Frontline momentum slows as strikes target energy and fuel networks

Ground operations across Ukraine's eastern front saw over 150 daily combat engagements, with intense fighting concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors. Analytical reports from the Institute for the Study of War indicated Russian advances toward Sloviansk and Kupyansk slowed due to Ukrainian counterattacks, despite Russian forces expanding control south of Dobropillia and claiming a settlement in Zaporizhzhia.

Simultaneously, Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure caused widespread power outages, leaving over 600,000 residents without electricity in Dnipropetrovsk region and roughly 250,000 in Kharkiv region.

In Russia, domestic fuel supplies faced disruption following Ukrainian drone strikes on eight oil refineries over two weeks. Russian regional authorities and energy company Rosneft subsequently imposed fuel sales limits at service stations to manage localized shortages.

Sources: Belsat, NEXTA, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.