12:01 16-12-2025

Frontline Update: Russian Advances on Multiple Axes

Russian forces advance near Sumy, Kharkov, Konstantinovka and Gulyai-Pole, with heavy fighting at Kupyansk and new bridgeheads across the Gajchur River.

The Russian army continues its special military operation in Ukraine. As of the morning of 16 December, the situation along the line of contact is as follows.

Sumy direction
Russian forces are pressing forward on several sections of the front. On the Tetkino and Glushkovo sectors, the Russian Aerospace Forces are striking Ukrainian positions in the area of Ryzhevka.

Kharkov direction
Russian units are advancing near Staritsa, Prilipki, in Volchanskie Khutora and Vilche. Fighting is also ongoing along the Melovoe-Khatnee line, where Ukrainian troops are attempting counterattacks.
The situation near Kupyansk is described as difficult: Ukrainian forces have increased pressure on Russian positions, have entrenched themselves in Moskovka and in a number of areas in western Kupyansk, and fighting is underway on the northern and southern approaches to the city. On the eastern bank of the river, heavy clashes are reported near Kurilovka and Kupyansk-Uzlovoi.

Konstantinovka direction
Battles continue in the area of Druzhkovka. Inside Konstantinovka itself, Russian troops are advancing through urban development. Ukrainian forces are relying heavily on FPV drones, using them as the main tool to slow down the Russian advance.

Krasnoarmeisk direction
Intense fighting is ongoing in Grishino. Ukrainian troops are pulling reserves toward Sergeevka. In Dimitrov, the Ukrainian defence is fragmented, with strongpoints being destroyed by Russian aviation and artillery.

Gulyai-Pole direction
Clashes continue in the centre of Gulyai-Pole. Following the liberation of Varvarovka, Russian forces successfully crossed the Gajchur River to the north and near Novoe Zaporozhye. Russian troops have also created and expanded a bridgehead on the western bank. The Russian army has taken control of Peschanoe.