Fighting escalates across eastern Ukraine as Russian strikes hit civilian areas

Heavy fighting continues along Ukraine's eastern front, with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reporting more than 250 combat engagements in a 24-hour period. Intense Russian offensive efforts remain focused near Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Kostiantynivka. North of Kupiansk, Ukrainian infantry advanced along the Oskil River after suppressing Russian drone operations. Reports also indicate potential Ukrainian gains of up to 200 square kilometers near Lyman.

In contrast, Russian defense officials reported capturing several settlements on the approaches to Sumy. Meanwhile, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov publicly denied claims of Ukrainian tactical successes in the Zaporizhzhia direction.

Off the frontline, Russian overnight attacks involving 138 drones caused civilian casualties. A strike in Kyiv Oblast killed a woman and two children, and another attack hit a monastery in Kherson Oblast, killing a priest.

Sources: NV, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Insider, Українська правда.