Ukrainian forces advance near Kostiantynivka: ISW identifies new frontline hotspots
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces advance near Kostiantynivka (GettyImages)
Ukrainian troops recently advanced in northern Kharkiv region and along the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka tactical axis, while Russian forces recorded advances on the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions.
This is outlined in a new report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Kharkiv region: Ukrainian gains and strikes in Belgorod
ISW reports that geolocated footage from January 30 confirms Ukrainian advances in the northern part of Nesterne, northeast of Kharkiv.
Meanwhile, the 16th Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that Russian forces intensified attacks using adverse weather to limit the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, leading to significant strain on Ukrainian units.
Ukrainian forces are also expanding their area of operations into Belgorod region, using fiber-optic drones in response to Russian strikes with TOС-1A thermobaric systems from the Shebekino area.
Kupiansk direction: infiltration without changes in control
ISW analysts report that Russian forces carried out infiltration missions along the Kupiansk axis.
Geolocated footage from January 30–31 shows Russian troops:
- in the center of Petropavlivka, east of Kupiansk;
- and in the northern part of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi.
However, according to ISW, these actions did not result in any changes to territorial control or the frontline.
Donetsk region: fighting near Kostyantynivka and Ukrainian gains
In the Kostiantynivka–Druzhkivka tactical area, both sides reported advances.
Geolocated footage from January 31 shows Ukrainian success north of Yablunivka, southwest of Kostiantynivka, while footage from January 28 indicates minor Russian advances southeast of the city.
Russian forces also carried out incursions near the Donetsk railway, but these actions did not change the frontline situation.
Pokrovsk direction: Russian advances
According to ISW, Russian forces advanced on the Pokrovsk axis. Geolocated materials from January 30–31 indicate that the occupiers:
-
likely captured the village of Balahan east of Pokrovsk;
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advanced into central Myrnohrad;
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increased activity along the E-50 Pokrovsk–Pavlohrad highway south of Hryshyne.
Zaporizhzhia region: fighting on the Huliaipole direction
Analysts also confirmed the advance of Russian forces on the Huliaipole axis. Video recordings show the occupiers’ successes:
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west of Dobropillia;
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west of Pryluky;
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near Zelene and Sviatopetrivka.
At the same time, ISW notes that some of these actions were infiltration missions and did not lead to a change in control over the area.
Frontline situation
Earlier, Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces grouping, stated that Ukraine has information on Russian plans for January. According to him, Russian forces are attempting to bypass Vovchansk and advance toward Lyman.
Meanwhile, ISW reports that Ukrainian forces have made tactical gains along the Kupiansk and Pokrovsk axes.
The situation in the Myrnohrad area remains tense. Air Assault and Marine units are involved in defending the city.
The Air Assault Forces previously noted that Russian troops increased pressure on Myrnohrad due to their inability to establish control over Pokrovsk. Ukrainian defenders, however, have significantly reinforced defensive positions.
