Fresh battlefield movements indicate that both Ukrainian and Russian forces made gains in several contested areas across Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts in recent days, according to a June 25 report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Geolocated footage supports a series of advances, with Ukrainian forces regaining ground in eastern Kharkiv and southern Donetsk oblasts, while Russian troops pushed forward in key directions including Vovchansk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.

Ukrainian progress near Borova and Velyka Novosilka

ISW reports that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Borova direction in eastern Kharkiv Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 25 June confirms that Ukrainian troops regained positions in Zelenyi Hai, located east of Borova. The footage strongly suggests that Ukrainian forces likely liberated the settlement.

Meanwhile, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine also made headway in the Velyka Novosilka direction. Geolocated footage released on 23 June indicates Ukrainian forces advanced southeast of Novopil, southwest of Velyka Novosilka.

Ukrainian counteroffensive near Lyman hits Russian regiment

Ukrainian troops operating in the Lyman direction launched a counterattack on 24 June, reportedly striking elements of the Russian 283rd Motorized Rifle Regiment, which is part of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division, 20th Combined Arms Army. The Ukrainian brigade stated that its operation “destroyed” a platoon from the Russian regiment and resulted in progress near Ridkodub, north of Lyman.

However, Russian sources counter these claims. A Russian milblogger alleged that Russian troops advanced east of Zelena Dolyna and north of Novomykhailivka, both located in the same northern part of Donetsk Oblast.

Russian gains around Vovchansk and Pokrovsk

Russian forces continued their push in northern Kharkiv Oblast. According to ISW, geolocated footage published on 23 and 25 June shows Russian troops advancing in northern and northwestern parts of Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City.

In the Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk direction, geolocated video from 24 June depicts Russian troops advancing north of Shevchenko Pershe and into western Lysivka, both situated near Pokrovsk.

Donetsk’s Yalta fell in the Novopavlivka direction

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that units from the 36th Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of the 29th Combined Arms Army under the Eastern Military District, took control of central Yalta, south of Novopavlivka in Donetsk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 25 June supports this claim, showing Russian servicemembers raising their flag in the settlement center.