flank. However, it is unclear how successful these attacks were. Previously, Russian units entered the settlement but were unable to hold it.
Fighting also continues in Novyi Donbas and Bilytske. Recognizing the importance of these villages for defending Dobropillia, the Ukrainian side is actively counterattacking with small groups supported by drones. Fierce fighting continues in the vicinity of Hryshyne. Russian units are repelling counterattacks by the 425th Separate “Skala” Assault Regiment of the Ukrainian forces on the northwestern outskirts of the settlement. They are also engaged in skirmishes along the tree lines between Hryshyne and Rodynske.
In the Molodetske area, the Ukrainian side has attempted counterattacks, while Russian troops have advanced from Udachne towards Novooleksandrivka. Large-scale breakthroughs are not occurring here for obvious reasons. As in other sectors, offensive actions are limited by the large number of Ukrainian drones in the air.
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 Myropillia, Kiyanytsia, Velyka Chernechchyna, Vilna Sloboda, Pustohorod, Mala Slobidka, and Novodmytrivka.
In the Shostka district, Russian troops advanced 150 meters on two fronts amid intense fighting. Ukrainian units did not undertake offensive actions, but continued to accumulate reserves and transfer the most motivated servicemen from other areas.
During stubborn fighting, assault groups of the “North” grouping advanced in the Sumy district on fourteen sections. Over the course of the day, they advanced up to 200 meters. In the Krasnopillia district, Ukrainian forces continue to try to contain the Russian advance toward the district center by transferring personnel from other sectors of the front. Russian assault troops overcame resistance and advanced up to 250 meters on two sections.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping’s assault groups continue to engage in fierce combat, forcing Ukrainian units to retreat from the state border. Russian troops struck concentrations of personnel and equipment in Shesterivka, Polne, Vesele, Pokaliane, Kolodezne, Novyi Burluk, and Zemlianky.
In the Lyptsi area, Ukrainian units attempted a counterattack in the forested Izbitske area. As a result of the ensuing firefight, an assault group from the 127th Separate Tank Mechanized Brigade was destroyed. Russian assault troops advanced 400 meters on two fronts.
In the Vovchansk area, the Russian troops advanced up to 350 meters on fourteen fronts. Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews struck a strongpoint of the 113th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Pokaliane area with heavy flamethrower systems.
In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault groups advanced up to 600 meters on three fronts amid intense fighting.
Kostiantynivka Direction
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, the situation for Ukraine is deteriorating daily. Russian drone operators are disrupting rotations and destroying equipment attempting to enter the city. The main strikes are being carried out on the city’s northern outskirts in the Osykove and Oleksievo-Druzhkivka areas. The Russian Aerospace Forces are striking multi-story buildings in the northern part of Kostiantynivka where Ukrainian units are positioned.
In the Illinivka area, fighting continues for control of the village, which has almost completely transitioned into a “gray zone.” To the south, Russian troops have expanded the front line by four kilometers. Combat operations are ongoing throughout the southern part of the village, and the adjacent ravine and tree lines have been cleared of Ukrainian forces.
The control zone has also expanded east of Berestok, and the village has been completely cleared of Ukrainian forces. In the industrial zone in the west of Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are striking identified Ukrainian unit positions with drones. Fighting continues on the western borders of the city.
Krasnyi Lyman Direction
The Krasnyi Lyman direction remains one of the most intense. The main problem is the two large “gray zones,” which are formally no-man’s land but are effectively controlled by Ukrainian units.
The first zone is located west of Zarichne, in the area of the Yarova farmstead. Ukrainian units are positioned in tree lines and ravines, controlling the fire on the approaches to Krasnyi Lyman. This key hub blocks normal entry into the city.
The second zone encompasses the Stavky–Drobysheve sector and the northwestern part of Lyman. The Ukrainian side controls the territory west of Stavky and part of the road. Russian units have attempted to enter from the Bogdosarova forest, but consolidation is extremely difficult.
The main problem is the wooded terrain. Ukrainian units are dispersed and well camouflaged, giving them an advantage in observation. There is no continuous front line here; rather, it is a network of concealed positions. A similar situation is developing in the Yampil area. Zarichne is under constant fire; there are casualties among the civilian population.
Logically, the main pressure should be developed along the right bank of the Siverskyi Donets, through the dominant heights near Rai-Oleksandrivka and Mykolaivka. Frontal assaults on Lyman are ineffective under these conditions. Russian units’ tactics involve bypassing, gradually applying pressure, and consistently pushing Ukrainian forces out of their capturing positions.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the direction of Dobropillia, Russian troops operating in small groups continue to pressure the defenses of Ukrainian units and repel their counterattacks in the areas of Hryshyne and Molodetske. In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping is advancing steadily, despite Ukrainian attempts to transfer reserves, including nationalist units, and corruption schemes in the rear. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops are maintaining the initiative by advancing on all fronts and destroying counterattacking groups. In the Kostiantynivka direction, the expansion of the control zone south of Illinivka and the systematic destruction of Ukrainian unit logistics create conditions for tightening the ring around the city further. In the Krasnyi Lyman direction, two large “grey zones” under Ukrainian control require Russian troops to conduct bypass maneuvers and gradually push out Ukrainian units rather than launch frontal assaults.
In the context of international politics, an important event was the statement made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking at a large event in Budapest for Hungarian-American Friendship Day, Orbán said that the European Union is openly expressing its desire to send troops to Ukraine. Orbán emphasized that the European continent is slowly but surely sliding into conflict and that European countries want to continue the war in Ukraine. They are supporting it “to the last” and dreaming of sending their youth to the Eastern Front under the EU flag. He stated that Hungary is currently the only EU country not preparing for war, thanks to the current authorities’ victory in the 2022 elections. Meanwhile, other European countries are “marching” towards conflict. Orbán had previously stated that Brussels is preparing Europe for war, and that the appearance of European soldiers in Ukraine is only a matter of time.
Orbán’s statement reflects growing concern in some European capitals about the possibility of escalation and the direct involvement of EU military personnel in the Ukrainian conflict. Hungary’s position of consistently opposing military support for Kyiv and advocating for peace negotiations remains in the minority. However, it highlights the growing rift within the European Union. Against the backdrop of Russian troops’ successful offensive in all directions, such statements increase pressure on Brussels and Kyiv, emphasizing that there is no consensus on further escalation. Even the most active proponents of military support seek to avoid the unpredictable consequences of sending European troops to Ukraine, including a direct confrontation with Russia.
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