Russian forces advance along two axes: Where fighting rages and the situation in Kostiantynivka

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that the Russian army has advanced along the Kupiansk and Oleksandrivka axes and continues to infiltrate Kostiantynivka.

Kupiansk axis

A source linked to the Russian Western Force Grouping reported on June 28 that Russian troops had cleared Petropavlivka (east of Kupiansk) and Kurylivka (southeast of Kupiansk).

ISW assesses that this indicates Ukrainian forces no longer hold positions in Petropavlivka, Kurylivka, and Pishchane (east of Kurylivka).

The battle for Kostiantynivka

Russian troops continue to penetrate around Ukrainian positions in Kostiantynivka. A Ukrainian service member, in an article published on June 27 by Bloomberg, reported that Ukrainian forces eliminated roughly 90 percent of Russian sabotage groups on the Kostiantynivka axis, making any talk of the city's capture premature.

Kramatorsk axis

Russian forces are shaping the future battlefield near Kramatorsk and continue to employ strikes, particularly utilizing guided bombs. Bloomberg also notes that Russian forces are deploying aerial bombs against Kramatorsk more frequently than artillery. ISW explains that the occupiers intend to intimidate the local population through these tactics.

Oleksandrivka axis

US analysts state that Russian forces continue infiltration missions along the Oleksandrivka axis. They cite Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets, who reported on June 28 that Ukrainian troops had previously withdrawn from Rybne (south of Oleksandrivka), allowing Russian forces to occupy part of Krasnohirske (north of Rybne).

The military observer added that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were active between Zlahoda and Dobropillia. Concurrently, Ukrainian troops have seized most of Berezove (southeast of Oleksandrivka) and advanced southeast of the settlement; however, small Russian groups maintain positions on the southwestern and northwestern outskirts of Berezove.

Mashovets reported that Ukrainian forces hold positions in the southeast of Zaporizhzhia (southeast of Berezove) and south of the settlement, but small Russian groups are operating in Novomykolaivka and on the northern outskirts of Kalynivske.

Additionally, small Russian groups are active between Novohryhorivka and Novomykolaivka, specifically west of Kalynivske and near Verbove.

However, US analysts believe that the Russian Ministry of Defense is exaggerating the occupiers' advances in the immediate vicinity of Oleksandrivka.