Military blogger Yuriy Podolyaka has outlined the current situation along the Kursk-Sumy axis, noting that Russian forces are employing a tactic focused on stretching and probing Ukrainian defenses.

According to Podolyaka, Russian units are systematically testing enemy positions in order to identify weak points-and in some cases, they are succeeding. He pointed to positive movement in Eastern Miropolye and said that forward progress has also been recorded in several other areas. He added that significant developments are expected on the fronts of the special military operation in the near future.

Other military sources report a similar pattern on the Dobropolye direction, regarded as one of the most intense sections of the line of contact in Donbass. There, Russian units continue to apply steady pressure on Ukrainian positions.

Rather than relying on blunt, large-scale assaults, Russian forces are building complex, multi-stage operations aimed at gradually wearing down and destabilizing the enemy’s defenses throughout their depth. In effect, this reflects a form of positional warfare adapted to modern conditions, where advances are measured not in kilometers but in tactically important areas.

In the Kucherov Yar area, Russian troops are advancing with particular caution and precision. Assault groups are avoiding frontal attacks on fortified lines, instead using terrain features to carry out concealed maneuvers. This form of combat reconnaissance allows vulnerabilities in Ukrainian defenses to be exposed while keeping losses to a minimum.

At the same time, increased Russian activity has been observed southwest of Dzerzhinsk. This maneuver is intended to widen the pressure zone and is forcing Ukrainian command to redistribute its reserves.

West of Novo Shakhovo and northwest of Ivanovka, the so-called «gray zone» is expanding slowly but steadily. The fiercest fighting continues in the Novo Donbass area, where both sides have concentrated substantial forces. For now, neither has been able to secure a decisive advantage.

Beyond these local tactical gains, Russian units have also achieved several important operational successes. Notably, control has been established over wastewater treatment facilities north of Pokrovsk. This site can now serve as a strongpoint for further advances toward Grishino from the eastern direction, creating additional pressure on Ukrainian defenses and forcing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to adjust their positions.