Ukrainian forces advance near Toretsk and Pokrovsk as Russia attacks on six fronts - ISW
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have made advances near Toretsk and Pokrovsk, while Russia attacks in Sumy and Kursk oblasts, as well as near Siversk, Kurakhove, Toretsk, and Robotyne, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on March 9.
Russian forces have intensified their offensive in Kursk Oblast, particularly in the so-called "Ukrainian bridgehead."
Geolocated data from March 8 indicates that Russian troops have captured Nova Sorochyna, Mala Loknya, and Lebedivka, as well as surrounding territories. Reports also suggest that Russian forces have made gains in Sudzha, where they are receiving reinforcements from North Korean units.
Ukrainian military sources confirm that up to two battalions of North Korean soldiers operating near Sudzha exhibit high combat readiness and coordination.
On March 9, Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kharkiv direction, particularly near Vovchansk, but failed to achieve any breakthroughs.
Former Russian prisoners, who have received minimal combat training, are being deployed in this area, Ukrainian intelligence said.
Additionally, reports confirm that Russian forces recently crossed the border from Kursk Oblast into Sumy Oblast, advancing toward the southern outskirts of Sudzha.
Geolocated footage from March 8 verifies the Russian occupation of Novenske, Milovyi, and Hoholivka.
A Ukrainian soldier operating in Kursk Oblast said that Russian advancements are largely enabled by North Korean reinforcements and the extensive use of FPV drones with fiber-optic guidance.
On the Kupiansk front, Russian forces attempted assaults near Kindrashivka, Petro-Ivanivka, Petropavlivka, and Stepova Novoselivka on March 8 and 9, but failed to achieve tactical success.
Ukrainian intelligence reports indicated that Russian forces are building up reserves in this sector for a future offensive, waiting for favorable weather conditions.
Russian troops are primarily using small assault groups, occasionally supported by motorized and armored vehicles. On average, Russian forces conduct 5–7 attacks per day in this sector, with reported casualty rates among Russian infantry units reaching 80–90%.
On March 9, Russian troops attempted offensives on the Lyman front, launching attacks on Ukrainian positions near Zelena Dolyna, Myrne, Yampilivka, Zhuravka, Ivanivka, Krynytsia, and Novomykhailivka, but failed to break through.
Despite sustained Russian attacks, Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions and resist enemy advances.
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