Weekly Russia-Ukraine war summary: Strike on Kryvyi Rih, Russia bombs Belgorod Region, Russian offensive in Zaporizhzhia slows down

Small arms fightingcontinues in both villages, with both sides actively using artillery, aviation, and UAVs. Counterattacks by Russian assault groups of 10-15 fighters have not proven very successful. Russian self-styled “war correspondent” Vladimir Romanov reported the alleged encirclement of Ukrainians in Demidovka following a failed breakthrough attempt, but other sources do not corroborate his reports.

In the Kupiansk sector, the Russian Armed Forces advanced to Kindrashivka, north of Kupiansk, operating from a bridgehead on the right bank of the Oskil River. The author of the Ofitser ✙ Telegram channel, a Ukrainian military officer, wrote about the Russians' attempts to gain a foothold on the northern outskirts of Kindrashivka and move towards the center of the village, while Russian self-styled “war correspondent” Yuri Kotenok reported fighting for neighboring Mala Shapkivka. Later, as Ofitser ✙ reported, the situation in the vicinity of Kindrashivka stabilized.

In the Bakhmut sector, the situation for Russian forces near Chasiv Yar is “unfavorable”: the Defense Forces of Ukraine are pulling up reserves and armored vehicles and amping up UAV operations. Russian pro-war Telegram channel Rybar writes that Ukrainian counterattacks, including with the use of armored vehicles, have already begun. Rybar predicts that their main target will be Chasiv Yar but does not rule out a strike north of the town. Meanwhile, south of Chasiv Yar, the 5th Separate Assault Brigade repelled a major Russian “motorized assault,” claiming the destruction of 18 motorcycles, three armored fighting vehicles, and two personnel carriers.