Russians advanced near Donetsk's Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, as well as in western Zaporizhia Oblast, ISW says.
Russian forces have shifted to small-group attacks using motorcycles fueled only for forward movement near Siversk, an indication that commanders don't expect their troops to return from assault missions.
A Russian "turtle tank" equipped with metal plating, protective cages, and electronic warfare systems failed to survive coordinated Ukrainian drone strikes near the Lysychansk oil refinery.
A meticulously planned defensive operation by Ukraine's 10th Mountain Assault Brigade demonstrated how modern military technology and tactical patience can neutralize even large-scale armored assaults, while preserving defender lives.
A battalion-sized Russian mechanized assault involving over 100 troops and multiple armored vehicles resulted in territorial gains southeast of Siversk despite significant losses.
Russian troops make progress in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, focusing on key areas like Siversk and Chasiv Yar. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to advance in Kursk Oblast, destroying bridges and engaging in clashes near the international border, ISW says.
Russian military bloggers dispute Ukrainian gains north of Kharkiv City, while geolocated footage shows Russian advances near Siversk and Toretsk, says the ISW.
In the past 24 hours, the Air Force and artillery of the Defense Forces have targeted 17 enemy personnel concentration areas, along with several key targets, including two command posts and two air defense systems.
Russia deploys 80,000 elite troops for an offensive on Donetsk's Siversk, setting a broader assault strategy on Kramatorsk. Ukraine fortifies positions, leveraging natural terrain and tactical elevations, complicating Russian advances and maintaining control despite intense clashes.