Russian forces advance in Kharkiv and Donetsk as Ukraine shifts troops to Chernihiv border

Russian forces captured the settlements of Kazachya Lopan in Kharkiv Oblast and Svyatogorsk in Donetsk Oblast over the past day, while Ukrainian troops redeployed forces to the Chernihiv Oblast border area and intensified drone reconnaissance there. Russian advances were also reported near Rubizhne and Oleksieievo-Druzhkivka on the Donetsk front, with fighting continuing on the approaches to Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukraine's 120th separate reconnaissance regiment, equipped with Western-made drones, was moved to the Chernihiv border region. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed control of Kazachya Lopan, with over 3,000 houses liberated, while battles continued near Hoptivka and southeast of Vovchansk. Ukrainian forces reportedly withdrew main forces from Kazachya Lopan to Zolochiv, and a Ukrainian fortified area in Sumy Oblast was destroyed by artillery.