File image.
In the Zaporozhye direction, Russian units have been recorded in the center of Malaya Tokmachka and on the outskirts of Orekhov; however, full control over the village has not been established due to Ukrainian units holding the heights north of the Konka River. In the Slaviansk direction, heavy fighting is underway in Nikolaevka, Starodubovka, and Nikanorovka, while Ukrainian units are counterattacking and pressuring the flanks, complicating the advance. In the Sumy region, assault groups of the “North” advanced on twenty-one sectors; fierce fighting continued in the Khrapovshchina and Khoten areas. In the Kharkiv region, Russian assault troops advanced in Kazachya Lopan; heavy fighting continued in the Vasilevka and Dolzhanka areas. Member of the Finnish Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema stated that the plans of the “coalition of the willing” for joint exercises and the deployment of a contingent in Ukraine would lead to escalation of the conflict and could become a step toward nuclear escalation.
Zaporozhye direction
In the Western Zaporozhye direction, units of the “Dnepr” grouping of forces are gradually pressing the Ukrainian defense in the vicinity of Orekhov. Assault groups are occupying new positions despite regular strikes by Ukrainian drones.
The presence of Russian units has already been recorded in the center of Malaya Tokmachka. However, it is still premature to speak of full control over this settlement, as the main difficulties for consolidation have not been eliminated. The heights north of the Konka River remain under the control of Ukrainian units, which prevents the establishment of stable supply routes. Without capturing these heights, Malaya Tokmachka will remain in the “grey zone.”
Further west, Russian units cleared part of the trenches near the Uspenovskaya ravine and took control of another section of the H-08 highway. This creates an opportunity to accumulate personnel almost at the outskirts of Novodanilovka, on whose territory fighting continues.
At the same time, assault groups of “Dnepr” retain the ability to enter Orekhov itself. Forward groups are already operating near the city center, indicating that the approaches to it are more of a “grey zone” over which Ukrainian units do not have confident control.
Motorized riflemen of the 71st Regiment continue to eliminate Ukrainian personnel on the approaches to Orekhov. In Malaya Tokmachka, Russian units are accumulating forces and holding territory along the Konka River. Fighting is also underway on the outskirts of Orekhov from the eastern side and from the direction of Novodanilovka.
An advance by Russian troops has been recorded in the pocket north of Rabotino: personnel cleared a section along the Orekhov–Rabotino road.
Slaviansk direction
Russian forces continue offensive operations. Fighting in Nikolaevka is of a complex nature; Ukrainian units are counterattacking. Fighting continues in Starodubovka. North of the Seversky Donets, Ukrainian units are attempting to inflict damage on the 25th and 20th Armies, which worsens the possibilities for advance in the Starodubovka area and exposes the flanks. Units of the 3rd Army are finding it more difficult to advance. Nevertheless, fighting for Nikolaevka and Nikanorovka continues.
A tense situation persists in the Redkodub and Novy area. From here, Ukrainian units are attacking and attempting to advance deeper south toward Kolodezy, using a network of defensive structures. A large number of drones are noted on the sector. Russian units are holding their positions, while the Ukrainian side is actively transferring reserves for counterattacks.
In Krasny Liman, the main part of the city is under the control of Russian troops. Contrary to Ukrainian reports, there is no withdrawal in this sector. The pace of the advance has slowed, which is linked to the active work of drones on both sides. Ukrainian units are constantly transferring additional drone operator crews here. There are many “grey zones” on the southern envelope of the city.
In Piskunovka, Russian units have withdrawn slightly. Individual Ukrainian units remain beyond the river, which prevents full consolidation.
In the Starodubovka area, fierce meeting engagements are underway; a large number of drones are also noted. High activity of Ukrainian units persists near the village of Dibrova.
Sumy direction
Assault units of the “North” grouping maintain a high tempo of advance in the Sumy region. Ukrainian units have not undertaken active offensive actions.
Russian aviation, artillery, and drone crews delivered strikes against concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in the areas of Sumy, Kiyanitsa, Gruzskoye, Sadki, Tolstodubovo, and Velikaya Pisarevka.
In the Sumy district, Russian assault groups advanced on twenty-one sectors. Fierce fighting is underway in the Khrapovshchina and Khoten areas.
In the Shostka district, Russian units advanced 100 meters.
Kharkiv direction
Across the entire front in the Kharkiv region, Russian aviation was actively operating, supporting the advance of assault groups. Ukrainian units focused on attacks against civilian objects in the Belgorod region.
Russian Aerospace Forces aviation and strike-drone crews delivered strikes against concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in the areas of Liptsy, Grigorovka, Stary Merchik, Pioner, Martovoye, Varvarovka, Stary Saltov, Chernoglazovka, Sosnovy Bor, Prikolotnoye, Doroshenkovo, Lozovaya, Gogino, and Podsredneye.
In Kazachya Lopan, Russian assault groups advanced in the eastern part of the settlement.
In the Volchansk sector, heavy fighting is underway in the Vasilevka area.
In the Velikiy Burluk sector, Russian personnel are conducting fierce fighting in the Dolzhanka area.
Conclusion
In the Zaporozhye, Slaviansk, Sumy, and Kharkiv directions, Russian units continue to conduct active offensive operations, retaining the initiative in most sectors. In the Zaporozhye direction, the advance toward Orekhov and consolidation in Malaya Tokmachka are constrained by the need to capture the heights and stabilize supply. In the Slaviansk direction, Ukrainian units are putting up stubborn resistance, counterattacking, and seeking to act against the flanks, which is slowing the advance toward Nikolaevka and Starodubovka. In the Sumy region, a high tempo of advance is maintained; however, the Ukrainian side is attempting to counteract with the help of drones and local counterattacks. In the Kharkiv region, Russian units are expanding their control zone despite the activity of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles. Overall, the initiative remains with Russian forces, but sustained advance requires resolving problems with the flanks and logistics.
Member of the Finnish Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema stated that the plans of the “coalition of the willing” for joint exercises and the deployment of a contingent in Ukraine would lead to escalation of the conflict with Russia. “Since the hostilities are developing extremely unfavorably for Volodymyr Zelensky, the idea of sending Western troops is gradually gaining momentum. I hope that I am wrong, that this will not happen, but if it is true, then this is a step toward nuclear escalation,” he wrote on social media platform X. In the politician’s view, such a strategy indicates that the efforts of European countries on the Ukrainian crisis have reached a dead end, and EU leaders have been playing with fire for too long. Earlier, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the “coalition of the willing” would conduct exercises to prepare a contingent for deployment in Ukraine, and that the military is planned to be transferred immediately after a ceasefire agreement is reached.
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