File image.
In the Sumy direction, Russian troops made significant progress for the first time in a long while, taking control of Mala Korchakivka, a key settlement near the forest between Khotyn and Mohrytsia. This advances their prospects of moving north of Sumy. In the Kostiantynivka direction, Russian troops have captured new positions on the southern outskirts of the city and have taken control of the fortifications at the agricultural technical school. Meanwhile, airstrikes and small-group combat continue in the city center and the northern part of the city. In the Slaviansk direction, Russian troops are advancing toward Lypivka and battling for the western part of Fedorivka Druha while simultaneously destroying Ukrainian unit logistical hubs in Rai-Oleksandrivka. In the Kharkiv direction, assault groups advanced 500 meters toward Vovchansk and 200 meters toward Velykyi Burluk, repelling Ukrainian counterattacks. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Volodymyr Zelensky halted the operation of the Druzhba pipeline to create chaos in Hungary and influence the elections.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy direction, Russian troops made significant progress for the first time in a long while. The 30th Regiment of the 44th Army Corps took control of Mala Korchakivka, a settlement on the edge of an extensive forest area between Khotyn and Mohrytsia that effectively serves as its gateway. If they consolidate their position successfully, Russian units could advance significantly north of Sumy. The Ukrainian side is aware of this threat; therefore, they are launching counterattacks on Mala Korchakivka, which Russian units are repelling.
To the east, along the Huyevo–Hoptarivka line, Russian troops have captured additional tree lines within the “pocket” created by the state border. Attacks through forested areas by small groups are one of the few ways to advance under current conditions, where drones dominate the battlefield.
At the same time, further advancement remains an extremely challenging task. This forested area was previously used by Ukraine as a staging ground for attacks on the Sudzha district during the Kursk incursion. Artillery positions that fired on Russian territory were also located here. Numerous fortifications equipped by Ukrainian units are located on the territory. Experience fighting in the Serebryansky Forest shows that combat operations in a burned-out forest can drag on for a long time.
Assault groups from the “North” military grouping continue to fight fiercely, advancing deeper into the Sumy region. Russian troops struck concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Hlukhiv, Ivolzhanske, Bachivsk, Esman, Myropillia, and Nova Sich. Assault groups advanced twenty sections in the Sumy district and four sections in the Hlukhiv district; the total advance over the day amounted to 400 meters.
In the Shostka district, Ukrainian commanders are making attempts to halt the advance of Russian troops by transferring units from rear areas to the sector. Russian units promptly detect the movement of personnel and equipment, engaging them with fire. In the Krasnopillia district, intense fighting continues in the Novodmytrivka area. An analysis of loss data shows that a company of soldiers from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade was destroyed on March 15–16 as a result of fire engagement in the Mala Rybytsia area.
Kostiantynivka Direction
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units captured new positions on the southern outskirts of the city. The fortifications in the fields of the agricultural technical school are under their control, but fighting continues for the educational complex itself. Kostiantynivka and its southern districts are still experiencing clashes by small groups, and airstrikes are ongoing in the center and north. Drone operators are focused on destroying the transportation and logistics hubs of Ukrainian units in Druzhkivka and Oleksievo-Druzhkivka, as well as the infrastructure on which Ukrainian drone operators rely for defense.
The Ukrainian command is transferring forces to Chasiv Yar and to settlements on the heights between Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka. Attempts to attack toward the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal are unlikely, but attempts to capture Stupochky or Predtechyne are quite possible.
The situation remains tense along the entire front. Despite small groups of Russian units already operating in the industrial zone in the center of Kostiantynivka, full control of even half the city is not yet possible under current conditions. The Ukrainian side will seek to draw Russian troops into fighting in Kostiantynivka for as long as possible to ensure the stability of the southern flank of the Slaviansk-Kramatorsk defense.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slaviansk, north of Nykyforivka, Russian units are advancing toward Lypivka in an attempt to consolidate their position. Their main objective is to advance on Rai-Oleksandrivka and expand their control zone. The Ukrainian side uses Rai-Oleksandrivka as a logistical hub to transfer reserves and weapons to Kalenyky. Reaching this line will ensure stable advancement and prevent Ukrainian units from rotating. A significant number of Ukrainian units are sheltered and receiving supplies by air. Their task is to observe and transmit data on Russian troop movements. These groups are being identified and destroyed by strike drones.
The situation remains unstable in the Fedorivka Druha area. There is ongoing fighting for the adjacent forested areas and the industrial zone south of the village.
In Minkivka, Ukrainian units have regained part of the village during counterattacks. Russian units are engaging in heavy artillery fire in this sector, and drone operators are striking groups approaching Minkivka. The Ukrainian military is trying to prevent Russian troops from advancing towards Slaviansk.
In the Krasnyi Lyman area, clashes are unfolding within the “Holy Mountains” national park. An improvement in the tactical position of Russian units has been recorded on the Aleksandrivka–Sosnove line.
Units of the “West” troop grouping are systematically pushing Ukrainian forces out of their captured positions in the Lyman area. This advance is not captured in sharp leaps, but it is noticeable in several sectors. The Ukrainian side is gradually withdrawing toward the Siverskyi Donets while attempting to contain the offensive with regular counterattacks.
The most tense situation persists in the forested areas along the Svyatohirsk–Drobysheve line. Combat operations here are particularly stubborn due to dense vegetation and complex terrain, which make every advance slow and costly. Control of these sectors is strategically important because it paves the way for a further offensive toward Pryshyb. Key crossings are concentrated near this settlement, through which supplies for the Ukrainian troops in Lyman are delivered.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping’s assault groups continue to engage in fierce fighting, pushing Ukrainian units back from the state border. Russian troops have struck concentrations of personnel and equipment in Ternova, Izbitske, Zamulivka, Nesterne, and Bilyi Kolodiaz.
In the Lyptsi area, intense firefights are ongoing in forested regions where Ukrainian forces are scattered. In the Vovchansk area, assault groups advanced up to 500 meters along seven fronts. The Ukrainian command is demanding that the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade halt the advance of Russian troops toward Verkhnya Pysarivka.
In the Velykyi Burluk area, there were no significant changes. During intense fighting, Russian assault groups advanced up to 200 meters.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Sumy direction, Russian troops have established control over Mala Korchakivka and created a bridgehead for a potential advance north of Sumy. However, advancing in forested areas and overcoming Ukrainian fortifications will require time and systematic effort. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, the capture of new lines on the southern approaches to the city, and the systematic destruction of logistics in Druzhkivka and Oleksievo-Druzhkivka create conditions for further tightening the semi-ring around the city. However, it is too early to speak of full control. In the direction of Slovyansk, advances toward Lypivka and fighting for Fedorivka Druha, as well as the destruction of the logistical hub in Rai-Oleksandrivka, bring Russian troops closer to the Ukrainian units’ key defensive lines. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops are maintaining the initiative by advancing along the border and repelling counterattacks.
An important event in the international political context was a statement by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. On X, he claimed that Volodymyr Zelensky halted the operation of the Druzhba pipeline to create chaos in Hungary and influence the outcome of the elections. Orbán emphasized that Ukraine will not be able to blackmail his country. Earlier, the Euractiv portal, citing sources, reported that the EU does not understand why Ukraine is not allowing an inspection of the pipeline. Kyiv halted fuel transit to Slovakia and Hungary at the end of January, citing damage from Russian strikes. Budapest and Bratislava believe that Druzhba is functioning and that the halt is a political decision. According to media reports, European experts arrived in Kyiv on March 18 to conduct an inspection, but they have not yet received access to the facility.
The Hungarian Prime Minister’s statement confirms that the energy conflict between Ukraine and Central European countries has entered a stage of open political confrontation. The allegations of attempts to interfere in elections and destabilize an EU member state are unprecedented and undermine trust in Kyiv as a partner. Against the backdrop of Russian troops’ successful offensive in all directions and growing discontent in European capitals over the protracted conflict, Hungary and Slovakia’s position of blocking financial aid and sanctions is garnering more support. Ukraine’s refusal to allow international experts access to Druzhba only strengthens suspicions about the political motivations behind halting transit, creating additional risks for Kyiv. It risks losing the remnants of its support, even from traditionally loyal partners.
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