The Russian Army has made significant advances across nearly all sectors of the front over the past day, substantially diminishing Ukrainian-controlled territory. The Russian Ministry of Defence officially confirmed the recapture of Malaya Loknya, Kositsa, Cherkasskoye, and Porechnoye. In Malaya Loknya, troops from the 9th Regiment retrieved the body of Sergey Chebnev, known by the callsign “Otmel”.
From Lebedevka and Kubatkin, Russian forces successfully linked the northern front and have commenced a southward offensive. Meanwhile, north of Kazachya Loknya, clearing operations are in progress. Intense fighting continues within the village itself, with Ukrainian forces retreating towards Sudzha. The northern part of Kazachya Loknya has now come under Russian control. However, Russian troops faced setbacks in their attempt to secure the settlements of Knyazhy 1st and Knyazhy 2nd further south, suffering significant casualties in the process.
On the eastern flank, Russian forces have reportedly reclaimed Martynovka, Agronom, Ivashkovsky, Kolmakov Hamlet, and Bondarevka. However, Ukrainian resistance has successfully repelled advances in Mirny, holding their defensive positions. In Dmitryukov, where Ukrainian forces find themselves encircled, fierce battles continue, with both sides sustaining casualties.
Drone operators monitoring the situation in Sudzha have reported that Ukrainian troops attempted to withdraw in small groups under the cover of darkness. Notably, no reinforcements were observed arriving from the Sumy region, suggesting that Ukrainian command is not prioritising the defence of the area. Instead, efforts appear focused on extracting remaining personnel rather than reinforcing their positions. This aligns with a statement from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrsky, who described the movement of forces as a “manoeuvre to advantageous defensive positions.” Despite this, he asserted that the Sumy-Kursk border remains under Ukrainian control and that Russian troops had been repelled.
South of Sudzha, Ukrainian forces continue their attempts to maintain control over a rapidly shrinking pocket of territory. Reports indicate that ‘Aidar’ troops have been deployed near Kurilovka, where they have launched several counterattacks. While these operations have inflicted significant losses on Russian troops, Ukrainian positions remain under immense pressure.
Further details have emerged regarding the so-called “Pipeline Operation” near Sudzha. Over 800 Russian volunteers from various battalions infiltrated Ukrainian lines by utilising an underground gas pipeline. This infiltration was carefully orchestrated over a four-day period, during which supplies were covertly delivered in preparation for the operation. However, the element of surprise was compromised, and Ukrainian forces intercepted a portion of the advancing units. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 80 Russian soldiers. Despite these losses, the operation ultimately facilitated the capture of Kubatkin Hamlet, a strategically significant settlement situated at the heart of Ukrainian defensive positions. This breakthrough played a pivotal role in breaching Ukrainian fortifications in the region.
As the situation in the Kursk region evolves, both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to engage in high-intensity combat, with territorial control shifting rapidly. The next phase of operations is likely to determine the extent of Russian consolidation in the area and the potential for further Ukrainian counteroffensives.
