In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian forces cleared about 2 km² of forest
The Defense Forces liberated an area to the southwest of Zakhidne and are advancing west from Dvorichna
Ukrainian forces conducted an infantry operation on the Kupiansk direction and cleared about 2 square kilometers of forested area. This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The «Khartia» corps reported that its fighters liberated a sector southwest of Zakhidne. Ukrainian forces are also continuing to advance west of Dvorichna in Kharkiv Oblast.
The unit released geolocated video showing 15–20 Ukrainian servicemen running through the forest. ISW analysts assessed that a group up to platoon-sized may have taken part in the operation.
“Ukrainian troops operated freely in open terrain, indicating the suppression of Russian drones in the area,” the ISW noted.
Earlier Ukrainian forces captured 7.5 square kilometers of woodlands southwest of Dvorichna and advanced north of Zakhidne. This was aided by strikes on concentrations of Russian troops, unmanned ground vehicles, radars, electronic warfare systems and strike drones of the “Molniya” type.
Analysts reminded that since 2025 both sides have been trying to restore tactical maneuver capability. Recent counterattacks and operations to suppress Russia’s drone defenses may be part of those efforts.
ISW also noted that in May Ukrainian forces liberated more territory than the Russian army was able to capture.
Earlier we wrote:
- SBU exposed the embezzlement of more than ₴12 million allocated for 580 FPV drones for the military in the Kharkiv direction
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine improved positions on three axes: ISW reported changes on the front
- Russian forces did not advance on several sectors of the front — ISW
- Training: Ukrainian operators “smashed” an American armored brigade
- ISW: in 2026 the Russian Federation’s tempo sharply slowed — the buffer zone near Kharkiv remains out of reach
