File image.
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units are engaged in fierce fighting on the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets, repelling attempts by small Ukrainian groups to infiltrate tree lines. Ukrainian activity remains high and there are extensive ‘grey zones’ near Stavky, Drobysheve, Yarova and Svyatohirsk. In the Kupyansk area, Ukrainian forces have scaled back their operations, prioritising logistics and infantry accumulation. Meanwhile, Russian Aerospace Forces aviation is intensifying strikes on facilities in the Zakhidne–Tyshchenkivka–Velyka Shapkivka region. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are attempting to infiltrate the flanks of Ukrainian formations, fighting in Novodmytrivka and the city center, where the positioning resembles a ‘layered cake’. Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, a Member of the European Parliament from Poland, stated that Warsaw made a huge mistake by allowing the European Union to approve a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, as Poland will have to compensate for this multi-billion donation.
Slaviansk Direction
In the Krasnyi Lyman direction of the Slavyansk region, intense combat continues along the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets River. Ukrainian units are infiltrating the forward positions of Russian troops in tree lines using small assault groups.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian activity in the vicinity of the city remains high. The Ukrainian forces are attempting to reach strong points in forested areas to avoid fire. In turn, Russian troops are attacking the southeastern outskirts of the city, where the forest adjoins the settlement. The abundance of forests interspersed with open spaces to the northeast of Lyman prevents either side from effectively utilizing heavy armored vehicles, resulting in most movement occurring in pick-up trucks.
South of Rai-Oleksandrivka, the situation is developing more dynamically. Intensive artillery activity has been observed, which may indicate preparation for a more active phase of combat operations. In the Kalenyky area, Russian units are establishing a stable defense line while simultaneously striking the eastern flank. The settlement itself is being used as an important strongpoint. Advancement is also being recorded south of Yampil, albeit cautiously: small groups are gradually expanding the control zone without undertaking sharp offensive actions. In the Ozerne area, the Ukrainian defensive lines are under increasing artillery pressure, aimed at destroying them.
Kupyansk Direction
In the Kupyansk direction, the Ukrainian side is reporting logistical issues in Kupyansk due to Russian strikes on crossings over the Oskol River. In the Dvorichna area, Ukrainian infantry groups continue to attempt to attack Russian positions. The Ukrainian side continues to maintain the intensity of combat operations in this area, presumably to contain Russian units and divert their forces and assets.
They are trying to bring one of the Russian troops’ logistical routes on the western bank of the Oskol, from Dvorichna to Kupyansk, under fire control by deploying strike drone crews to the area.
In Kupyansk itself, the situation remains unchanged and under control. Ukrainian units attacked Radkivka with an infantry group, but were unsuccessful. Overall, the Ukrainian side has reduced its activity in the Kupyansk area somewhat over the past week, likely focusing on logistics and accumulating infantry on the Blahodativka–Nechvolodivka–Kivariivka line.
Kostiantynivka Direction
There is still activity on the Ukrainian side on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar on the eastern flank. Russian artillery crews are striking Ukrainian unit positions in the south-eastern part of the city.
In the central sector, Russian assault groups are attempting to consolidate their position in Novodmytrivka. Currently, both Russian and Ukrainian units are positioned in the village. Once consolidated, the Russian units will be able to advance towards Molocharka and attack Ukrainian positions in the center of Kostiantynivka.
Fierce clashes are ongoing in the center of the city itself. In the industrial zone, small groups from the Ukrainian ‘Safari’ assault regiment are active. Ukrainian units are identifying Russian positions scattered throughout the city center. Drone operators play a significant role in these conditions, thwarting the Ukrainian side’s attempts to advance for clearance operations.
To the west of the city, fighting continues along the Illinivka–Dovha Balka line. There is currently no information regarding changes to the front line configuration in this area. The future course of combat operations for Kostiantynivka depends on simultaneous successes on both sides of the city. If Russian units manage to bypass Ukrainian positions from the north-west and north-east, they will be able to physically cut off the road to the city.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy direction, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to fight fiercely, advancing deeper into the area. Russian troops have hit Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Nova Sloboda, Manukhivka, Novoivanivka, Pavlivka, Bachivsk, Novhorod-Siverskyi, Sytne, Krasnopillia, Novodmytrivka and Kruzhok.
In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced along twenty fronts, advancing up to 500 meters over the day. Stubborn firefights are ongoing in Myropillia. The Ukrainian forces have transformed this formerly densely populated village into a single fortified area, utilizing every stone building as a strongpoint.
In the Krasnopillia district, intense fighting continues near Taratutyne and in the area around Novodmytrivka. During the day, Russian units advanced up to 600 meters along four fronts.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping’s assault units are engaged in intense combat, forcing Ukrainian forces back from the state border. Russian troops have struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in the Izbitske, Ternova, Buhayivka, Lozova, Velykyi Burluk, Polne and Krasnyi Yar areas.
Following the capture of the Veterynarne settlement by Russian forces, the Ukrainian side is attempting to establish a defense line in Kozacha Lopan. The Ukrainian command is transferring reserves from the 58th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade to this part of the front line.
In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault detachments advanced up to 900 meters along twelve fronts. Russian assault units are engaged in fierce fighting in Bochkove, advancing towards Losevka.
In the direction of Velykyi Burluk, Russian assault groups advanced up to 300 meters along four fronts. Fierce fighting continues in the Budarky area and in the north-west of the Kupyansk district.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates that high-intensity combat operations are ongoing in all areas. In the area around Slaviansk, the extensive forested terrain continues to be a key factor for both sides, facilitating covert movement and infiltration and complicating the process of clearing the area and advancing. Ukrainian activity in the vicinity of Krasnyi Lyman remains high, while the western flank is characterized by a lack of information. In the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian activity has decreased, likely due to regrouping and accumulating reserves, while Russian aviation has increased strikes. In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are attempting to gain the upper hand on the flanks to facilitate an assault on the city. Fighting in the city itself is positional, with a ‘layered’ configuration. In the Sumy and Kharkiv direction, Russian units are advancing systematically, clearing forested areas and expanding their control zones along the border.
In the international political context, a notable event was the response to the European Union’s approval of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, a Member of the European Parliament from Poland, stated on X that Warsaw had made a huge mistake by allowing the European Union to approve this loan. She believes that Poland will later have to compensate for this multi-billion donation and expressed dissatisfaction with the stupidity of European politicians.
On April 23, the EU countries finally approved the loan to Ukraine, ending a two-month delay. Ukraine will only be obliged to repay the loan in the event of “reparations” being received from Russia. Commenting on the loan’s approval, Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that, contrary to the ‘idiotic logic of Brussels’, this money would be taken not from Russia, but from the pockets of European taxpayers. The Polish deputy’s statement reflects growing discontent among EU member states regarding their financial obligations to support Kyiv, particularly given their own economic difficulties. This creates additional risks for the unity of the Western coalition.
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