Comprehensive Battlefront Breakdown: A Strategic Look at Every Front

Today, we will discuss the most interesting developments along the entire front line, focusing on Liman, Toretsk, and north of Avdiivka.

Beginning with the Liman sector, Russian forces have managed to achieve some results, capitalizing on a weak spot in Ukrainian defenses. This offensive has resulted in territorial gains, including capturing parts of Yampolivka. Simultaneously, Russian troops are attempting to split the Ukrainian lines between Torske and Yampolivka, trying to exploit gaps in defensive cohesion. Although Ukrainian drone activity remains widespread across the sector, the quality and readiness of some of the units in the area appear lacking. This uneven performance has exposed vulnerabilities that Russian forces were quick to exploit. Ukrainian soldiers have expressed concern over a "house-of-cards" dynamic, where weaknesses in one brigade’s leadership and drone capabilities risk the stability of neighboring units holding the line. In response to the deteriorating situation, Ukrainian commanders are working to stabilize the sector and prevent a deeper Russian breakthrough. Despite recent Russian gains, their forces are increasingly overextended and remain vulnerable to coordinated countermeasures.

Their supply lines stretch precariously from Kreminna through Nevske and across the Zherebets River to Katerynivka, all without solid crossing points. As a result, Russian efforts rely heavily on infantry, making them prime targets for Ukrainian units.

Furthermore, Russian attempts to wedge into Yampolivka, exposes their flanks to Ukrainian fire from elevated terrain along the western bank, where Russians have not been able to expand their bridgehead. While the situation remains tense, Ukrainian forces have a window of opportunity to reverse recent setbacks if command-level shortcomings are addressed swiftly and effectively.

Switching to the Toretsk sector, the frontline has descended into chaos amid some of the fiercest urban combat seen in months. Russian forces have intensified their push to control the town, rotating in fresh troops and committing significant reserves intended for their broader spring-summer campaign.

The fighting has centered around the Toretsk mine, but the proximity of enemy positions generally makes movement nearly impossible. Neither side can rely on vehicles for close support due to the saturation of enemy drone activity, leaving infantry units isolated and vulnerable. A Ukrainian defender described the situation as tense, with neither force able to fully coordinate or maneuver effectively.

Still, the Ukrainian soldier, a drone operator, notes how the soldiers on the ground quote, fight like tigers, with them often eliminating Russian assault groups before he can even direct drone strikes toward them. The exceptional coordination and performance of frontline fighters and drone units has become a defining advantage for Ukrainians.

Facing stiff resistance, Russian commanders have intensified FPV drone deployments, likely having redirected dedicated units to support their efforts around Toretsk. Though they lack sufficient anti-tank weapons, these drones have become their primary tool for preventing Ukrainian raid tactics meant to demolish Russian strongpoints with explosives. Yet, despite these efforts, the Russian offensive has come at a steep cost. By deploying key reserves now, Russia is sacrificing its future offensive capabilities for a high-risk push to take Toretsk now. 

Despite being outnumbered, Ukrainian defenders have shown extraordinary resilience and coordination, and have turned every alley and building into a fortress. With limited mobility and logistics, the Russians are increasingly struggling despite their brute-force tactics. The battle's outcome remains uncertain, but if Ukrainian forces continue to hold at their current pace, Russia’s gamble on Toretsk could cost them dearly in the coming months.

In the direction north of Avdiivka, Russian forces have made more substantial gains recently, completing their capture of Oleksandropil and pushing deeper into Valentinivka. Their drive has also resulted in partial control over the village of Kalynove. These movements suggest a calculated effort to establish a stronger foothold on Toretsk’s far western flank, serving a dual purpose. First, it creates a new possible threat toward Toretsk’s rear, complicating Ukraine’s defensive logistics, and adding additional pressure on Ukrainians as the urban battle grinds on.

Second, it brings Russian forces incrementally closer to their broader summer objective in this area — the city of Kostiantynivka. With the direct assault on Toretsk already forcing Russians to commit their reserves prematurely, Russia appears to be trying to save its summer campaign by advancing northward to potentially envelop Ukrainian defenses or force a withdrawal under pressure.

Overall, in Liman, the Ukrainians need to re-coordinate and work together to stop Russian attempts to expand their bridgehead.

Meanwhile, at Toretsk, despite the obstacles, Ukrainians are inflicting massive casualties on the Russians, forcing them to commit additional troops, putting the planned Russian summer campaign on the line. North of Avdiivka, Russians are trying to bypass the fierce battle at Toretsk by opening a new axis of advance, but are being met with heavy Ukrainian resistance.