Russian Troops Capture Strategic Heights In Zakotne: Why This Is Bad News For Ukrainian Forces In Slaviansk

In the direction of Zaporizhzhia, the 36th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade’s assault groups from the “East” grouping have consolidated control over the Pridorožne area and reached the Pokrovske–Zheleznodorozhne railway line. In the Kostiantynivka area, Russian forces have strengthened their position by taking control of the “Metallurg” garden community to the north of the T-0504 highway. In the Kramatorsk area, there have been intense clashes with Ukrainian units counterattacking in the Nykyforivka and Minkivka areas. In the combined Lyman-Slaviansk area, Russian troops have advanced in the Zakotne area and on the approaches to Svyatohirsk. In the Kharkiv and Sumy areas, combat operations are concentrated in the forested areas near Vovchansk and along the Khoten–Mohrytsia line. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has called on the Donald Trump administration to begin providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, stating that it could be a “game-changer” on the battlefield.

Zaporizhzhia Direction

In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian units have been consolidating their positions and preparing to advance to the next defensive lines. Assault groups from the 36th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade have taken control of the Pridorožne area. According to available information, Russian servicemen took control of an area of over three square kilometers during the clashes.

A key tactical achievement was the advance of Russian units to the Pokrovske–Zheleznodorozhne railway line, which runs along the watershed ridge between the Haichur and Verkhnia Tersa rivers. This advance allows Russian forces to control the entrance to the large Solena Balka ravine, which extends through Rozhdestvenske to the eponymous river that flows into the Verkhnia Tersa.

Currently, Russian assault groups are operating on the southern outskirts of Zheleznodorozhne to create a bridgehead for possible operations towards Rizdvianka. The radial highway O-081238 passes through Zheleznodorozhne and continues south, providing rear communications for Ukrainian units on the Rozhdestvenske–Verkhnia Tersa–Zheleznodorozhne section. Thus, the “East” grouping has begun an operation to overcome the Ukrainian troops’ defense belt on the Rozhdestvenske–Zaliznychne line, which is positioned on the reverse slopes of the watershed.

Kramatorsk Direction

In the direction of Kramatorsk, units of the 3rd Combined Arms Army of the “South” grouping are engaged in intense battles in several areas. The most active clashes are occurring in the Maiske–Veroliubivka and Pryvollya–Minkivka–Novomar’kove areas. Ukrainian units are undertaking numerous counterattacks to prevent a Russian troop breakthrough towards the Slaviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration, utilizing the height advantage located west and northwest of these settlements.

In the Minkivka–Holubivka area, Ukrainian units are attempting to infiltrate the Minkivsky forest. Fierce fighting continues in Nykyforivka and on the surrounding heights. Russian units have taken control of most of Nykyforivka, but Ukrainian troops hold the dominant heights to the west, north (from Rai-Oleksandrivka, beyond height 202.6), and northeast of the settlement. The Sorochyi Forest remains largely under Ukrainian control.

Kostiantynivka Direction

In the direction of Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are slowly but steadily improving their tactical position. They have captured the “Metallurg” garden association, which allows them to advance north of the T-0504 highway. This area borders a series of strongpoints where a relatively high concentration of Ukrainian troops has been observed. Russian aviation and drone operators are striking targets in Kostiantynivka. In turn, Ukrainian units are increasing their use of unmanned ground robotic systems.

South of Kostiantynivka, along the Berestok–Ivanopillia line, Russian troops have advanced to the northern shore of the Kleban-Byk Reservoir and captured part of the surrounding forest. Ukrainian servicemen operate in small, mobile groups in this area up to the outskirts of Pleshcheevka. The situation north of Yablonivka remains dynamic, with ongoing engagements.

Slaviansk Direction

Russian units are active in several different areas. Fighting continues within the area of responsibility of the “West” troop grouping on the Lyman section. Russian assault groups are advancing north on both sides of Korovii Yar, using the tree lines as cover. There are constant clashes on the Aleksandrivka–Sosnove–Svyatohirsk line, where Russian units are operating in the forests and on the eastern outskirts of Svyatohirsk. Ukrainian units regularly counterattack in the Yarova area. Fighting continues in Drobysheve from Stavky, where Russian troops aim to eliminate a tactical “pocket” while advancing toward the outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman and capturing strong points on its approaches. On the southern flank of this section, combat operations are ongoing near Dibrova and Ozerne.

In the Zakotne area of the Siversk section, Russian units have captured strategic heights along the Siverskyi Donets River and taken control of several large strongpoints. This creates a geographic and tactical advantage for advancing towards Kryva Luka. Fighting continues in the Reznykivka area. In the southern part of the Slavyansk area, Russian troops advanced along the M-03 highway and took control of Nykyforivka. Clearing operations are underway there. In Minkivka, assault groups are operating deep within the settlement and overcoming intense resistance involving the mass use of Ukrainian drones. There has also been an expansion of the control zone north of Pryvollya, including part of the elevation.

Kharkiv Direction

Russian units are active in several different areas. Fighting continues within the area of responsibility of the “West” troop grouping on the Lyman section. Russian assault groups are advancing north on both sides of Korovii Yar, using the tree lines as cover. There are constant clashes on the Aleksandrivka–Sosnove–Svyatohirsk line, where Russian units are operating in the forests and on the eastern outskirts of Svyatohirsk. Ukrainian units regularly counterattack in the Yarova area. Fighting continues in Drobysheve from Stavky, where Russian troops aim to eliminate a tactical “pocket” while advancing toward the outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman and capturing strong points on its approaches. On the southern flank of this section, combat operations are ongoing near Dibrova and Ozerne.

In the Zakotne area of the Siversk section, Russian units have captured strategic heights along the Siverskyi Donets River and taken control of several large strongpoints. This creates a geographic and tactical advantage for advancing towards Kryva Luka. Fighting continues in the Reznykivka area. In the southern part of the Slavyansk area, Russian troops advanced along the M-03 highway and took control of Nykyforivka. Clearing operations are underway there. In Minkivka, assault groups are operating deep within the settlement and overcoming intense resistance involving the mass use of Ukrainian drones. There has also been an expansion of the control zone north of Pryvollya, including part of the elevation.

Sumy Direction

In the Sumy area, Russian units are conducting offensive operations at a relatively low but steady intensity in an attempt to improve their tactical position in several areas. Combat operations are ongoing near Kondrativka. Russian troops have taken control of several tree lines and territories west of Yunakivka south of Oleksiivka. Russian troops are systematically advancing towards the forested areas between Khoten and Mohrytsia. In the Miropillia area, on the eastern flank, Russian units have gained a foothold in a significant territory along the state border, though an assault on the settlement itself has not yet been discussed. In addition to tactical objectives, activity in this area aims to pin down part of the Ukrainian units’ reserves, which could indirectly influence the situation on other, more tense sections of the front. 

Conclusion

The operational situation remains complex and multi-layered along the main lines of advance. In the Zaporizhzhia area, the “East” units have consolidated their tactical success near Pridorožne and begun breaking through the next line of Ukrainian defenses along the Rozhdestvenske–Zheleznodorozhne line. In the Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka areas, intense positional fighting continues as both sides strive to exploit the terrain and utilize modern weapons, including robotic systems and drones. In the combined Lyman-Slaviansk area, Russian troops have made progress, particularly on the flanks in the Zakotne area and near Svyatohirsk. However, Ukrainian units still have the capacity to counterattack. In the Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Sumy areas, combat operations are localized, concentrated in forested regions, and aimed at gradually improving tactical positions and exhausting Ukrainian troops. There is a growing reliance on precision weapons, artillery, and unmanned systems of all types, which are having a decisive influence on the course of ground combat.

In his address on the social network X, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called on U.S. President Donald Trump to begin providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Graham stated that, in his assessment, such a step could be a “game-changer” in terms of the battlefield situation. According to Graham, the pressure measures aimed at pushing the Russian side to negotiate and cease strikes on Ukraine are not yet yielding the desired results. He also supported increasing economic pressure, including measures against buyers of Russian oil. He cited India as an example, claiming that it has reduced purchases. Graham believes that if other major buyers follow India’s lead, it could contribute to ending the conflict.

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