(UKRAINE – EASTERN FRONT) – Ukrainian forces have pushed back a major Russian assault near the settlement of Novopavlivka, capturing several Russian troops and destroying multiple vehicles, according to battlefield reports and publicly verified imagery.
Russian units entered the outskirts of the settlement early on Tuesday, using fog to conceal their advance. Around ten armoured vehicles attempted to move infantry into the village but suffered losses en route. Ukrainian forces later confirmed that the surviving Russian soldiers were detained after surrendering, while others were found killed during close-quarters combat.
Drone footage shared on open channels showed the remains of Russian vehicles scattered near the settlement. Ukrainian units also retrieved an older model Russian infantry fighting vehicle, the BMP-1, which analysts say remains usable despite its age.
Independent military mapping platforms, monitored by analysts using publicly accessible links, confirmed Russian losses and the retreat of surviving Russian troops. The platforms referenced open-source images posted on messaging channels where censorship rules are less restrictive.
Earlier reports indicated that Russian units had crossed a nearby river to approach Novopavlivka from the direction of Duchna. Ukrainian troops were deployed quickly to counter the advance, using elevated terrain to support drone operations and repel further attempts to enter the village.
Ukrainian officials noted that Novopavlivka sits on flat ground before a gradual rise in terrain, which provides a tactical advantage for defending forces. The rapid response from Ukrainian units prevented Russia from holding any permanent position in the area.
In neighbouring regions of Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces raised flags in isolated locations, although evidence suggests these actions involved small numbers of soldiers rather than large formations. Drone reconnaissance images circulated by Russian sources have confirmed increased activity across several villages, with Ukrainian forces reporting losses of vehicles during engagements south of the line.
At the same time, Russia has disrupted a key supply route linking settlements south of Pokrovsk and Hulyaipole. The loss of this road has forced Ukraine to depend on a single supply route to reinforce Hulyaipole, a situation Ukrainian commanders say may require a wider reorganisation of defensive positions.
Further south, Russian units have advanced across open farmland near Zatyshia, expanding a grey zone and approaching Hulyaipole from multiple directions. Independent mapping services have verified these movements, which appear consistent with Russia’s use of small infiltration groups that gradually occupy rural terrain before attempting to enter towns.
Analysts say Russia’s tactic mirrors developments previously seen around Pokrovsk, where infiltration preceded attempts to take key roads and junctions.
Some Ukrainian commentators have criticised public statements from certain military officials, arguing that overly optimistic reports do not reflect the complexity of the situation. The concerns centre on fears that poor communication can reduce public confidence during a difficult stage of the conflict.
In areas close to the city of Lyman, Ukrainian forces carried out a limited counteroffensive, detaining at least one Russian soldier. Ukrainian commanders have emphasised the importance of holding prisoners for future exchanges, as many Ukrainian soldiers remain in Russian captivity.
Russia has increased the use of gliding bombs and extended the operational range of certain drones by using long fibre-optic cables. Ukrainian engineers are developing similar systems, although Russia currently holds an advantage in this field. Ukraine, however, continues to make extensive use of ground drones for evacuations and for striking Russian positions.
Across parts of the eastern front, Ukraine has withdrawn units to reduce losses. However, Ukrainian officials have acknowledged that forces remain in some high risk areas near Mirnohrad. A narrow arc of territory used for withdrawal has been repeatedly targeted by Russian artillery and drones, raising concerns about possible encirclement.
Ukraine has also suffered an increase in armoured vehicle losses, often while attempting to reinforce positions or conduct local counterattacks. Drone strikes on Ukrainian tanks and armoured carriers have been confirmed by independent analysts using geolocation techniques.
| Area | Recent Development | Ukrainian Position | Russian Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novopavlivka | Russian attack repelled | Holds settlement | Heavy losses and retreat |
| Hulyaipole region | Key supply road cut | Forced to rely on single route | Controlling access routes |
| Zatyshia area | Russian grey zone expands | Defensive pressure rising | Gaining farmland positions |
| Lyman direction | Local counterattack | Captured Russian soldier | Gradual advances elsewhere |
In the Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian dictator’s forces have crossed parts of the main Ukrainian defence line, enabling further pressure towards Zaporizhzhia city. Russian forces continue daily attempts to advance several kilometres at a time, accompanied by heavy use of aviation and drones.
Separate developments in Europe included a ruling from a Finnish court sentencing Jan Petroski, linked to the extremist Rusich group, to life imprisonment for war crimes committed in eastern Ukraine. Finland also deported a former Wagner fighter back to Russia after denying his asylum request. Russian authorities are expected to pursue criminal charges against him.
Despite these wider developments, Ukraine continues to conduct limited counterattacks near Kupiansk, where drone footage showed Ukrainian forces disabling a Russian convoy. Independent analysts have not yet confirmed the precise location.
Ukrainian analysts say the overall situation remains mixed. While several Russian assaults have failed, and Ukrainian units have made gains in specific locations, Russia continues to advance in parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions. Supplies, weather conditions and the number of available vehicles are all affecting Ukrainian operations.
Ukrainian commentators insist that accurate reporting is vital both for public confidence and for understanding the scale of the challenges on the front line.