Ukrainian Forces Hold Ground, Push Back Russian Attacks in Kursk, Belgorod

Ukrainian forces are actively defending and holding ground in several critical frontline areas, including Pokrovsk, Lyman, Novopavlivka, and Northern Slobozhanskyi, with intense combat engagement resulting in over 1,000 Russian casualties in recent days. Ukrainian troops have restored and maintained positions in the Russian border regions of Kursk and Belgorod, continuing to exert pressure and deny the enemy respite. The defense in eastern Donetsk, particularly around Pokrovsk—a key strategic logistics hub—remains fiercely contested, with Russian forces attempting to leverage numerical superiority but Ukrainian units preventing deep advances. Combat activity remains high with 149 engagements reported in a single day, especially in the Pokrovsk direction, where Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian assaults. To strengthen their defense and conduct offensive operations, Ukraine is expanding drone use, including interceptor units and DeepStrike capabilities targeting Russian territory. Challenges persist due to shortages in military supplies and personnel, compounded by reduced U.S. weapons shipments, as Russia presses offensives on multiple fronts including potential expansion into the Dnipropetrovsk region.