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In the Kramatorsk area, units from the “South” group have forced Ukrainian troops out of several positions north of Novomar’kove. This creates a semi-encirclement threat for Ukrainian strongpoints between the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal and Minkivka. In the Zaporizhzhia area, there is ongoing positional fighting in Prymorske and Novoiavlenska. Russian paratroopers are advancing towards Zaporizhzhia along the Konka River. In the Slaviansk area, there is intense fighting in the Krasnyi Lyman and Siversk sectors. Russian units are advancing along the Siverskyi Donets toward Svyatohirsk and expanding the “grey zone” northwest of Pryvollya. In the Sumy area, units of the “North” grouping advanced on eight fronts and consolidated on the eastern outskirts of Kondrativka, reaching the approaches to Mala Korchakivka. In the Kharkiv area, Russian assault groups are continuing their offensive in the forested areas near Staritsa and Symynivka. Aviation and missile troops have struck Ukrainian unit reserves in the Pechenihy area. At a press conference in Berlin, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed the possibility of transitioning from supplying Ukraine with arms to providing direct cash payments due to the potential depletion of Bundeswehr stocks.
Kramatorsk Direction
In the direction of Kramatorsk, units of the “South” troop grouping continue to put pressure on Ukrainian defenses in the Kramatorsk and Slaviansk areas. Recently, Russian forces advanced north of Novomar’kove, forcing Ukrainian troops out of several positions along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. Consequently, several Ukrainian strongpoints located between the canal and Minkivka are now in operational semi-encirclement. Russian assault groups are operating in Tykhonivka, which is located west of the canal.
Russian units have driven Ukrainian troops out of several fortified positions on the heights north of Pryvolne. Fighting continues in Holubivka and on the southern outskirts of Minkivka, where Ukrainian troops are conducting counterattacks. There are ongoing fierce engagements in the northern part of Nykyforivka. West of Nykyforivka, Russian units have reached the outskirts of Fedorivka Druha. Ukrainian units are counterattacking in virtually all sectors in this area.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
The situation remains tense in the Zaporizhzhia area. Heavy fighting continues in the vicinity of Prymorske, where both Russian and Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators are actively striking each other’s positions.
According to several reports, Ukrainian units maintain a limited presence on the northern outskirts of Stepnohirsk. Counterattacks have also been recorded in the Lukianivske area. Fighting for Novoiavlenska continues. East of Pavlivka, small groups of Russian assault troops are gradually increasing their activity as they advance through a defense line established by Ukrainian units.
The western flank of the Zaporizhzhia direction remains the most active, where Russian paratroopers from the “Dnipro” troop grouping are forming a wedge towards Zaporizhzhia on the approaches to the Konka River. The Ukrainian command will likely seek to prevent a further advance in this sector. The Zaporizhzhia direction is viewed by the Ukrainian side as potentially suitable for large-scale counteroffensive actions. Elements of these actions are already being observed in the neighboring eastern sector of the front.
In Malokaterynivka, Russian Airborne Forces drone operators continue to engage in combat using FPV and “Molniya” fixed-wing drones. There are no active advances; Ukrainian units use artillery and drones from the opposite bank of the Dnipro River to attack Russian troop positions.
The Ukrainian command has reinforced this area with “Ronin” units, which, according to available information, attack forward positions, frontline rear areas, and civilian infrastructure and vehicles in the Vasylivka area, along the Vasylivka–Melitopol and Tokmak–Melitopol highways. Strikes by Ukrainian drones on power plants in Tokmak, Molochansk, Vasylivka, and adjacent settlements have also been recorded.
By current standards, Ukrainian units are developing a large-scale offensive in the eastern Zaporizhzhia region, attempting to advance at the Dnipropetrovsk-Zaporizhzhia regional border. Combat operations are ongoing in several sectors, with an increasing amount of Ukrainian equipment involved.
The situation in the northern sector is becoming increasingly complex. Ukrainian units are advancing toward Stepove, Berezove, and Ternove. While raid operations were previously conducted here, the current actions are more large-scale; according to incoming information, a high concentration of Ukrainian artillery has been noted. Ukrainian units are operating on the approaches to their former second line of defense.
On the western flank, there are meeting engagements on the banks of the Haichur River. Ukrainian forces have entered Ternovate, Kosovtsevo, and Priluky and broken through to the outskirts of Yelenokostiantynivka. However, Ukrainian forces have not completely pushed Russian units out of these settlements. In Dobropillia, Ukrainian equipment that broke through was destroyed along with its landing force. Some personnel took cover in basements.
In the southern sector, Russian units have captured the Zheleznodorozhne settlement in the Huliaipole area. Consequently, Ukrainian units have practically lost the ability to infiltrate the outskirts of Huliaipole.
Having concentrated significant forces, including assault units and armored vehicles, the Ukrainian military is conducting offensive operations. They have managed to infiltrate certain sectors by taking advantage of unfavorable weather conditions and exacerbated communication problems. However, there is no talk of a collapse of the Russian troops’ defense.
Slaviansk Direction
Intensive clashes persist in the areas of Aleksandrivka and Drobysheve, as well as on the eastern outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman. Both sides are in close proximity to one another, and the contact line remains mobile. Russian units are striving to maintain pressure and prevent Ukrainian units from stabilizing their defenses in this sector. Russian units are advancing along the Siverskyi Donets River toward Svyatohirsk. A highway connecting Svyatohirsk with Izyum in the Kharkiv region runs seven kilometers from this city. Cutting this supply route would worsen the situation for Ukrainian units in Slovyansk. In the Stavky area, Russian forces continue to push Ukrainian troops out of their fortified positions.
There is ongoing positional fighting in Krasnyi Lyman. On the eastern outskirts of the city, Ukrainian forces withdrew from their positions on Tsimlyanska and Ostrovskoho Streets to the Central District Hospital and multi-story buildings. There, they have established fortified positions. Meanwhile, Russian units from Dibrova are moving south, bypassing Krasnyi Lyman. Mutual attacks occur daily on the northern side of Masliakovka without significant changes to the contact line.
In the Nykyforivka area, the “grey zone” is expanding towards Lypivka. The line remains unstable, with regular combat and attempts at local consolidation being recorded. There is fierce fighting in the southern part of Nykyforivka. Russian units have achieved tactical successes by advancing deeper into the built-up area and putting pressure on Ukrainian troops’ positions.
An expansion of the “grey zone” is noted northwest of Pryvollya. Russian units have penetrated individual sectors quite deeply, forming an unstable line and forcing the Ukrainian side to maneuver reserves.
After taking control of Novomar’kove, Russian units have continued to advance along the canal, using it as a natural landmark. The capture of the first defensive structures in this area indicates a desire to consolidate and establish a stable bridgehead.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy area, there has been ongoing positional fighting without significant changes to the front line. There have been changes in the Kostiantynivka–Kondrativka sector, but information arrived late due to communication issues.
After taking control of Kostiantynivka, Russian forces advanced southeast and cleared the area up to Andriivka, including the surrounding ravines. Naval infantry units entered the eastern outskirts of Kondrativka and consolidated their position. Fighting for control of the settlement is ongoing. In the Oleksiivka area, Russian motorized rifle units have reached Mala Korchakivka, with only about 300 meters remaining to the village. Ukrainian units are counterattacking in small groups, and Russian units are repelling the attacks while gradually expanding their control zone. An advance has also been recorded east of Oleksiivka, where the front line has straightened up to Varachyne.
Assault units of the “North” grouping are advancing quickly in the Sumy region. Russian aviation and “Geran-2” drone units continue to carry out precise attacks on the rear areas and logistical routes of Ukrainian units. The Ukrainian side is regrouping and conducting counterattacks while launching missile strikes on civilian infrastructure in border areas.
Due to a shortage of personnel at the front line, the command of Ukrainian units has requested personnel from border detachments of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine to replenish losses. Border guards currently on duty along the border with European Union countries are expected to be sent to the front line.
Assault groups from the “North” grouping advanced on eight sections in the Sumy district, five in the Krasnopillia district, and four in the Hlukhiv district. The total advance over the day amounted to more than 900 meters. In the Krasnopillia district, Ukrainian units conducted two unsuccessful counterattacks with the 253rd Separate “Arie” Assault Regiment employing four assault groups. All attacks were repelled with heavy fire.
Kharkiv Direction
Strikes with Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles and Tornado-S guided artillery rockets hit a Ukrainian unit reserve concentration in the Pechenihy area. As a result, Ukrainian forces suffered losses of up to one company in personnel killed and wounded, as well as one multiple launch rocket system and up to 20 cargo vehicles.
There were no significant changes in the Staritsa area; Russian units advanced up to 200 meters and are now clearing adjacent tree plantations. In the forest near Symynivka, Russian assault groups advanced 100 meters on two sections, overcoming resistance. In the Vovchanski Khutory area, Russian aviation struck the 15th Operational Purpose Regiment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine’s positions. In the Khatnie sector, aviation strikes destroyed the Ukrainian 3rd Separate Tank Brigade’s positions in the Hryhorivka area. Russian assault groups advanced 200 meters along two tree lines.
Conclusion
In the Kramatorsk and Slavyansk areas, Russian forces are advancing tactically along the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal and on the approaches to Krasny Liman. They are gradually creating conditions to reach the operational space in the Slavyansk area. In the Zaporizhzhia area, the actions are primarily positional and attritional. Having consolidated in Zheleznodorozhne, Russian troops are conducting counter-battery warfare and remotely engaging Ukrainian reserves. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian command is undertaking large-scale but insufficiently effective counterattacks in the eastern Zaporizhzhia area in an attempt to regain the initiative. In the Sumy and Kharkiv areas, the “North” grouping is steadily expanding its control zones, compelling the Ukrainian forces to deploy reserves and engage border units in combat operations. The growing role of unmanned systems and precision weapons remains a key trend, as do the ongoing problems Ukrainian units have with manning and retaining personnel.
Regarding external support for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made a statement at a press conference in Berlin. The head of the German Defense Ministry suggested that Germany might transition from supplying arms to making direct cash payments to Ukraine due to the potential depletion of weapons stocks. Pistorius emphasized the need to assess warehouse resources and, in their absence, consider alternative forms of aid similar to those practiced last year. Previously, Pistorius used an informal expression, calling for optimism and determination despite the significant increase in Germany’s military spending, which he justifies as preparation for a potential conflict on the European continent.
This statement reflects the broader discussion within the European Union regarding the scope and scale of continued support for Kyiv. While some are ready to continue aid, economic difficulties and signs of conflict fatigue are growing in European countries. The proposal to transition from supplying weapons to providing financial assistance may indicate the European defense-industrial complex’s inability to quickly replenish transferred stocks. It also suggests a shift in emphasis: rather than directly participating in arming Ukraine, European states may transition to the role of financial sponsors, leaving weapons production and procurement issues to Ukraine or third countries. This change in approach could impact the dynamics of the conflict and the internal political situation within the European Union in the long term.
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