File image.
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian assault groups have reached the center of the city and seized control by employing flanking maneuvers and combined strikes. In the direction of Dnipropetrovsk, Russian units captured the settlement of Dobropsovka, which enabled them to suppress small groups of Ukrainian units across a wide sector of the front. In the Sumy area, Russian assault groups advanced 900 meters while fighting in Zapsillia, Ivolzhanske, and Kondrativka. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops advanced 1,100 meters in the Vovchansk sector and 1,000 meters in the Velykyi Burluk sector. They fought in Karaichne, Okhrimivka, and Budarka. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine special status in the EU will face strong resistance.
Dnipropetrovsk Direction
In the direction of Dnipropetrovsk, Russian troops are gradually clearing tactical “pockets” left after the Ukrainian side’s winter offensive, despite the resistance of Ukrainian units. Recently, Russian units gained control of the Dobropasove settlement. This was an unexpected development because Ukrainian units had regularly sent small groups to demonstrate their presence in a fairly wide sector of the front near the former defense line between Yehorivka, Verbove, and Berezove. These small groups are still active to this day.
With control of Dobropasove, Russian units can suppress small Ukrainian unit actions along a wide sector of the combat line. If they also manage to regain control of the Orestopil and Tykhe settlements and fully reach the Vovcha River line again, a complete cessation of Ukrainian sorties can be expected. However, this is not an easy task, and it may no longer be relevant given the delays in publishing footage. According to some reports, Russian units have already crossed the Vovcha River and are operating in small infiltration groups on its northern bank. The success of the advance in this sector depends on establishing a stable supply of the bridgehead and controlling the “low sky.”
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy region, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to advance. Russian troops have attacked concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Ulanovo, Katerynivka, Frunzenka, Konotop, Bachivsk, Vilna Sloboda, Mala Slobidka, Sukhodil, and Nova Sich.Assault groups from the “North” grouping are engaged in firefights in the Bachivsk area. In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced up to 900 meters along twenty-one fronts. Firefights are ongoing in Zapsillia, Ivolzhanske, and Kondrativka, as well as in the areas surrounding these settlements.
In the Krasnopillia district, Russian assault groups advanced up to 350 meters in Riasne and the surrounding area. The “North” grouping’s rocket launchers struck positions of the 119th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in the Krasnopillia area.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv area, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to expand the security zone. Russian troops have attacked concentrations of Ukrainian personnel and equipment in Varvarivka, Rubizhne, Izbitske, Kolodezne, Derhachi, Senne, Bohodukhiv, and Oleksandrivka.
There are ongoing firefights in Hranove. Russian assault groups are pushing Ukrainian servicemen out of the border settlement.
In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault units advanced up to 1,100 meters across nine sectors. Russian assault groups are engaged in firefights in Karaichne and Okhrimivka, as well as in the forested areas of the Vovchansk district. Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews struck positions of the 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian units in the Okhrimivka area with heavy flamethrower systems.
Meanwhile, on the opposite bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, Ukrainian units attempted a counterattack in the Izbitske area. As a result of intense firefights, most of the Ukrainian troops were destroyed, and the survivors withdrew.
In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian servicemen advanced approximately 1,000 meters along five fronts, including Budarka, the forested areas of the Kupyansk district, and the Novovasylivka area.
Kostiantynivka Direction
In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian units are continuing combat operations to establish control over the city. Clashes in city blocks are the most complex form of assault operations. Russian assault groups are systematically clearing the city, house by house and block by block.
Compared to the battles for Bakhmut, Russian units’ tactics have noticeably changed. Instead of straightforward frontal assaults, they now implement complete coordination of all formations operating in the area, including units of all branches and types of troops. The Ukrainian defense is stretched by flanking maneuvers, envelopments, and the activation of adjacent sectors. They carry out combined strikes with all means of fire engagement on the Ukrainian side’s reserves, rear areas, and command posts. Constant, persistent, and methodical pressure on Ukrainian units’ defense pockets in city blocks prevents them from conducting rotations and supplying their defense groups.
Fighting in adjacent sectors ties down the remnants of Ukrainian reserves, restricting their maneuverability and forcing them to withdraw block by block to the northwest towards the settlement of Oleksievo-Druzhkivka. Russian assault groups have reached the center of Kostiantynivka and control it, as well as almost the entire urban line of combat operations.
Fighting continues on the flanks for full control of Molocharka and the Podolske-Stenky area. On the left flank, the clearing of Dovha Balka is underway. Units have reached Rozkishne and established a line of barriers along the Lozova River. This threatens the southwestern outskirts of Oleksievo-Druzhkivka.
According to local reports, Russian troops are engaged in clashes near School No. 5 in the 89th block. The fighting is gradually shifting to the northern part of the city. From the west, Russian assault groups are breaking through towards the center and the refractory plant from the Krasnyi Horodok district along Levanevskoho Street. In the Illinivka area, Ukrainian servicemen remain present, as the command has ordered them to hold their positions.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Dnipropetrovsk area, the capturing of Dobropasove enabled Russian forces to suppress small groups of Ukrainian troops and established the foundation for regaining control along the Vovcha River. In the Sumy area, Russian troops are advancing systematically, expanding their control zones in Zapsillia, Ivolzhanske, and Kondrativka. In the Kharkiv area, advances in the Vovchansk and Velykyi Burluk sectors and the destruction of counterattacking groups demonstrate the steady expansion of the security zone along the border. In the Kostiantynivka area, Russian assault groups have used flanking maneuver tactics and combined strikes to reach and control the center of the city, gradually pushing Ukrainian units back to the northwestern outskirts.
In the international political context, a notable event was a statement made by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. He stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine special associated membership status in the European Union will face strong resistance. Fico emphasized that the prospect of membership should first be offered to countries that are ready for it, including Montenegro, Albania, and, most importantly, Serbia, as they have implemented the necessary reforms. He believes that discussing any special status for Ukraine is only possible after these three countries are admitted to the EU. The Slovakian prime minister also linked this issue to a peaceful settlement, stating that Ukraine’s special membership can only be discussed after peace is established. Fico’s statement highlights persistent disagreements within the European Union regarding Ukraine’s integration and reflects the position of countries that advocate for gradual expansion based on tangible achievements.
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