🇷🇺 ORBAT – Hulyaipole
Following Ukrainian reinforcements in the area, Russian forces redeployed units from Pokrovsk to Hulyaipole, likely in an attempt to maintain offensive tempo in southern Zaporizhzhia.

https://x.com/WarUnitObserver/status/2024913787325665702

In particular, the Eastern Military District’s 68th Army Corps was redeployed from the Pokrovsk/Dobropillia area and transferred back to the ‘Vostok’ grouping.
They are attacking west of Hulyaipole
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🇺🇦Ukrainian counterattacks on the southern front - the wider perspective

Between the end of January and the beginning of February, Ukrainian forces began a series of counterattacks aimed at the south-eastern corner of the frontline - split between the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro oblasts.
This area recorded the deepest 🇷🇺Russian advances in late 2025, but the low force density generated by the infiltration tactics used seems to be an exploitable weakness.
The Russian 🇷🇺“Vostok” Grouping faces several 🇺🇦Ukrainian assault regiments along with the 🇺🇦82nd and 95th Air Assault brigades, redeployed from Pokrovsk in late January for the occasion.

Given most of this information has been published by various other sources, we set out to provide a longer perspective on the often neglected and forgotten south-eastern corner of the frontline.

[1/9] On October 1st, 2024 the ruins of Vuhledar were fully occupied by 🇷🇺Russian forces.
The famous lynchpin of Ukraine’s southeastern front that had withstood the attacks of hundreds of Russian vehicles in the first two years of the war - charred husks of BMPs, BTRs and T-series tanks still populate the fields south of Vuhledar to this day - had given in.
The Ukrainian unit that led the defence of Vuhledar, the 🇺🇦72nd Mechanized Brigade, was rotated out of the area soon after the city fell for rest and recovery, after two straight years spent on the frontline.

In the same days, some 30 kilometers west, the 🇺🇦58th Motorized Brigade would leave the Velyka Novosilka front for the northern border of Kharkiv oblast.
Another “leading” Ukrainian unit, acting as headquarters for attached units in a ~20km wide sector, had now left the southern edge of Donetsk oblast.

These two rotations would spell the end of frontline stability in southern Donetsk.

The Battle of Vovchans'k - how the destroyed town fell after almost 2 Years.

The renewed 🇷🇺Russian offensive in northern Kharkiv oblast began in May 2024.
Only at the end of 2025 did the heavily shelled border town of Vovchans'k become entirely occupied.

Most units in this area have been facing each other for a long time, with the 🇺🇦57th Motorized Brigade being in charge of the city's defense in opposition to the 🇷🇺69th Motor Rifle Division, 128th Motor Rifle Brigade, and various attached regiments.

Operational command falls under the Ukrainian 🇺🇦16th Army Corps and the Russian 🇷🇺6th Combined Arms Army. In late 2025, fighting in the city’s ruins had stagnated and mostly saw small 🇷🇺 infantry elements suffering heavy attrition from 🇺🇦 drone strikes.
Russian mechanized assaults, largely conducted on MTLBs in the past, had ceased by the summer.

Interestingly, datapoints for the 🇺🇦72nd Mechanized Brigade, deployed west of the city in the late summer, became scarce in October.
While we could not entirely confirm this so far, it seems likely that the brigade rotated out for recovery or moved to another front.

The 🇺🇦1st Battalion of the 58th Motorized Brigade deployed near Synel'nykove in the 72nd Brigade’s previous sector.
Here, small territorial losses were recorded in October and November - as can be expected when replacing a brigade with (possibly) a single battalion.
The 🇷🇺82nd Motor Rifle Regiment led the charge, with predictably high casualty rates.

The 🇺🇦1st Assault Battalion “Black Swan” of the 225th Regiment deployed elements into the city itself in November and December in the size of at least two assault groups (platoon/company-echelon).
This was likely in response to advances through the urban center by the 🇷🇺1009th Regiment and 128th Brigade.

The 🇺🇦57th Motorized Brigade's manpower state can be assumed to be mediocre at best, given the entire brigade has never gone on recovery since the spring of 2024 (battalion rotations do happen regularly, however).

Dobropillya direction: 🇺🇦12th Azov Brigade finally joins its parent Corps on the frontline.

Following the 🇷🇺Russian breakthrough in early August, the 🇺🇦National Guards’ 1st Azov Corps deployed its headquarters in the Dobropillya direction and led the clearing of several settlements.
The 12th Azov Brigade, however, had remained in its sector south of Kostyantynivka after months of battles in Toretsk.

Earlier today, the Brigade announced that it has transferred to the Dobropillya direction, in the 1st Corps’ area of responsibility.

This means that three of the Corps’ five organic brigades are now under its operational control, facing the 🇷🇺 51st Combined Arms Army, 20th Motorized Rifle Division and the large Naval Infantry Grouping. In early December, the newly formed 🇺🇦20th “Lyubart” Brigade (based on the 5th Battalion of the Azov Brigade) had joined the fight in the 1st Corps’ sector, specifically north of 14th “Chervona Kalyna” Brigade, holding the town of Rodyns’ke.

The 🇺🇦4th “Rubizh” Brigade also still operates in the 1st Corps’ sector, despite belonging to the other National Guard Corps - Khartia.

Highlighted on the map are several Russian mechanized assaults that occurred in the past month, leading to minimal gains and large losses.
For example, the attacks on December 22nd & 26th may have resulted in up to 40 pieces of equipment visually confirmed as lost.

🇺🇦🇷🇺 ORBAT: Dnipropetrovsk–Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Ukraine continues to reinforce this direction following significant Russian advances by the Vostok Grouping.
Specifically,🇺🇦assault units that previously cleared the Russian Dobropillya Axis breakthrough are now redeploying here. In the Pokrovs'ke direction, several battalions from the 🇺🇦 92nd Assault Brigade have redeployed from the Dobropillya Axis, with additional units joining from the rear to stabilize the situation along the Yehorivka–Vyshneve–Oleksiivka line, opposing the 🇷🇺 29th and 🇷🇺 35th Armies

Two 🇺🇦Ukrainian brigades reinforced the flanks of Pokrovsk in November.

The 35th Marine and 95th Air Assault brigades were transferred from their previous positions to each of the city's flanks after the situation inside Pokrovsk deteriorated. The 🇺🇦35th Marine Brigade came from the Novopavlivka front, although its battalions likely had a few weeks of recovery in October between the two deployments.

In early November, the 1st, 2nd and 137th battalions began posting footage of drone strikes from the northern edge of Pokrovsk and east of the city - near Myrnohrad.
Here, small elements of fellow marines from the 38th Brigade might still be surrounded, although the situation is more appropriately described as “a massive gray zone”.

The 35th Brigade’s deployment is likely in a supporting role to inflict attrition on the advancing Russians and enable the eventual full withdrawal from Myrnohrad.

The 🇺🇦 clearing of Kupyansk’s northern outskirts in depth: the 2nd National Guard Corps "Khartia" has been committed.

As reported by many sources last week, the northern flank of Kupyansk has been cleared of Russians, partially cutting off infantry in the city itself.

This operation was led by a command element of the 2nd NGU Corps “Khartia”, initially under the Group of Forces North and currently under Major General Drapatyi’s “Joint Forces Task Force”. A lengthy post by Ukrainian journalist (now member of Khartia) Yurii Butusov contains detailed information: on September 21st, a 🇺🇦“Search & Strike Group” was created from the headquarters of the Khartia Corps, under corps commander Colonel Obolyenskyi.
As far as we know, this is the first appearance of this task-organized formation in Ukrainian doctrine.

The “Khartia Group” operated with various attached subunits under its command.
- On 24/09, the newly formed 475th Assault Regiment “Code 9.2” (created from 92nd Assault Brigade subunits) cleared the town of Tyshchenkivka.
- On 09/10, the 475th Regiment and the 4th Battalion of the 92nd Brigade recaptured Kindrashivka.
- On 11/10, armored groups from the NGU Khartia Brigade took Radkivka.

At this point the key goal was reaching the Oskil’ river to fully cut the Russian route into the city - this was achieved on October 21st.
Geolocated footage from the area south of Holubivka was released by Khartia Brigade last week, confirming this.

A truly impressive aspect has been the OPSEC (Operational Security) surrounding the operation - the only indication that attacks were ongoing was Russian-released footage of drone strikes on an M113 assault north of Holubivka around 21/10.
This may have been a company from 425th “Skelya” (ex-Skala) Regiment’s 2nd Assault Battalion. It is unlikely they were able to consolidate their positions after the vehicles were disabled.

Other units supporting the main effort as part of the “Khartia Group” were the 144th Mechanized Brigade, Free Russia Legion elements and drone teams from the “Lazar” and “Typhoon” NGU detachments.

On 02.12.25, one day after restructuring into a division, the 🇷🇺55th naval infantry division attempted to break through toward Myrnograd with a mechanized attack - indicating a possible reprioritization away from the Dobropillya axis
Several AFV were lost. Among them are tanks identifiable from recent Russian media footage, as well as vehicles bearing typical Naval Infantry markings previously used by the former 155th Naval Infantry Brigade

https://x.com/sternenko/status/1996544540723884355

The Pokrovs’ke - Hulyaipole front has seen the deepest Russian advances in the past month.
This thread will examine the 🇺🇦Ukrainian forces in the area, highlighting the many attached battalions that likely lead to degraded coordination between the units.

Overall command of this sector belongs to the 🇺🇦20th Army Corps, with the attached 102nd Territorial Defense (TDF) Brigade holding its right flank near Hulyaipole.

The 🇺🇦110th Mechanized Brigade seems to have a nearly 20 kilometer-wide area of responsibility, while the sector north of it sees the presence of several assault battalions under an unclear command. The 🇺🇦110th Mechanized Brigade is a clear example of a well-documented Ukrainian practice: battalions from other units are frequently attached to brigades struggling in defense. This often results in reduced coordination, cohesion and responsibility for the brigade commanders.

As mentioned in a post by the Brigade itself, the units attached to the 110th include:
- 3rd Battalion, 122nd TDF Brigade
- 4th Battalion, 105th TDF Brigade
- 3rd Mechanized Battalion, Presidential Brigade
- 1st Rifle Battalion, 125th Heavy Mechanized Brigade (possibly with elements of 2nd Mechanized Battalion)

🇺🇦 Two Ukrainian brigades have been transferred from the northern border areas to the eastern front.

The 144th and 154th Mechanized brigades redeployed in September to the Kup'yansk and Pokrovs'ke directions, respectively.

Both these sectors have recently seen Russian gains and likely needed reinforcements. The 🇺🇦144th Mechanized Brigade had been in Chernihiv region, on the northern border, since the spring.

By late September, it was transferred to the area near Kindrashivka.

It was specifically mentioned in President Zelenskiy's October 8th evening address, along with the 15th National Guard Brigade which the 144th is likely supporting.

🇷🇺 The Russian Naval Infantry grouping is now engaged in the Dobropillya area.
The 177th, 40th, and 155th Brigades are conducting attacks near Poltavka, while the 336th Brigade is operating near Nove Shakove.
For now, the 61st Naval Infantry Brigade appears to remain in reserve. Overall the marines are mixed in between 51st and 8th Army units.
Due to Ukrainian redeployments, the naval grouping now faces well-regarded units such as Rubizh NGU, Skala, 225th Regiment, 82nd and 95th Air Assault Brigades, 93rd Mech Brigade and more.

🇷🇺 Russian Regrouping
Due to water shortages in Donetsk, many Russian units turn to volunteers for essential supplies.
Through this we have been able to confirm that the 61st and 336th Naval Infantry Brigades are in Donetsk, joining the Russian Naval Infantry Grouping Russian Marines from the 61st Brigade, recently redeployed from Kherson, thank volunteers for donating water tanks in this video filmed at the 'Hypermarket' parking lot in Donetsk.

🇺🇦Ukrainian units are beginning to transfer out of Sumy, following Russia's regrouping that we reported on last week.

In this thread we will review the current Ukrainian disposition in Sumy, including recent changes and which units might move out soon.

https://x.com/WarUnitObserver/status/1961790275828818199

During August, the 156th Mechanized Brigade transferred to the Pokrovsk direction (possibly around Shakhove and Sofiivka).

It was previously deployed in Yunakivka, where it was replaced by the veteran 47th Mechanized Brigade.

The 47th moved here from the border further west.

(1)
Robert Magyar, the commander of the Ukrainian unmanned systems forces, has recently released the August ranking for the top 25 Ukrainian drone units. We want to share a few details about the top ten units. Depending on the reception we might do the remaining units tomorrow.
1. 414th Separate Brigade "Magyar's Birds", Drone line
2. CSO Alpha, SBU,
3. 412th Regiment "Nemesis", Drone line
4. 3rd Separate Assault Brigade,
5. Lasar’s group, NGU,
6. 429th Regiment "Achilles", Drone line
7. GV Phoenix, DPSU, Drone line
8. 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade
9. 427th Regiment "Rarog", Drone line
10. DNP 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
t.me/robert_magyar/…
Credit for many of the redrawn insignias: @Militarylandnet (2)
414th UAS Brigade "Magyar's Birds":
The biggest drone unit in the Ukrainian army, which recently announced the plan to double its size.
Mostly focused on strikes against soldiers and light vehicles, it benefits from changes in the point system (more points for killed soldiers).

🇷🇺Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka ORBAT
The recent battles were shaped by three key aspects:
1. Forming of infiltration groups south of Pokrovsk in the 2nd CAA AO
2. Gradual redeployment of 51st CAA Units towards Rodyns'ke
3. Heavy fighting along Popiv Yar-Katerynivka line by the 8th CAA South-Pokrovsk:
Spetsnaz trained Infiltration groups along with 506th's "Typhoon" assault unit & the 35th MRB managed to move deep into the city attempting to destabilize the defense. The 15th MRB continues pressing the Udachne-Kotlyne line.

The Ukrainian 17th Army Corps (17AK) has likely deployed to the front, replacing the Operational Tactical Group (OTU) Zaporizhzhia.

Most units assigned to the Corps are currently holding the line between Kam'yans'ke and Huliajpole.

(Boundaries on the map are approximate) This is the composition of the 17th Army Corps, revealed on its socials in the past week and reported by @Militarylandnet.

It includes two TDF (Territorial Defence Forces) brigades: the 128th TDF Brigade was transferred to the Ground Forces in 2024 but is yet to be reorganized.

🇷🇺Summer Offensive
Today’s focus is the southern front, where Russian activity has surged over the past two months.
Currently, five Combined Arms Armies and one VDV Division are carrying out offensive operations as part of the 2025 summer campaign.
🧵 Central Zaporizhzhia saw advances toward Kam'yans'ke by two Air Assault Regiments from the 7th VDV Division, supported by infantry from multiple regiments of the 19th Division. Meanwhile, the 503rd Regiment was unsuccessful assaulting out of Nesterianka.

The Ukrainian 20th Army Corps (20AK) might be deploying to the frontline after revealing its units.

With 4 of its maneuver brigades currently operating in southern Donetsk, it will partly replace Tactical Group Vuhledar (TGr Vuhledar).

(Boundaries on the map are approximate) This is the composition of 20th Army Corps, as revealed yesterday in a post on its official Facebook page and initially reported by @Militarylandnet

🇷🇺 Russian units operating in Kursk/Sumy Oblast.
Thread:
Contrary to initial beliefs, most Russian units remained in Kursk and continued assault operations through April and May, with additional units recently reintroduced

The main efforts in the Bilovdy to Loknya area are carried out by the 76th Air Assault Division (104th, 234th and 237th Regiments) and 83rd Air Assault Brigade with 106th Airborne Division (51st, 119th and 137th Regiments) and 150th MRR supporting.

🇺🇦Ukrainian reinforcements west of Toretsk

Our previous thread on this area highlighted the lack of Ukrainian reinforcements (above battalion echelon) being committed.

It has since become clear that they actually arrived, beginning in late April.

https://x.com/WarUnitObserver/status/1921159945388535898

In the previous thread, we mentioned the deployment of the 501st Separate Marine Battalion of the 36th Marine Brigade from Kursk.

In reality, almost the entire 36th Brigade has been deployed to this sector, specifically between Novoolenivka and Kalynove.

We are discovering more and more of the structure of the new 68th Motorized Rifle Division, formed on basis of the 25th Motor Rifle Regiment

New formations:
121st Motorized Rifle Regiment: MUN 50183
122nd Motorized Rifle Regiment: MUN 50333
52nd Reconnaissance Battalion: MUN ?

https://twitter.com/WarUnitObserver/status/1916431133647970427

Previously under 25th Motor Rifle Brigade:
1009th Motorized Rifle Regiment: MUN 29298
Unlike the rest of the 68th Division, which is near Kupyansk, this Regiment is operating near Vovchansk