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While global attention is riveted on the escalation in the Middle East, Russian troops are systematically pressing Ukraine’s defenses across all strategic directions. From the Kharkiv to the Sumy regions, Russian units are not just pushing the front line — they are creating encirclement threats and seizing key positions, potentially leading to the collapse of entire sectors of Ukrainian defense.
In the Kharkiv direction, the “North” grouping cleared the outskirts of Lyman, trapped Ukrainian forces in a “fire bag” in the Verkhyna tract, captured Krugle, and is advancing on Nesterne. Toward Slavyansk, Russian troops repelled Ukrainian attempts to enter Novoselivka, regained control of part of the settlement, expanded the “grey zone” in Drobysheve, and continued clearing pockets on the northeastern outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman. In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces advanced toward Serhiivka, consolidated positions in Molodetske — splitting the Ukrainian grouping — and seized new lines in northern Hryshyne. In the Sumy sector, the “North” grouping advanced 600 meters, repelling counterattacks and striking concentrations of Ukrainian personnel.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv region, Russian units are steadily expanding their control over the border areas. Despite regular counterattacks by Ukrainian units, assault groups are advancing on several sectors simultaneously. West of Vovchansk, Russian troops are forcing Ukrainian forces back from their positions on the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets River. Assault troops have finally cleared the outskirts of Lyman and established control over tree lines near the road between Lyman and Vilcha.
To the east, the “North” grouping caught Ukrainian units in a “fire bag” in the Verkhyna tract during several attacks. The Ukrainian forces had held positions in this forested area for a long time because its capturing would open the way for Russian troops to advance on Zybine and threaten the encirclement of Ukrainian units in Vovchanski Khutory.
After several weeks of clashes, Russian troops cleared Krugle. Forward groups are attacking Nesterne. Liberating Nesterne will allow them to establish fire control over part of the left bank of the Vovcha River between Mykolaivka and Budarky. Ukrainian units still control forested areas near Chuhunivka on the eastern flank of the direction.
In Vovchanski Khutory, there is fierce fighting over the ruins of residential buildings. Crews of heavy flamethrower systems have engaged the 127th Separate Tank Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian forces in the forested areas around Verkhnya Pysarivka. In the direction of Lyptsi, assault groups of the 11th Army Corps advanced up to 300 meters in the forested area towards Vesele during fierce fighting.
In the Velykyi Burluk area, Russian assault groups advanced 600 meters and pushed Ukrainian units out of two strongpoints in the forest during intense fighting. South of Vovchansk, “Geran-2” drone crews and aviation continue to attack Ukrainian unit positions. Russian units have taken control of the Hrafskoho and Neskuchne settlements.
Slaviansk Direction
Active combat operations continue in the Krasnyi Lyman sector of the Slavyansk area. Russian units are advancing toward the Svyatohirsk railway station, and the combat zone is expanding. The rest of Aleksandrivka is becoming a “grey zone.” Ukrainian units attempting to break into Novoselivka through Yarova have been repelled. Advancements have been recorded in the northeast of the settlement, and the planting of a Russian flag confirms confident control over this zone. In Novoselivka itself, control has been restored over the part of the settlement that was previously lost; the remnants of Ukrainian unit groups are being cleared out.
The pressure from the north on Krasnyi Lyman threatens to stretch the defense and forces the Ukrainian command to transfer reserves. If the current pace continues, the Ukrainian garrison’s logistics could be compromised by an envelopment attempt. Fighting on the outskirts of Stavky indicates a struggle for stronghold positions covering the approaches to Krasnyi Lyman. A sequential scheme is forming: consolidation in Drobysheve, pressure on the northern approaches to Krasnyi Lyman, and fighting for peripheral settlements to erode the defense. If the current pace continues, Krasnyi Lyman will face mounting tactical pressure from multiple directions.
The “grey zone” in the eastern part of Drobysheve is growing. Meanwhile, the forest to the north of this settlement is being cleared. Fighting continues in Krasnyi Lyman for the area near the Central District Hospital and the tax office. In the Zelenyi Klyn area, the combat zone is expanding. Work is ongoing to clear “pockets” on the northeastern outskirts of Krasnyi Lyman. Russian units are exerting pressure in the Zverokhozyaistvo area, and efforts are underway to eliminate the “pocket” east of Shabalin Yar and the one in the farm area near Stavky. The destruction of Ukrainian units’ logistics away from the combat zone continues.
A Ukrainian unit crossing near Bohorodychne has been destroyed. The Ukrainian side is supplied through Studenok and Oskol. Controlling the central part of Drobysheve is a turning point in the local defense because the forested area is used by Ukrainian units for cover, concealed maneuvering routes, and positions for drone crews and artillery corrections. Losing the center complicates holding the periphery.
Pokrovsk Direction
In the Udachne area of the Pokrovsk direction, Russian troops advanced towards Serhiivka. Ukrainian units counterattacked from Kalynivka. Russian troops captured lines in Molodetske, splitting the Ukrainian troop grouping and preventing counterattacks towards Udachne. Fighters from the “Center” group continue to destroy Ukrainian infantry and equipment in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad areas. The militants of the Ukrainian units, their combat equipment, firing points, transport, positions, and heavy drones have been eliminated. In the Hryshyne area, Russian troops have consolidated their position in the northern part of the village, and rifle battles are ongoing.
Sumy Direction
During stubborn fighting, assault groups of the “North” grouping advanced on eight sections in the Sumy district and on two sections in the Hlukhiv district. Throughout the day, they advanced up to 600 meters. According to residents of the Sumy region who posted on social networks, groups of the 24th Separate “Aidar” Assault Battalion moved toward Bachivsk (Shostka district) to reinforce the 5th Border Detachment units in that area.
Russian aviation struck concentrations of the 2nd Battalion, 115th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, in a tree line south of Iskrykivshchyna. There is data indicating significant losses of Ukrainian personnel.
The command of the 143rd Separate Mechanized Brigade’s artillery division received an order to transfer 30 servicemen to the 225th Separate Assault Regiment to participate in assault operations. Notably, this order was given immediately after a meeting between Ukrainian leadership representatives and the artillerymen.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates a continued high tempo of combat operations in all directions. In the Kharkiv area, Russian troops from the “North” group have steadily improved their tactical position by clearing forested areas and settlements. This poses an encirclement threat to Ukrainian forces in Vovchanski Khutory and expands Russian control over the left bank of the Siverskyi Donets. In the direction of Slovyansk, Russian troops operating in small groups are expanding the “grey zones” in Drobysheve and Novoselivka. They are exerting pressure on Krasnyi Lyman from several directions and destroying the logistics and crossings of Ukrainian units. In the Pokrovsk area, units of the “Center” grouping are advancing, breaking through Ukrainian defenses and establishing new lines of control. In the Sumy area, the “North” grouping continues to advance methodically, striking Ukrainian reserves and equipment.
An important event in the international political context was the statement by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. During a press conference broadcast on the Slovak TV channel TA3, Fico announced his intention to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the situation with the Druzhba pipeline. He confirmed his interest in meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss restoring the pipeline’s operation, emphasizing that this is in the European Union’s interest. However, he believes that such a meeting should be preceded by a meeting with the President of the European Commission. Fico proposed holding a meeting with representatives from Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine on the sidelines of the European Commission.
This indicates an attempt by European countries to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis caused by the halt in the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine. In turn, Kyiv offered Fico dates for a visit to Ukraine — March 6 or 9 — to discuss all outstanding issues. However, Fico’s position on the need for prior discussion with the EU leadership demonstrates that the problem has gone beyond bilateral relations and requires a pan-European approach. Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities and Russian troops’ successful offensive in all directions, the energy conflict between Ukraine and Central European countries poses additional risks to EU unity and could affect the bloc’s future policy toward Kyiv.
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