By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In the North Slobozhanshchyna front of Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian Armed Forces have advanced up to 2.5 km in select areas. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that active operations are ongoing to eliminate Russian forces and liberate settlements. Fire zones are being maintained to prevent Russian movements in key areas, with operations particularly active near Oleksiivka and Yunakivka. This recent progress follows President Zelenskyy’s report of advances near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.
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Ukrainian forces advance 2.5 km on North Slobozhanshchyna front – Ukraine’s General Staff, and it’s a piece of news that definitely sparks some mixed feelings. On one hand, any positive movement, any gain in territory, is something to be celebrated in the face of such a brutal conflict. It’s easy to get bogged down in the overall picture, especially when you hear about the scale of Russian advances over the last few months – numbers that seem to dwarf a 2.5 km gain. That’s understandable, the sheer size of the conflict and the relentless reports of losses can feel overwhelming.
However, let’s look at it a bit differently. Two and a half kilometers, if it’s a linear advance and not just a square kilometer calculation, is still a tangible accomplishment, a push forward against an entrenched enemy. In a war that’s largely characterized by stalemate and trench warfare, where every inch of ground is fiercely contested and paid for in blood, even a small gain can be significant. It could shift the tactical situation or even create opportunities for further advancements.
It’s also worth remembering that this isn’t a war where one side is likely to sweep the other away in a single, decisive offensive. Ukraine’s strategy appears to be based around attrition and exploiting weaknesses in the Russian army. Russia’s reliance on older equipment, the struggles with logistics and supply, and the need for aid from countries like North Korea all point to potential vulnerabilities that Ukraine can exploit. Maybe these small advances can create an environment where Russia begins to suffer more significant attrition due to the increased difficulty in resupplying and reinforcing their positions.
Focusing on weakening the Russian military infrastructure, like their factories and oil refineries, as well as using asymmetric warfare tactics, like drones and sabotage, could contribute more significantly to the overall Ukrainian war effort. Asymmetric warfare is a critical component in leveling the playing field against a stronger adversary. If Ukraine can strike at strategic targets, create havoc behind enemy lines, and degrade Russia’s ability to wage war, these kinds of tactics could make a bigger impact than a head-on attempt to take vast swathes of land.
The overall context must always be remembered. Russia occupied 556 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in June, which was the largest monthly figure in 2025 according to data from DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts. Therefore, any Ukrainian advances, must be analyzed within the greater framework of the war.
Let’s also consider the nature of the war itself. In a conflict where both sides can barely move an inch without suffering massive losses, any kind of forward movement by either side is a sign that the Ukrainian forces are not only holding ground but also taking back territory.
It is easy to become despondent when there is constant information on Russia’s advancements. The information that needs to be considered is that Russia is also struggling with its logistics and supply problems. These weaknesses allow Ukraine to take advantage of the situation. Russia’s reliance on older equipment, the struggles with logistics and supply, and the need for aid from countries like North Korea all point to potential vulnerabilities that Ukraine can exploit.
The war wouldn’t continue if Russia stopped attacking, as Ukraine did not begin the war. It is not possible to stop an invasion by giving up territory, as that is not how an invading country works.
Ultimately, while a 2.5 km advance might seem small, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian forces. Considering the circumstances, it’s a positive sign, a small victory in a long and difficult struggle.