Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Dobropolye direction, clearing operations continue in the urban area, with Russian forces holding the southern part of the city and repelling attempts by Ukrainian units to relieve their grouping. In the Slavyansk direction, the 25th Army has regained control of Ozernoye and is developing an advance towards Krasny Liman. In the Zaporozhye direction, Russian troops have taken Yulyevka and Chervony Yar, expanding the zone of control north of Orekhov. In the Sumy region, assault groups of the “North” grouping have advanced near Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa. In the Kharkiv direction, the clearance of the Reznikovsky cauldron is nearing completion. European Union leaders at an extraordinary summit on 26–27 November will attempt to agree ways of covering Ukraine’s funding shortfall for 2027, estimated at €70 billion, and will also discuss the EU’s multiannual budget for 2028–2034.

Dobropolye direction

Clearing of the urban territory continues in Dobropolye. The southern part of the city is already under stable Russian control, although scattered Ukrainian groups are still encountered there. Ukrainian units launched a counter-attack in an attempt to relieve their grouping and cut off the salient towards Belozerskoye, operating in the areas of Novovodyanoye and Zolotoy Kolodez.

In the Zolotoy Kolodez area, Russian troops are advancing on both flanks of the settlement. On the Dobropolye front, Russian forces are expanding the zone of control around Sergeyevka. Systematic clearing of the city continues in Dobropolye. Fighting is under way on the approaches to Belozerskoye and in the Zolotoy Kolodez area.

Russian troops are increasing pressure on Belozerskoye, bypassing the town on the flanks. Units have reached the outskirts and taken up positions in the southern built-up area and adjacent forest belts. Belozerskoye lies only a few kilometers from Dobropolye. Consolidation here could open a route via Novodonetskoye and Stepanovka towards Aleksandrovka.

Territories south of Dobropolye have been cleared of Ukrainian units. Russian fighters have taken Zolotoy Kolodez in a pincer movement and continue clearance operations. Reports from the ground indicate an improvement in the forward edge and strikes against positions in the areas of Zavidovo-Kudashevo, Krivorozhye, Starorayskoye and other settlements.

Slavyansk direction

Russian units in the north have gone over to counter-attacks and have retaken Ozernoye. This eases the position of the 3rd Army in the Raygorodok area, allowing it to concentrate more strongly on Nikolayevka. Strikes from the Orekhovatka area towards Raygorodok have been repelled. The Volunteer Corps holds Nikanorovka, Malinovka and Vasyutinskoye.

Russian troops near Krasny Liman are attempting to disrupt logistics and are advancing from the areas of Zarechnoye, Torskoye and Yampol. The Ozernoye area has been cleared. If Dibrova can be regained, the southern approaches to Krasny Liman will be cleared, creating the possibility of linking up with units holding positions in the town.

In the Konstantinovka sector, intense positional fighting continues in the areas of Rayskoye and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka. Russian units are seeking to drive Ukrainian forces out of Klinovoye and Verolyubovka in order to secure the eastern flank for a future envelopment of Druzhkovka.

Zaporozhye direction

The Russian Ministry of Defence has reported that the village of Yulyevka has come under control. Nearby, Chervony Yar has also been taken adjacent to Timoshovka, which was captured the day before. The “East” grouping is expanding the zone of control north of Orekhov.

Fighting continues unabated in Orekhov itself. Judging by the pattern of operations, the Russian command is seeking to envelop the grouping center in Shirokoye, where Ukrainian forces have established a strong defensive line. Fighting continues in the northern part of Ternovatoye. Most of the settlement remains under Russian control. Earlier, Russian units took Zaporozhskoye and are gradually reducing the salient.

In the areas of Lyubitskoye and Novosoloshino, Russian troops have gone over to counter-attacks. Fighting in Vozdvizhevka has largely ended and Ukrainian units have been driven out. Battles have begun for Rozhdestvenskoye. Further south, the advance continues from the captured Chervony Yar. Assault groups are operating on the outskirts of the villages of Mirovka and Obshcheye. Thus, in the Zaporozhye direction, Russian units are systematically expanding bridgeheads, pushing Ukrainian forces out of key strongpoints and disrupting their logistics.

Sumy direction

Heavy positional fighting continues in Sumy direction. Russian aviation, drone teams and artillery are increasing the intensity of strikes against Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian units have concentrated on strengthening their defensive lines.

In the Sumy border area, positional fighting continues on the main lines. Fierce clashes are under way in the Yunakovka area; Ukrainian units are attempting to insert small groups but without success. Russian assault troops have advanced in the areas of Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa overall progress amounting to up to 300 meters.

In the Sumy district, Russian assault troops have advanced near Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa. Overall progress amounted to up to 300 meters. In the Shostka district, heavy positional fighting continues near Korenek. In the Krasnopolye district, assault groups of the “Northerners” are advancing near Turya. Russian units continue methodically to press the Ukrainian defenses, exploiting their advantage in artillery and drones.

Kharkiv direction

Assault units of the “North” grouping are developing their success in the area of the former “Volchansk cauldron”. The Ukrainian side has stepped up its information activity and is widely disseminating inaccurate claims about alleged control over lost settlements.

North of Bolshoy Burluk, clearance of the so-called Reznikovsky cauldron continues. According to official data, the main settlements have been cleared. The territory is extensive, almost 400–500 square kilometers. Isolated positions will continue to be cleared for some weeks yet. Ukrainian units, relying on Maly Burluk and Prikolotnoye, are attempting to reach the Plotva River in the area of Vasilyevka, Blagodatnoye, Nefyodovka and Chyornoye.

In the Lipetsk direction, Russian troops have advanced on three sectors south of Novaya Kazachya and Tokarevka. Overall progress amounted to 250 meters. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions, assault groups of the “Northerners” continue to advance southwards. There have been successes in the areas of Prikolotnoye, Maly Burluk and Kolodeznoye. Over the past day overall progress amounted to up to 500 meters.

Conclusion

In the Dobropolye direction, Russian forces are consolidating in the southern part of the city and enveloping Belozerskoye. In the Slavyansk direction, the 25th Army has gone over to the counter-offensive, recovering lost positions and creating a threat to Ukrainian logistics in the Krasny Liman area. In the Zaporozhye direction, the capture of Yulyevka and Chervony Yar has enabled the expansion of bridgeheads and continued pressure on Orekhov. In Sumy region, positional fighting continues with gradual advances by Russian assault groups. In the Kharkiv direction, the clearance of a large cauldron is nearing completion, freeing forces for further offensive operations. The overall trend remains the use by Russian units of small-group tactics that combine assault actions with strikes by artillery, aviation and drones, allowing them methodically to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and expand the zone of control.

European Union leaders at the extraordinary summit on 26–27 November will attempt to agree ways of covering Ukraine’s funding shortfall for 2027, estimated at €70 billion. The EU has already earmarked €45 billion for Ukraine in 2027, yet Kyiv’s financial needs substantially exceed this amount. Even taking into account the planned European funding, Ukraine’s additional requirement is assessed at approximately €70 billion.

Initially, Brussels had expected Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom jointly to provide a further €45 billion over 2026–2027. Not all the promised funds have been allocated, however. As a result, EU member states will have to agree to additional financing mechanisms for Kyiv, including the possibility of a new loan. At the same time, European leaders continue to negotiate the Union’s seven-year budget for 2028–2034. Brussels aims to conclude the talks by the end of the current year, since electoral campaigns due in a number of EU states in 2027 could further complicate the achievement of a compromise.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are advancing towards Kharkov and Veliky Burluk, while in the Reznikovsky cauldron all settlements have been officially cleared. In the Slavyansk direction, in the zone of the “South” grouping near Druzhkovka and Konstantinovka, the situation remains complex: there are suspicions that the Ukrainian side, preparing the agglomeration for fighting, has dug underground tunnels from Kramatorsk through Druzhkovka and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka to Konstantinovka. In the Zaporozhye direction units of the “East” grouping have entered Omelnyk, which was a key logistical point for Ukrainian forces on the Orekhov–Novonikolayevka highway. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units maintain pressure north and north-west of the town; however, after the limited advances of recent days the situation is gradually shifting to the retention of what has been achieved. In the Sumy direction assault units of the “North” grouping continue to press Ukrainian defenses with the support of aviation, drone crews and artillery. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that certain “elements of peace” had been found at the Ukraine–US talks in Oslo and would be presented in St Petersburg.

Zaporozhye direction  

On the Orekhov sector fighters of the “East” grouping, in the course of a successful advance, entered Omelnyk, which for Ukrainian units was an important key logistical point on the Orekhov–Novonikolayevka highway. After reaching the left bank of the Verkhnyaya Tersa River near Lyubitskoye and expanding the bridgehead to Novosoloshino–Nikolskoye, the command is shifting efforts to the left flank of the eastern sector.

The “Dnepr” grouping continues fighting for Orekhov and around it. Along the Dnieper fighting is under way for Primorskoye: there is an advance in the southern part of the village, and Russian units are approaching the center. Fierce fighting continues for Lukyanovskoye, Stepnogorsk, Novoyakovlevka and Preobrazhenka. The Ukrainian side is stubbornly holding these points and transferring reserves, including special operations forces.

Slightly further north, in the zone of the “East” grouping, relying on Gulyaypolskoye, Dolinka and Kopani, Russian troops are attempting to develop the offensive on Shirokoye after overcoming the first line of defense. Having returned to Novosoloshino, Russian units are also developing the advance. Slightly further south clearance of the sector near Chervona Krinitsa continues. Malaya Tokmachka is fully under Russian control, as is the eastern part of Orekhov. Fighters continue to hold the lines inside Orekhov itself.  

Kupyansk direction

 In the Kupyansk direction Russian units maintain pressure north and north-west of the town; however, after the limited advances of recent days the situation is gradually shifting to the retention of what has been achieved. On the Moskovka–Tishchenkovka–Kondrashovka–Radkovka line the struggle for positions and communications continues.

Russian units are counter-attacking and recovering individual positions, yet a significant part of their efforts is now devoted precisely to stabilising the lines. Overall there is no collapse of the front, but neither is there sustained development of the offensive. On a number of sectors, instead of further advance, it is necessary to consolidate what has been achieved, restore individual positions and contain reciprocal actions by the Ukrainian side.

North of Kupyansk, having repelled counter-offensive actions towards Zapadnoye, Russian units have launched an offensive in the directions of Bolshaya Shapkova, Pelageyevka and Kovalyovka. There are chances, relying on Kupyansk, to push further along the river valley, driving a wedge into the Ukrainian defense in the direction of Shevchenkovo.  

Slavyansk direction  

In the zone of the “South” grouping near Druzhkovka and Konstantinovka the situation remains complex. There are suspicions that the Ukrainian side, preparing the agglomeration for fighting, has dug underground tunnels from Kramatorsk through Druzhkovka and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka to Konstantinovka. Small groups move along them and have to be constantly cleared. Despite the envelopments and good progress, the fighting is heavy. There are small advances towards Belokuzminovka from the south.

Troops of the 25th Army of the “West” grouping have driven Ukrainian units out of Ozernoye as a result of counter-offensive actions. Ukrainian forces that attempted to cross the Seversky Donets were pushed back. The flank of the “South” grouping is beginning to stabilize. Fighting for Nikolayevka continues. The Ukrainian side firmly holds the approaches to Kramatorsk via Pervomaryevka. On the Vasilyevskaya Pustosh–Pervomayka line units of the volunteer corps are fighting.

Russian troops in Liman, having regrouped the forces of the 25th Army, have gone over to the counter-offensive. They have cleared the approaches to Yampol and driven Ukrainian units back in the direction of Krivaya Luka. The left flank of the 25th Army has been stabilized and has practically been brought up against the flank of the 3rd Army of the “South” grouping. By counter-offensive actions the Ukrainian side has been driven out of the northern district of Zarechnoye.  

Sumy direction  

Near Malaya Korchakovka attempts by the Ukrainian side to counter-attack through the wooded areas continue; Ukrainian units are also accumulating reserves north of Khoten and near Khrapovshchina, trying to take advantage of the last green cover of the year to insert their groups. Near Yunakovka fierce fighting is also under way: the Ukrainian side is attempting to throw small groups into the settlement.

Assault units of the “North” grouping continue to press Ukrainian defenses with the support of Russian aviation, drone crews and artillery. The Ukrainian side has taken no active actions and is strengthening its defenses.

In Sumy district fierce fighting continues near Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa. In Shostka district assault groups of the “Northerners” have advanced near Korenok. In Krasnopolye district the Ukrainian side is strengthening its defenses near Turya; artillery and drone crews of the “North” grouping are actively working against it.  

Kharkiv direction  

Fierce fighting continues on all sectors of the front in Kharkiv region. Russian units are advancing in the direction of Kharkov and Veliky Burluk.

In the Liptsy direction Russian assault troops have advanced south of Novaya Kazachya. There are advances near Tokarevka. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions assault units of the “North” grouping are advancing southwards, expanding the security zone. There is an advance near Prikolotnoye and Maly Burluk.

On the Bolsheburluksky direction all settlements in the so-called Reznikovsky cauldron have been officially cleared. The territory is enormous — almost 400–500 square kilometers; isolated Ukrainian positions will still have to be mopped up for weeks. Overall resistance has been broken. The Ukrainian side, relying on Maly Burluk and Prikolotnoye, is attempting to reach the Plotva River and attack towards Blagodatnoye, Nefyodovka and Olkhovatka. North of Kharkov — in the area of Kazachya Lopan, Novaya Kazachya, Goptovka and Supovka — limited-scale active offensive operations continue.  

Conclusion

In the Zaporozhye direction the key event has been the entry into Omelnyk, which has made it possible to cut off Ukrainian positions in Orekhov from the eastern sector. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units are holding what has been achieved and stabilizing the lines while simultaneously developing the offensive north of the town. In the Slavyansk direction the “West” grouping has driven Ukrainian units out of Ozernoye and gone over to the counter-offensive near Liman, which noticeably simplifies the situation on the flank. In the Sumy direction positional fighting continues, with attempts by small Ukrainian groups to infiltrate through the wooded areas. In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are advancing towards Kharkov and Veliky Burluk, and the Reznikovsky cauldron has been officially cleared.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that certain “elements of peace” had been found at the Ukraine–US talks on a Ukrainian settlement in Oslo. “Today we achieved real progress, and on two levels. The first is the overall picture; the second is the short-term perspective. In the overall picture we found some elements of peace that will be presented in St Petersburg tomorrow. We discussed key elements of security and key elements of the economy,” Stubb said at a press conference after the talks. He added that the talks “at the technical level” were progressing “quite successfully”.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Zaporozhye direction Russian units are advancing west of Rozhdestvenskoye and Vozdvizhevka, have reached the approaches to Lyubitskoye and Barvinovka, and Omelnyk has come under Russian control. In the Krasny Liman direction heavy reciprocal fighting is under way on the Zherebets River: Russian fighters are holding back attacks by Ukrainian units, have pushed them closer to Katerinovka and Novomikhaylovka, and are holding positions near Ivanovka. In the Sumy direction assault units of the “North” grouping have advanced on several sectors, and artillery has engaged identified targets. In the Kharkiv direction Russian units continue offensive operations on almost all sectors; the “West” grouping has improved its position along the forward edge and taken control of Palamarevka and Kovalyovka. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units are operating near Moskovka, Malaya Shapkova and Palamarevka. The British newspaper The Times, in an editorial, has called on Volodymyr Zelensky to heed Donald Trump and halt attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Zaporozhye direction  

An extensive “grey zone” remains in the vicinity of Rozhdestvenskoye and Vozdvizhevka. Further west Russian fighters are advancing on the approaches to Lyubitskoye and Barvinovka. Ukrainian units continue attempts to reach the Haichur River: shelters and strongpoints, under conditions of low troop density, allow groups of both sides to conduct deep raids.

Fierce fighting continues for Orekhov, into which the Ukrainian side has transferred fresh forces and is attempting to dislodge Russian units. Strikes on the central part of the town continue, including with the use of FAB-1500 bombs, which clearly indicates the presence of Ukrainian assault groups there.

In the area of Omelnyk Russian fighters have advanced significantly. The village has come under the control of Russian units, although footage with flags has so far appeared only from the eastern outskirts.

Evidence has emerged of the Ukrainian side cutting one of the routes into the town from the direction of Malaya Tokmachka, while through Novodanilovka assault groups continue to enter, sometimes even on vehicles which the Ukrainian side then attempts to burn.

Fierce fighting continues for Novoandreyevka; neither side has managed to establish full control over the village. Russian drones are operating along the northern outskirts. North of Shcherbakov the presence of Ukrainian units in the tree lines persists, which affects the possibilities for an offensive against the Orekhov fortified area from the west and a potential entry into Novopavlovka.  

Krasny Liman direction  

Heavy reciprocal fighting is under way on the direction. Russian fighters are holding back attacks by Ukrainian units on the Zherebets River, preventing them from crossing to the opposite bank. It has proved possible to push Ukrainian forces closer to Katerinovka and Novomikhaylovka. Russian troops continue to hold positions near Ivanovka, daily thwarting attempts by the Ukrainian side to enter this settlement.

Contrary to statements by Ukrainian units, Novolyubovka remains under Russian control. The Ukrainian side continues regularly to send infantry groups from Drobyshevo toward Stavki, from Novosyolovka toward Shandrigolovo and further toward Kolodezi. Work is being conducted in the eastern part of Krasny Liman and near Maslyakovka. Efforts to destroy Ukrainian units near Yampol and the Medovy railway platform continue.  

Sumy direction

Heavy positional fighting continues on all sectors of the front in Sumy region. Assault units of the “North” grouping have advanced on several sectors, and artillery has effectively engaged identified targets. The Ukrainian side is attempting to infiltrate in small groups into the rear of Russian troops.

Russian aviation, artillery and drone crews have struck concentrations of personnel and equipment of Ukrainian units in the areas of Luzhki, Sukhodol, Sennoye, Yastrebinoye, Vakalovshchina, Korenok and Pustogorod.

In Sumy district Russian assault troops continue to advance near Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa. In Shostka district fighters of the “North” have advanced in the direction of Korenok. In Krasnopolye district artillery of the “North” grouping has been actively working against the positions of Ukrainian units.

Kharkiv direction  

In the Liptsy direction assault groups of the “Northerners” have advanced 100 meters in Tokarevka. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions assault units of the “North” grouping are conducting fierce fighting near Prikolotnoye. There are also advances near Ukrainskoye and Sosnovy Bor.

The “West” grouping has improved its position along the forward edge. Palamarevka and Kovalyovka have been taken under control. Units of the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army have advanced from the Kondrashevka–Radkovka line, forded the Kupyanka stream and reached the heights of the watershed of the Kupyanka, Gusinka and Veliky Burluk rivers west of Kupyansk. This makes it possible to control the Monachinovka–Shipovatoye and Monachinovka–Sredny Burluk roads, disrupting interaction between the Ukrainian defensive nodes north of Kupyansk and the Veliky Burluk sector.

In the Bolsheburluksky district the battle is intensifying. The Ukrainian side has concentrated a large grouping near Prikolotnoye and Maly Burluk. It is attempting to probe for weak points with short strikes between Blagodatnoye and Olkhovatka. Fighting on the approaches to Olkhovatka is very serious. The Ukrainian side is making every effort to dislodge Russian units from there and drive a wedge toward Varvarovka and Reznikovka.  

Kupyansk direction  

North-west of Kupyansk Russian units continue offensive operations. Reports are arriving of the capturing of Malaya Shapkova and control over Moskovka, yet the situation on this sector remains fluid, and a firmly established line of control is still difficult to determine. Fighting for positions continues near Palamarevka.

Near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy positional combat operations persist. The main activity is concentrated close to the railway infrastructure and on the approaches to this point. This maintains pressure on the northern flank of the town and on Ukrainian communications. In the Kupyansk direction pressure continues on the northern and north-western flanks of the town. Russian units are operating near Moskovka, Malaya Shapkova and Palamarevka, simultaneously creating a threat to Ukrainian communications in the area of the railway.

Conclusion

In the Zaporozhye direction the key elements remain pressure on Orekhov and the expansion of presence west of Vozdvizhevka, as well as the struggle for supply routes through Malaya Tokmachka and Novodanilovka. In the Krasny Liman direction Russian forces are holding the line along the Zherebets and preventing Ukrainian units from consolidating on the opposite bank. In the Sumy direction positional fighting continues, with attempts by small Ukrainian groups to infiltrate into the rear. In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are developing the offensive near Prikolotnoye and Olkhovatka, while the “West” grouping has improved its position west of Kupyansk. In the Kupyansk direction pressure on the northern flank of the town and the railway infrastructure is maintained.

The British newspaper The Times, in an editorial, has called on Volodymyr Zelensky to heed American leader Donald Trump and halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. “Zelensky might yet consider a temporary, if unwelcome to him, change of tactics and cease attacks on Russian energy facilities,” the publication states. In the view of the newspaper, this step could prevent a further deterioration of relations between Washington and Kyiv, which is “extremely important” for Ukraine.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

Click to see the full-size image

Click to see the full-size image

File image.

In the Slavyansk direction positional fighting continues: Russian troops hold a strongpoint on the Artyomovsk–Slavyansk highway north of Nikanorovka, positions in the central part of Yampol, and are conducting clearance in Konstantinovka as well as fighting near Kondratovka. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units are developing the offensive north of Dvurechnaya, having cleared the territory from Figolyovka to Dolghenkoye. In the Sumy direction units of the “North” grouping are destroying Ukrainian forces, striking concentrations in Shostka, Glukhov, Yastrebinoye, Velikaya Rybitsa and elsewhere, and have also hit a command post of a border outpost. In the Kharkiv direction clearance of the “Volchansk cauldron” is nearing completion; Varvarovka and Nikolayevka have come under control. In the Dobropolye direction the greater part of the town is under Russian control; clearance of the southern and central parts is under way, and the offensive has been resumed near Kurtovka, Verolyubovka and Fyodorovka. Finnish politician and member of the Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema stated that the European Union wants to continue the proxy war against Russia even though it lacks the money to do so.

Kupyansk direction  

In the area of Dvurechnaya Russian troops are developing the offensive northwards. The territory from Figolyovka to Dolghenkoye has been successfully cleared. Among other things, Russian units have taken a section of the supply highway and the wooded areas.

Inside Kupyansk itself fighters of Russian units continue to advance, expanding the zone of control toward the centre of the town. In the Kupyansk direction a geolocation has appeared confirming the advance of Russian units near Uyutnaya Street; successes are also reported in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. The Ukrainian side is attempting to counterattack toward Radkovka and is making isolated incursions from the direction of Moskovka, while Russian units are approaching the western outskirts of right-bank Kupyansk.  

Slavyansk direction  

Positional fighting continues. North of Nikanorovka Russian units hold a strongpoint on the Artyomovsk–Slavyansk highway despite Ukrainian shelling. Russian positions are recorded in the central part of Yampol. Russian drones are operating in the area of the exit from Zarechnoye toward Krasny Liman; the territory is most likely in the grey zone or under Russian control, while the Ukrainian side is attempting to enter it with individuals and small groups.

In Konstantinovka Russian units are conducting clearance of the area and evacuating civilians. The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the capture of this settlement. Russian assault detachments continue to improve their positions east of the town; strikes are being delivered against Ukrainian positions near Popasnoye.

Fighting is also under way near Kondratovka, where Russian troops are breaking the Ukrainian defense and striking the crossings over the Krivoy Torets River that the Ukrainian side is using to transfer reserves in an attempt to regain lost positions. Successes are also recorded near Rai-Aleksandrovka. However, as with Konstantinovka, it is premature to claim the complete capture of the towns with certainty, despite the statements of the Russian Ministry of Defiance.  

Sumy direction  

Russian units continue the destruction of Ukrainian forces on all sectors of the front in Sumy region. The Ukrainian side has taken no active actions and has been replenishing mechanized units with recruits from training centers.

As a result of a precise strike the command post of the 2nd Border Outpost of the 3rd Border Commandant’s Office of the 15th Mobile Border Detachment “Stalnaya Granitsa” of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has been hit.

In Sumy district assault groups of Russian units are conducting heavy positional fighting near Khoten. In Shostka district Russian aviation and artillery have worked against the positions of the 104th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade. In Krasnopolye district Russian assault troops have advanced 100 meters near Turya.  

Kharkiv direction  

In the Liptsy direction Russian troops are advancing in the dacha settlement south of Novaya Kazachya and in Tokarevka. Overall progress in a single day reached up to 300 meters. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions assault groups of Russian units have advanced near Prikolotnoye, Varvarovka and Nikolayevka. In addition, the evacuation of military equipment of Ukrainian units from Prikolotnoye has been thwarted.

The Ukrainian side conducted one counterattack with forces of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade near Staritsa. As a result of a comprehensive fire effect up to a squad of personnel was destroyed and the attack was repelled. In the Kharkiv region Russian units continue to tighten the ring of encirclement around the remnants of Ukrainian forces on the Volchansk sector. Of the “Volchansk triangle” only a small island remains, with a pocket of resistance in the Nikolayevka–Varvarovka node and individual positions in the area of the Bedin Yar–Buzovo Vtoroye gully. All other positions on the territory of the Volchansk salient have come under the control of units of the “North” grouping. At present Varvarovka and Nikolayevka have come under Russian control, where clearance of the remnants of the defeated Ukrainian groups is under way. 

Dobropolye direction  

In the zone of the “Centre” grouping the main events are unfolding around Dobropolye. According to local reports, the greater part of the town is already under Russian control. Clearance is under way in the southern and central parts; organized resistance is virtually absent. Attempts are being made to evacuate the civilian population. In the northern part the Ukrainian side is still present in noticeable numbers. The command is not issuing an order to withdraw, fearing the media effect. Attempts to relieve the grouping through Zolotoy Kolodets, Novovodyanoye and Rubezhnoye are meeting stiff resistance.

At the same time the offensive has been resumed near Kurtovka, Verolyubovka and Fyodorovka. Russian units are advancing along the railway embankment and enveloping Verolyubovka from the west and north-west. A wedge driven through Izhevka between Belokuzminovka and Verolyubovka should break the resistance. The fall of Verolyubovka will open the way for the further envelopment of Druzhkovka.

Fierce reciprocal fighting is under way near Novopavlovka and Ivanovka. A feature of the sector is the river valley and constant fogs. Further north, on the heights near Raipol, the situation remains stable for the time being.  

Conclusion  

In the Kupyansk direction this is expressed in the advance toward the centre of the town and the clearance of the territory north of Dvurechnaya. In the Slavyansk direction it is expressed in the holding of key positions and the fighting near Kondratovka. In the Sumy direction it is expressed in strikes against concentrations and the destruction of command posts. In the Kharkiv direction it is expressed in the completion of the clearance of the “Volchansk cauldron” and the capturing of Varvarovka and Nikolayevka. In the Dobropolye direction it is expressed in control over the greater part of the town and the resumption of the offensive near Verolyubovka. The common feature remains the high role of drones, artillery and aviation, as well as the difficulty of overcoming open spaces and wooded terrain, which slows the pace but does not change the overall trend.

Meanwhile Finnish politician and member of the Freedom Alliance party Armando Mema stated that the European Union wants to continue the proxy war against Russia even though it lacks the money to do so. “The EU wants to continue the proxy war despite the lack of money to continue it,” Mema wrote on the social network X. The politician also pointed out that Europe has still not decided on a negotiator for a peaceful settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on 1 October that Russia would like to end the hostilities in Ukraine as quickly as possible through a peaceful settlement. At the same time Moscow is ready for talks, yet sees no desire on the part of the Kyiv regime, the president added.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

File image.

In the Zaporozhye direction Russian troops have advanced almost 13 kilometers, overcome two lines of defense, restored control over Lyubetskoye, Novosoloshino and Nikolskoye, and continue to apply pressure on Orekhov. In the Sumy direction assault units of the “North” grouping have advanced on 19 sectors by up to 800 meters, conducting fighting near Khoten and in the tree lines near Korenok. In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are completing the destruction of the remnants of encircled Ukrainian forces in the north-east of the region, have taken Chyornoye and Nefyodovka, advanced on 25 sectors by more than 1,200 meters and thwarted an attempt to withdraw drone crews of the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. In the Dobropolye direction Russian units have entered the village of Dobropolye, while the Ukrainian side has withdrawn from Matyashevo and destroyed a dam, creating a water obstacle. According to the Wall Street Journal, the United States has six times asked Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries since the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Zaporozhye direction  

Attempts to retake Dachnoye have brought no success. Russian troops have restored control over previously lost sectors and continue fighting near Filippovka and Ivanovka. In the Orekhov direction Russian troops have regained control of Tsvetkovo and the adjacent section of the railway. The advance continues on several sectors west of previously captured positions. Russian units hold Gulyaypolskoye and the southern part of Novosyolovka. Fighting continues near Orekhov, Malaya Tokmachka and Novodanilovka.

The Orekhov direction remains one of the most dynamic. The Russian side continues intensive fire effect. One of the notable events has been the advance of Russian units by almost 13 kilometres in Zaporozhye region. The troops overcame two lines of defense — one two-tier and the other single-tier. Lyubetskoye, Novosoloshino and Nikolskoye have come under control. The latter is located at a road junction and makes it possible to develop the advance toward Omelnyk from the north. Lyubetskoye and Novosoloshino had previously been temporarily lost.

On the northern sector Russian assault troops are conducting offensive operations near Velikomikhaylovka. On the north-western sector units continue the offensive on a broad front west of Golubkovo, Samoylovka and Svetlaya Dolina. West of Zarnitsa the advance is proceeding with the support of artillery and drone crews near Barvinovka and Vasilkovoye. Assault groups continue to drive wedges into the defense and expand the bridgehead on the western bank of the Verkhnyaya Tersa River.  

Sumy direction  

Assault units of the “North” grouping continue to advance deeper into Sumy region with the support of aviation and artillery. Ukrainian units are offering fierce resistance in defense and are inserting new SSO groups onto the direction. Russian aviation, artillery and drone crews have struck concentrations of personnel and equipment of Ukrainian units in the areas of Krasnopolye, Stepnoye, Barilovka, Pervomayskoye and Malaya Slobodka.

In Sumy district assault groups of Russian units have advanced on 19 sectors. Overall progress in a single day reached up to 800 meters. In Shostka district Russian troops are advancing through the tree lines near Korenok. Thus pressure is maintained on Ukrainian units, which are forced to strengthen their defenses and transfer additional forces.  

Kharkiv direction  

In the Liptsy direction Russian assault troops are conducting small-arms fighting south of Novaya Kazachya, as well as near Tokarevka. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions assault groups of Russian units have advanced near Gogino, Chyornoye and Nefyodovka. Overall progress on 25 sectors exceeded 1,200 meters.

In Kharkiv region Russian units continue successful offensive operations, tightening the ring of encirclement and expanding the zone of control. Assault troops have advanced up to 1.2 kilometers into the depth of the Ukrainian defense. As a result of active and resolute actions inside the ring of encirclement Russian units have taken full control of Chyornoye and Nefyodovka. Clearance is under way in these settlements. Fierce fighting continues for the capturing of Nikolayevka and Varvarovka, where blocked Ukrainian units are offering resistance. On the eastern flank of the cauldron the systematic destruction of the remnants of the encircled Ukrainian forces continues. Fighting also continues near Prikolotnoye, Kotovka and Gogino. 

Dobropolye direction  

Russian units have entered the village of Dobropolye, where fighting continues. Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from Matyashevo and destroyed a dam by an air strike. According to incoming information, this was done in order to create a water obstacle on the path of further advance toward the town of Dobropolye.

Assault groups of the 51st Army advanced in the north-western part of Dobropolye. Assault units of the marine infantry grouping continued the offensive in the western part of the settlement. Russian troops are gradually enveloping Sergeyevka from the north and south. New positions are being captured in the village. Clearance of the southern outskirts of Dobropolye is under way. Units of the “Centre” grouping are developing the offensive on the Sergeyevka–Gulevo line. Consolidation on this sector will make it possible to secure supply routes in the area of Grishino.

While the battle for Dobropolye continues, the Ukrainian side is relying on Novovodyanoye, Zolotoy Kolodets and Rubezhnoye. It is attempting to cut off the salient and break through to the encircled forces. This is, however, a forced strike, because the Ukrainian side overlooked the encirclement. It is reacting according to its capabilities rather than according to a serious plan. Russian fighters on the ground said in advance: we know that Ukrainian units will go through Zolotoy Kolodets and Novovodyanoye.

Conclusion  

In the Sumy direction fighting remains positional in character; in the Kharkiv direction clearance of the Volchansk cauldron is nearing completion; in the Dobropolye direction the greater part of the town is under control; on the Zaporozhye front the advance continues after the restoration of control over a number of key settlements. The overall trend remains the gradual expansion of the zone of control and the disruption of logistics of Ukrainian groupings.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the United States has six times asked Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries since the meeting between U.S. leader Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Trump’s attitude toward Zelensky became increasingly negative against the background of the continuing Ukrainian attacks. Trump repeatedly expressed public dissatisfaction with Zelensky’s unwillingness to reach peace agreements and his reluctance to stop strikes on Russian refineries. According to Trump, Ukraine needs a new leader capable of reaching an agreement with Russia. This statement was made after an agreement was reached during Trump’s conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on 9 October on supplies of diesel fuel from Russia to the United States and to the world market. Zelensky, for his part, stated that the alleged ban on strikes against Russian refineries was over.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

 In the Kharkiv direction, clearance of the Volchansk cauldron is nearing completion; a temporary deployment point of a reconnaissance company of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade has been destroyed, and Russian units are advancing south of Novaya Kazachya and near Tokarevka. In the Sumy direction, Russian assault groups are pressing Ukrainian defenses with the support of artillery and heavy flamethrower systems; positional fighting continues. In the Dobropolye direction, the greater part of the town has come under Russian control, a logistical highway has been taken, and a pocket south-east of the town has been cleared. On the Zaporozhye front Vozdvizhevka has been virtually captured, fighting continues for Ternovatoye, and Zaporozhskoye is once again under Russian control. In the Slavyansk direction Russian troops are repelling attacks on the Novolyubovka–Ivanovka–Zarechnoye line; Ukrainian activity on this sector has declined. Ukrainian command compared Starlink restrictions to a nuclear strike, stating that all operations had been suspended.

Kharkiv direction  

Russian units are completing the clearance of the Volchansk cauldron in the north-east of Kharkiv region, advancing both inside it and from the outer side. There are also advances on other sectors of the front.

East of Kharkov, in the village of Brazhniki, the destruction of a temporary deployment point of fighters of a reconnaissance company of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian units has been confirmed. In the Liptsy direction Russian units continue to advance south of Novaya Kazachya, as well as near Tokarevka. Progress in a single day reached up to 250 meters.

At the same time, on the Liptsy sector small-arms fighting is under way near Bugayevka, and Russian advances are noted near Tokarevka. Assault units of Russian troops are conducting active fighting for Nikolayevka, Varvarovka and Nefyodovka. The outer perimeter of the ring is being systematically expanded, which completely rules out the possibility of relief; fighting is also under way for the capturing of the nearby settlements of Prikolotnoye, Kotovka and Gogino. In order to slow the Russian advance the Ukrainian command is hastily transferring reserves to Kharkiv region, yet they are unable to turn the situation in their favor.  

Sumy direction  

Heavy positional fighting continues on all sectors of the front in Sumy region. Assault groups of the “North” grouping are pressing Ukrainian defenses with the support of artillery and heavy flamethrower systems. The Ukrainian side is attempting to probe Russian defenses in preparation for counterattacks.

In Sumy district Russian troops continue to destroy Ukrainian groups near Khoten. In Shostka district assault troops have advanced near Korenok. In Krasnopolye district Russian artillery has been actively working against Ukrainian positions, supporting the advance of assault groups near Turya.

On the Borovaya direction combat operations remain predominantly positional in character. Russian units continue attempts to advance near Kopanki, Novoegorovka, Grekovka, Novomikhaylovka and Katerinovka. Fighting is under way for individual positions.  

Dobropolye direction  

A logistical highway near Dobropolye, previously used by Ukrainian units for the transfer of reserves, has also been taken under control. Russian forces have cleared a pocket south-east of the town and the nearby quarries. Fighting is also under way on the Raksha–Svyatogorovka sector; from the Russian side the grey zone has been expanded as far as the settlement and the Byk River.

In the zone of the “Centre” grouping the main focus is Dobropolye. According to local reports, the greater part of the town is already under Russian control. Clearance is under way in the central and southern parts. Organized resistance there no longer exists. In the northern part the Ukrainian side is still present in significant numbers.

“The greater part of Dobropolye is already under our control; clearance is under way in many districts of the town; we are attempting to evacuate the civilian population that remains there.” The highway previously used for the transfer of reserves has also been taken under control. A pocket south-east of the town and the nearby quarries have been cleared. Fighting continues on the Raksha–Svyatogorovka sector. The grey zone has expanded as far as the settlement and the Byk River.  

Zaporozhye front  

Lyubitskoye and Novosoloshino are also in the zone of active operations. Fighting continues for Mikilskoye, although the settlement has not yet been officially declared captured. The “East” grouping, with forces of the 68th Army Corps, the 5th and 35th Armies, continues its successful advance.

Ternovatoye is also almost under control. For several weeks the Ukrainian side there was heavily saturated with mines and long-range systems, cutting logistics. The greater part of the settlement is already under the control of Russian units. Ukrainian forces still hold the northern part, but movement is proceeding in the required direction. Next in line are Rozhdestvenskoye or Razdorovka. Once the flank is secured it will be possible to advance further west, enveloping the grouping in Orekhov.

Zaporozhskoye has once again come under control; the Ukrainian side has been driven out. In the central sector of the “East” grouping, after the transfer of reserves, the initiative is almost everywhere on the Russian side. If Ternovatoye is taken and Vozdvizhevka is fully cleared, prospects will open for next year’s campaign to captured the left-bank part of Zaporozhye region.

On the right flank of the “East” grouping the Ukrainian side is still attempting to advance, relying on Poddubnoye and Mirnoye. It is moving south along the Mokrye Yaly River. These, however, are most likely already the final attempts. The salient it has driven in is inconvenient for supply. If the road through Andreyevka–Klintsovo is cut, supplying it will become very difficult. An entry into Ivanovka will also play its part.  

Slavyansk direction  

On the Novolyubovka–Ivanovka–Zarechnoye line Russian units continue to repel attacks. Ukrainian troops are attempting to penetrate the left bank of the Zherebets River; according to reports, their movements are detected and fire strikes are delivered against them. In recent days Ukrainian activity on this sector has declined.

Ukrainian positions are noted near Zelyonaya Dolina, Novosyolovka and Drobyshevo, as well as east of Shamrygovo in the direction of Kolodezi.

Near Krivaya Luka the intensity of fighting has decreased. Attempts to cross from the direction of Ozernoye have, according to reports, been suspended, although shelling of Russian positions continues. Fighting continues for Piskunovka; the situation near Nikolayevka and Rai-Aleksandrovka remains without substantial change. Yurkovka is under the control of Russian units, while south of Orekhovatka Ukrainian units are attempting to consolidate.

On the approaches to Slavyansk reciprocal fighting continues. Russian troops are attempting to advance near Malinovka and Pervomaryevka, including through wooded and hilly terrain.  

Conclusion  

In the Sumy direction fighting remains positional in character; in the Kharkiv direction clearance of the Volchansk cauldron is nearing completion; in the Dobropolye direction the greater part of the town is under control; on the Zaporozhye front Vozdvizhevka has been virtually captured and the advance toward Ternovatoye continues; in the Slavyansk direction attacks on the Novolyubovka–Ivanovka–Zarechnoye line have been repelled. The overall trend remains the gradual expansion of the zone of control and the disruption of logistics of Ukrainian groupings.

Separately worth noting is a report by the newspaper Politico that Ukrainian fighters compared restrictions on the operation of Starlink to a nuclear strike. On Wednesday former Ukrainian deputy defense minister Serhiy Sternenko stated that the operation of Starlink satellite-communication terminals had been restricted at night. According to him, when moving at speeds above 160 kilometers per hour the connection began to drop, which hindered the Armed Forces of Ukraine and limited logistics. “They (the restrictions) are comparable to a nuclear strike… All operations have been suspended,” Politico quotes an unnamed Ukrainian officer as saying. As the newspaper clarifies, this officer’s unit relies on Starlink to control American Hornet drones with a range of up to 150 kilometers. Earlier in October Politico reported that the United States might leave Kyiv without American intelligence data and access to Starlink. That publication appeared shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that he was creating problems for the entire world. The head of the White House also expressed the view that Ukraine needs a leader capable of reaching an agreement with Russia.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence

NOW hosted at southfront.press

Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.

The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation

Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com

SOUTHFRONT.PRESS

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

Click to see the full-size image

A united front for the cameras. Whether Europe can field one in a war is another question

Click to see the full-size image