Comprehensive Battlefront Breakdown: A Strategic Look at Every Front

Today, we will discuss the most interesting developments along the front line, focusing on Sumy, Kharkiv, Novopavlika, Velyka Novosilka, and Zaporizhia. 

In the Sumy sector, Ukrainian forces continue to build on recent successes, particularly along the axis after the border. Following the successful recapture of Andriivka, Ukrainian units have now stopped Russian troops west of Kostyantynivka. Even though the area remains contested within the gray zone, the momentum has clearly shifted in Ukraine’s favor as stated by Ukrainian military officials.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian troops have advanced into Kindrativka, a key border town. Intense close-quarters fighting is ongoing, as Ukrainian forces aim to secure the area and eliminate lingering Russian elements.

The clearing of Kindrativka would help stabilize the frontier and push Russian forces further from the capital of the region. This sustained pressure shows Ukraine's commitment to fortifying its northern front and preempting further incursions before they threaten larger urban centers.

In the Kharkiv sector, Russian forces have increased pressure along the Oskil River axis, aiming to gradually establish a more cohesive front. Despite no signs of major redeployments or a large-scale offensive, Russian troops have leveraged local advantages to capture the village of Milove and adjacent forest belts to the west and south. These localized gains are designed to support a potential forward thrust along the western bank of the Oskil, as Russian commanders seek to intensify activity without committing additional major forces.

While the fall of Milove did not result from a full-scale assault, Russian units are now attempting to exploit their foothold by advancing toward the next line of Ukrainian villages. With Ukraine's primary reserves committed to more critical sectors, defenders here must hold with constrained manpower and material. The days ahead will test whether these Russian advances translate into meaningful momentum or stall under Ukrainian resistance.

In the Novopavlivka sector, Russian forces have captured the settlements of Zelenyi Kut and Novoukrainka, located near the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. This advance put additional pressure on Ukrainian positions around the village of Dachne, where Russian troops are actively attempting to breach defenses. Ukrainian forces remain engaged in containing this thrust, determined to prevent the enemy from gaining a secure foothold beyond the regional boundary with the situation remaining dynamic and tense. 

To counter the growing threat, Ukraine has redeployed reinforcements to the area, including specialized drone units tasked with identifying and neutralizing small enemy infiltration groups. Despite these efforts, the Russian numerical advantage and relentless infantry assaults continue to test Ukrainian lines. While Ukrainian defenders have so far managed to repel enemy forces after each incursion, the frequency and intensity of Russian assaults are increasing.

In the Velyka Novosilka sector, Ukrainian forces have completed a successful tactical withdrawal from a dangerous position north of Rivnopil. The 1st Battalion of the 31st Mechanized Brigade, which had been holding a pocket surrounded on three sides, safely disengaged without losses.

This position had seen heavy combat, with fighting so intense that even mortar teams were forced into direct rifle engagements with the soldiers remaining in place under difficult conditions. Their extended defense exemplifies the discipline and endurance of the Ukrainian infantry. Actions like these, conducted far beyond what is required, form the backbone of Ukraine’s defense across the entire front line.

In the Zaporizhia sector, Russian infantry continues to exert relentless pressure on Ukrainian positions, leveraging numerical superiority and strong drone support. Russian drones target both personnel and movements, complicating efforts to maintain defensive lines. Through this pressure, Russian troops have captured Lobkove, infiltrating from multiple directions and entrenching themselves within the village ruins. Ukrainian drones are actively hunting these scattered enemy groups, with engagements seen on the northern outskirts.

The Russians are advancing in small, dispersed infantry units, often concealed in basements or tree lines. They now frequently employ “invisibility cloaks” to evade detection, while crawling slowly instead of running across open ground to minimize drone exposure. These tactics, though not new, are increasingly common and effective in reducing Russian casualties. Despite these adjustments, Ukrainian forces continue to hold firm, using drone strikes to methodically eliminate enemy infiltration attempts across the broader Zaporizhia frontline.

Overall, at Sumy, Ukrainian forces have not only stabilized the line but are now recapturing positions.

Meanwhile, in the Kharkiv sector, Russian troops try to improve their defense by consolidating territory previously in the gray zone.

Near Novopavlika, the Russians have managed to take under their control more territory but are under constant Ukrainian fire.

North of Velyka Novosilka the Ukrainians have conducted a fighting withdrawal to improve their defense posture and avoid unnecessary losses.

South of Zaporizhia, the Russians are trying to crawl forward and avoid intense Ukrainian drone activity.

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