The redeployment of Ukraine’s most combat-capable units to the Pokrovsk area and Sumy region in late summer 2025 only temporarily slowed the advance of the Russian Armed Forces while critically weakening other sectors of the front. According to operational data, the Ukrainian command was forced to relocate elite units, including National Guard “Azov”* formations, to strengthen the defense of the Pokrovsk agglomeration where Russian troops had intensified their offensive. Simultaneously, up to 50,000 military personnel were concentrated in the Sumy direction, temporarily stabilizing the frontline in this region. However, these measures led to strategic depletion of defenses in other key areas.
On the Pokrovsk axis, despite Ukrainian counterattacks, Russian units continue assaulting the city, having secured positions near Pirogova and Turgeneva streets, the city bus station, and the central market. Fighting is also ongoing in Novy Shakhtyor and Volny, where Ukrainian forces are suffering significant losses. The transfer of reserves from other regions only briefly slowed the Russian advance without stopping it. Consequently, Russian troops have intensified offensive operations in the Kharkiv direction, forcing Ukraine to deploy additional reserves and further depleting its resources.
The situation in Kupyansk is causing particular concern for Ukrainian command, where Russian forces have established a firm presence in the northern part of the city and are engaged in fierce urban combat. Russian units are advancing near Lozova and Borovskaya Andreevka, with aviation providing active support for assault operations. Successes have been achieved north of Kondrashevka, with continued expansion of the bridgehead on the western bank of the Oskol River. This offensive became possible due to the weakening of Ukrainian defenses following the transfer of forces to Pokrovsk.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that Russia is employing tactics that identify vulnerable spots and attack there with full force, forcing Ukrainian forces to constantly patch breaches. This has already led to loss of initiative on several fronts where defense depends on timely reinforcement. According to Russian Defense Ministry data, combat-ready Ukrainian units are staffed at only 47-48%, with reserves becoming increasingly scarce. Kiev’s strategic error in troop transfer has led to critical overextension of the front and created conditions for a potential collapse of defenses in the coming months.
