Edith Hejberg
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have made incremental gains in northeast Kharkiv, pushing south from their own border.
Colonel Lebedev, commander of Russia’s 83rd Mechanized Regiment, has been killed in action, Ukrainian forces confirmed.
Operating under the 69th Division, Lebedev was reportedly coordinating key offensive maneuvers in the northeast Kharkiv region.
Strikes Near Velikiy Burluk Disrupt Russian Plans
Lebedev’s operations focused on Velikiy Burluk, where Russia is attempting to create a buffer zone along the international border.
His death is considered a tactical win for Ukraine in an area under growing pressure.
Russian Troops Make Tactical Advances
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have made incremental gains in northeast Kharkiv, pushing south from their own border.
The timing of Lebedev’s elimination may be crucial in stalling further advances.
Pattern of Targeted Russian Commanders
This isn’t the first high-ranking Russian officer to fall recently. Earlier in July,
Ukraine reported killing Mikhail Gudkov, a former marine brigade commander and deputy naval chief.
Symbolic Fighter “One Million” Neutralized
On June 11, Ukraine’s special unit “Kraken” took down a marine known by the symbolic callsign “one million.” Identified as Sergei Mashanenkov, he hailed from Kamchatka and was part of the Russian marine forces.
Pokrovsk Front Heats Up with Mechanized Assault
Russian forces launched a rare mechanized assault toward Pokrovsk, targeting the village of Shevchenko. Ukrainian defenses held firm, pushing back the advance and destroying several Russian vehicles.
Drones Play Decisive Role in Repelling Attack
Footage from Ukraine’s 155th Brigade shows Russian armored units exposed in open terrain, falling victim to FPV drones.
Analysts remain puzzled by Russia’s decision to strike Shevchenko instead of weaker nearby zones like Zvirove.
Russian Infantry Mobilizes for Broader Assault
Observers expect more infantry-based attacks to follow, especially near Yablunivka and Orihove.
Nearly half of the previous day’s clashes occurred in the Pokrovsk sector, signaling an emerging hotspot in the conflict.
Ukraine Fends Off Over 60 Russian Assaults
In a 24-hour period, Ukrainian forces repelled 63 Russian assault attempts across multiple hotspots, including Pokrovsk, Volodymyrovka, and Poltavka, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.
Ukrainian Counteroffensives Gain Ground
Ukraine continues its pushback on three fronts. In Sumy, Kindrativka was recaptured; in Kharkiv, forces advanced near Hatne; and in Luhansk, troops moved closer to Liman. Meanwhile, Russia aims to isolate Ukrainian units near Kupiansk.
