Weekly Russia-Ukraine war summary: Russian forces advance in northern Kursk Region, Ukrainian troops withdraw from Kurakhove

In the Vremivka salient, the pace of the Russian Armed Forces' advance has slowed significantly, with DeepState reporting only tactical successes near Velyka Novosilka and Neskuchne. However, Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets views (1, 2) the prospects of holding Velyka Novosilka pessimistically, as the settlement and surrounding villages are already semi-encircled by Russian forces.

In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian troops are attempting to encircle the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad agglomeration from the southwest and east. Advancing toward Kotlyn along the Pokrovsk-Mezheva highway on the western flank, they have occupied Novoyelizavetivka with small infantry groups and nearly captured Novovasylivka. Meanwhile, despite Russia’s taking of Vozdvyzhenka south of the Myrnohrad–Kostiantynivka highway on the eastern flank, Ukrainian forces have so far repelled attacks in the areas of Malinivka and Elizavetivka (1, 2).

According to Russian military correspondent Yuriy Kotenok, Toretsk is «mostly occupied» by Russian forces. Based on the DeepState map, the AFU maintains firm control only over the city's outskirts. Russian forces have also intensified activity west of Toretsk, where Ukraine's 12th National Guard Brigade Azov repelled a major mechanized assault.