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In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian troops have seized the significant settlement of Verkhnia Tersa. This advance was achieved by motorized rifle units from the 127th Division and naval infantry from the 55th Division. This development enables a more robust offensive to the west of the Haichur River and along the railway. In the Slaviansk area, Russian troops have advanced several kilometers into Ukrainian defenses in the Minkivka region, severing logistical routes from Kramatorsk and extending control to Tykhonivka after overcoming an anti-tank ditch. Great Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured Volodymyr Zelensky that their countries would increase support for Ukraine in the coming months.
Slaviansk Direction
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units continue to operate in small groups under the cover of drones, advancing in the Minkivka and Markove areas. In the Minkivka area, Russian units have advanced several kilometers into Ukrainian defensive positions, leaving pockets of resistance by small Ukrainian groups. These groups are being engaged by Russian drone operators. Ukrainian forces are losing ground along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. The Ukrainian forces had well-prepared, fortified positions on the dominant heights behind the canal. However, Russian units maneuvered south of Markove and advanced toward Fedorivka. This forced Ukrainian forces to stretch their reserves along the front line for defense. This maneuver has cut off the Ukrainian side’s logistical routes from Kramatorsk.
While some Russian units conducted a diversionary maneuver, others expanded their control zone to Tykhonivka by overcoming an anti-tank ditch. Clashes continue with the “Skala” assault regiment, which has 2.5 times more personnel than regular units. Even these units are suffering significant losses in this sector, however.
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units continue to operate in small groups under the cover of drones, advancing in the Minkivka and Markove areas. In the Minkivka area, Russian units have advanced several kilometers into Ukrainian defensive positions, leaving pockets of resistance by small Ukrainian groups. These groups are being engaged by Russian drone operators. Ukrainian forces are losing ground along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. The Ukrainian forces had well-prepared, fortified positions on the dominant heights behind the canal. However, Russian units maneuvered south of Markove and advanced toward Fedorivka. This forced Ukrainian forces to stretch their reserves along the front line for defense. This maneuver has cut off the Ukrainian side’s logistical routes from Kramatorsk.
While some Russian units conducted a diversionary maneuver, others expanded their control zone to Tykhonivka by overcoming an anti-tank ditch. Clashes continue with the “Skala” assault regiment, which has 2.5 times more personnel than regular units. Even these units are suffering significant losses in this sector, however.
Zaporizhzhia Direction
In the direction of Slavyansk, Russian units continue to operate in small groups under the cover of drones, advancing in the Minkivka and Markove areas. In the Minkivka area, Russian units have advanced several kilometers into Ukrainian defensive positions, leaving pockets of resistance by small Ukrainian groups. These groups are being engaged by Russian drone operators. Ukrainian forces are losing ground along the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal. The Ukrainian forces had well-prepared, fortified positions on the dominant heights behind the canal. However, Russian units maneuvered south of Markove and advanced toward Fedorivka. This forced Ukrainian forces to stretch their reserves along the front line for defense. This maneuver has cut off the Ukrainian side’s logistical routes from Kramatorsk.
While some Russian units conducted a diversionary maneuver, others expanded their control zone to Tykhonivka by overcoming an anti-tank ditch. Clashes continue with the “Skala” assault regiment, which has 2.5 times more personnel than regular units. Even these units are suffering significant losses in this sector, however.
Ukrainian units have maintained their activity and ability to counterattack. They are attempting to advance in the western Zaporizhzhia region and in the Dnipropetrovsk region in the north. They are acting according to the situation, either infiltrating in small groups or attacking with the support of light armored vehicles.
Following the capturing of Verkhnia Tersa, the “East” grouping has continued to advance south and southwest. The Horke settlement has been almost completely cleared. The control zone southwest of Vozdvizhevka has expanded. However, counterattacks by Ukrainian units and the dispersal of their groups in the Tsvitkove–Sviatopetrivka–Zelene area are being prevented. The Ukrainian side is trying to infiltrate this area in small groups, hoping to reestablish themselves and wedge into the rear. To the south, Russian units are advancing toward Huliaipilske. There are ongoing clashes for tree lines and ravines west and south of Charivne.
Sumy Direction
In the Sumy region, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to advance. Russian troops struck Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Vilna Sloboda, Melyachykha, Pisarivka, Velyka Rybytsia, Bunyakino, Ulanovo, Esman, Mohrytsia, and Nova Sich.
In the Sumy district, Russian assault units advanced up to 450 meters along twenty fronts. The clearing of basements in former residential buildings in Zapsillia and Kondrativka continues, and firefights are ongoing in Ivolzhanske and the surrounding area.
In the Krasnopillia district, Russian assault groups advanced up to 250 meters in Riasne and the surrounding area. The Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense crews of the “North” grouping attacked positions of the 119th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of Ukrainian units in the forested area near Lisne with heavy flamethrower systems.
Kharkiv Direction
In the Kharkiv area, the “North” grouping’s assault units continue to expand the security zone. Russian troops attacked Ukrainian unit personnel and equipment concentrations in Sosnivka, Varvarivka, Izbitske, Rubizhne, Bohodukhiv, Martove, and Khmelivka.
In Hranove, Russian assault groups advanced 200 meters. In the Vovchansk area, the “North” grouping’s assault units advanced up to 600 meters across nine sectors. The 82nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 69th Motorized Rifle Division of the 6th Army overcame resistance and expelled the remaining Ukrainian servicemen from the 120th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade in Shesterivka. They now control this settlement. Russian assault units are also engaged in firefights in Okhrimivka and in the forested areas of the Vovchansk district. In the direction of Velykyi Burluk, Russian servicemen advanced up to 1,100 meters on three fronts, including Budarka and the forested areas of the Kupyansk district.
Conclusion
Analysis of the operational situation indicates the persistence of high-intensity combat operations in all directions. In the Zaporizhzhia area, the capturing of Verkhnia Tersa represents a significant tactical victory, creating opportunities for a further advance to the west and enabling the bypassing of Ukrainian units’ fortified lines. In the Slaviansk area, Russian troops are cutting off the Ukrainian side’s logistical routes and expanding control zones by using maneuvers and small-group tactics, despite the Ukrainian side’s active use of drones and counterattacks. In the Sumy and Kharkiv areas, Russian troops are advancing methodically, capturing settlements and expanding the security zone along the border.
In the international political context, an important event was the joint statement by the leaders of Great Britain, France, and Germany. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Great Britain, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured Volodymyr Zelensky that their countries would increase their support for Ukraine in the coming months. According to a Downing Street statement following the online talks, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” No details about the talks were provided. Earlier, Great Britain authorized the indefinite import of diesel and kerosene produced from Russian oil in third countries. According to the Associated Press, Kyiv is “clarifying details” of the new measures with London. This statement demonstrates the continued support for Ukraine by key European powers despite their internal economic and political difficulties.