File image.
In the Druzhkivka direction Ukrainian units are attacking south of Druzhkivka, but they are unable to turn the situation around: Russian units are striking Ukrainian infiltration groups and attempting to capture new lines, while on the western flank Russian units have crossed the Kazennyi Torets River and joined battle in the central part of Novohryhorivka. In the Sumy direction FPV-drone crews of the “North” grouping are detecting and destroying small groups of Ukrainian forces in the forests north of Sumy, and in the Shostka district Russian assault groups have advanced through the forest belts towards Korenok. In the Kharkiv direction Russian assault units of the “North” grouping are fighting heavy battles south of Alisivka and have advanced in the areas of Buhaivka, Shevchenkove Pershe and Prykolotne. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units continue to expand the zone of control on the right bank of the Oskil; on individual sectors progress towards the western outskirts of Kupyansk has been assessed at up to 1.5 km. In the concluding section the head of the German defense concern Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, has stated that in terms of defense capability Europe resembles a weak schoolboy whose stronger classmates are constantly trying to take away his lunch.
Druzhkivka Direction
South of Druzhkivka Ukrainian units are attacking, but they are unable to turn the situation around. On the eastern flank of the direction the situation is relatively stable. Russian units are seeking to push Ukrainian units out of the large salient in the Krasne area, yet full control over the positions on the sector has not yet been established because of the heavy drone situation.
In the northern districts of Kostiantynivka Russian drone crews are destroying ammunition depots of Ukrainian units, while Russian assault troops are gradually clearing the remaining cellars. On the western flank of the direction Russian units have crossed the Kazennyi Torets River and joined battle in the central part of Novohryhorivka. The greater part of the village is in a “grey zone”, and confident consolidation on its territory will be possible only after a stable crossing of the river has been secured.
In this connection the most fierce confrontation is unfolding for the large strongpoint located nearby. Its capture will partially secure the left flank of the bridgehead and the communications of Russian troops in the Krasnyi Kut area. Moreover, it can be used in the future for the accumulation of personnel and further advance on the northern bank.
Sumy Direction
FPV-drone crews of the “North” grouping have been detecting and destroying small groups of Ukrainian units in the forests north of Sumy. Ukrainian units are also relying on the active employment of drones. After the capture of Sadky Ukrainian units have begun to experience difficulties. Sabotage-and-reconnaissance groups can enter through the eastern edge of the forest and accumulate. The density of Ukrainian combat formations is low; a continuous defensive line cannot be built.
This forest north-east of Sumy is in effect a grey zone. Russian groups penetrate inside, strike at the rear, eliminate drone operators and mine roads. If a systematic approach is taken, the supply of the entire grouping of Ukrainian units on the sector can be collapsed. From the northern suburb of Sumy—Stetskivka, Kardashivka and Pishchane—representatives of the local administrations have begun to leave. In the Sumy district heavy small-arms fighting continues in the Khotyn area. In the Shostka district Russian assault groups of the “North” grouping have advanced through the forest belts towards Korenok.
Kharkiv Direction
Ukrainian units are offering fierce resistance in defence. On the Kharkiv front intensive fighting for Kozacha Lopan continues without interruption. The situation is becoming more complicated in the Alisivka area, where Ukrainian units are intensifying their attacks. On the eastern flank meeting engagements are under way in the “grey zone” north of Malyi Burluk. Clearance of sectors north of Velykyi Burluk continues, where Russian units are finishing off the remnants of Ukrainian units that found themselves encircled during the operation known as “Medvezhyi Ugol”.
In the Lyptsi direction Russian assault troops are fighting heavy battles south of Alisivka. There have been advances in the direction of Tsupivka. On the Vovchansk and Velykyi Burluk directions Russian assault groups of the “North” grouping continue to advance in a southerly direction. Over the past twenty-four hours Russian units have advanced in the area of Buhaivka, Shevchenkove Pershe and Prykolotne.
Kupyansk Direction
Russian units continue to expand the zone of control on the right bank of the Oskil. Over recent weeks progress has developed unevenly: initially Russian presence was recorded mainly in the northern and central parts of Kupyansk; later confirmation appeared of the capturing of individual positions in the western and southern built-up areas. According to open data, on individual sectors progress towards the western outskirts was assessed at up to 1.5 km.
Reports continue to arrive of the strengthening of Russian positions in the Moskovka and Sobolivka areas, where an expansion of the zone of control is also being noted. Further south, in the Yubileinyi microdistrict, the presence of Russian units has been recorded. At the same time, on individual outskirts the positions of Ukrainian units are retained, so it is still premature to speak of full control over the entire territory. Simultaneously fighting continues west of Blahodativka. Russian servicemen have cleared another strongpoint of Ukrainian units in the woodland.
Conclusion
In the Druzhkivka direction Russian units retain pressure south of Druzhkivka: on the eastern flank they are seeking to push Ukrainian forces out of the salient near Krasne; on the western flank they are consolidating after forcing the Kazennyi Torets and fighting in the central part of Novohryhorivka. In the Sumy direction Russian units of the “North” grouping are using the woodlands north of Sumy as a grey zone for strikes against the rear, the elimination of drone operators and the mining of roads. In the Kharkiv direction Russian assault units continue to advance with the support of aviation, drones and artillery, fighting for Kozacha Lopan, south of Alisivka and in the areas of Buhaivka, Shevchenkove Pershe and Prykolotne. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units are gradually expanding their presence on the right bank of the Oskil, including in the western and southern built-up areas of Kupyansk, the Moskovka, Sobolivka and Yubileinyi areas; yet on individual outskirts the positions of Ukrainian units are retained, and fighting for blocks and adjoining positions continues.
On the political background the head of the German defense concern Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, has stated that in terms of defense capability Europe resembles a weak schoolboy whose stronger classmates are constantly trying to take away his lunch. According to him, the pupils who were small, weak and indecisive were always forced to give up their lunches to the stronger ones, and the same thing is happening now: many are trying to take Europe’s lunch away. The head of the German concern asserted that European countries are capable of neither defense on land nor at sea. In this connection he considers that the cessation of investment in the European defense industry, even in the event of the end of the conflict in Ukraine, will only lead to an increase in the EU’s dependence on the United States. These statements reflect the growing difficulties of European countries in the sphere of the defense industry and testify to internal economic and political constraints affecting the possibilities of further military support. Military operations on the ground are accompanied by intensive diplomatic processes that may exert a substantial influence on the further development of the situation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence
NOW hosted at southfront.press
Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.
The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation
Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com