In the night between August 9 and 10, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale aerial offensive, attempting to strike targets across 13 Russian regions. According to official reports, air defense units on duty intercepted the assault, shooting down 121 drones midair.

Citing information from the Win\win Telegram channel, analysts expect Ukraine to intensify such operations over the next five days. They suggest that Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has been tasked with holding strategic points within the buffer zone established by Russian forces — and, where possible, reshaping its layout through counterattacks. This, they say, could strengthen Kyiv’s hand ahead of future negotiations. Strikes on Russian airfields and other large-scale drone operations are viewed as part of this pressure strategy.

One recent Ukrainian attempt to breach defenses near the border settlement of Manev in the Klimovsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region may have been a reconnaissance mission. Experts believe the Ukrainian command could be preparing for a broader offensive in the area, potentially involving 10 to 20 sabotage and reconnaissance teams — up to 350 personnel in total.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues along the Kupiansk axis, particularly near the settlement of Zaoskolye. On the approaches to the city from the north and northwest, Russian units are steadily forcing Ukrainian fighters out of positions in Holubivka, Moskovka, and Sobolivka.

Available data indicates that Ukrainian military leadership is not sending reinforcements to these contested zones, opting instead to keep substantial reserves within Kupiansk itself.