One of the sections of the frontline which is incredibly underreported considering its significance to the Kostyantynivka direction is the stretch from Chasiv Yar to Toretsk.

While everyone is focused on the wedge being formed between Myrnohrad and Kostyantynivka, this section is still very far east and plays a critical role in defending the eastern buffer-zone of Kostyantynivka. Russia has been working on this line for months and it seems that it is finally cracking under the pressure.

To outline this sector, the main obstacle for Russia is the Siversky Donets Canal which runs through eastern Chasiv yar down to Horlivka in the rear. Following the reversal of the Ukrainian counteroffensive on the southern flank of Bakhmut in 2023-2024, Ukrainian forces fell back to a pre-prepared line along the western bank of this canal. This line is a continuous stretch of fortified trench strongpoints, firing positions and dugouts, situated along the summit of the tactical heights.

The Russian command knew that taking this line would be difficult and costly to do head on, especially considering the attacks would be largely uphill. So instead, they pulled the classic outflanking technique. With this sector, Russia already had the base of two pincers in the form of two bridgeheads over the canal to the north and south of this line. To the north they were already storming the main part of Chasiv Yar. This had to be done anyway so it served multiple purposes now. In the south Russia always controlled the western bank of the canal northeast of Toretsk and with the storming of the city, they were able to increasingly concentrate large numbers of personnel in the villages of Druzhba and Pivnichne and use them staging grounds for these attacks.

Assault operations started slow and continued like that for some time. They weren't continuous and regrouping was constantly conducted due to how strong this sector is. Over time the offensive was developed, and Russia began working their way up the western bank of the canal, hitting the Ukrainian fortifications from behind making resistance more difficult for Ukraine. Small-scale crossings also took place in the weaker spots, including southwest and northwest of Ozaryanivka. This further stretched Ukrainian lines and applied further pressure on already struggling forces.

Just recently, Russian forces managed to achieve a localised breakthrough, capturing most of Dyliivka (the northern one) and forming a dangerous salient for Ukrainian forces to the east. This completely undermines that section of the defensive line along the western bank of the canal and will soon force Ukrainian forces to withdraw to the last section further north.

Meanwhile on the northern pincer, Russian forces primarily focused on taking Chasiv Yar under their control, waiting for the forces to the south to make enough progress. Efforts were also focused on the stronghold village of Stupochky and the surrounding fortifications. The irregular landscape and geography of this area complicated Russian assault operations, however eventually they were able to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their positions and enter the village.

As of now, most of Stupochky is under Russian control. The southern houses are in the grey zone with Ukrainian soldiers constantly being brought in under heavy cover of FPV drones and mortars. However, Russia's continuous campaign of targeting FPV launch points has degraded Ukraine's ability to bring in reinforcements and hold a cohesive defence. Once Stupochky is secured and positions consolidated, Russia will likely begin to attack south/southwest in order to create one final cauldron west of the canal and finally collapse the line westwards towards the eastern approaches of Kostyantynivka.

Correction: This was a single MLRS rocket landing just outside the city.

Btw guys, I will have my monthly update on advances out today. I just have to do some other stuff first.

A Russian An-12 cargo plane landed at Shaykovka Airbase in Kaluga Oblast. The cargo likely consists of Kh-22 cruise missiles for the Tu-22M3 bombers stationed there.

NASA FIRMS data picked up a fire at Tikhoretsk Airbase in Krasnodar Krai. No UAVs were recorded flying towards Krasnodar.

Tikhoretsk Airbase used to mainly be used for light training aircraft, however since the beginning of the war, Russian Su-30 fighters were deployed there.

This is a very good point. If the attack took place 1.5 years ago, the effects on Russia's strike capabilities would be far more significant.

6 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers departed from Olenya Airbase in Murmansk Oblast.

They are flying on a southeastern course.

They are likely flying to Ukrainsk Airbase in Amur Oblast.

Correction: 7 Tu-22M3s are airborne.

Russian forces have captured the village of Kindrativka, Khotin direction, Sumy Oblast.

Pre-war population: ~862
Total land area: ~3.39km²

Russian forces have captured the village of Oleksiivka, Khotin direction, Sumy Oblast.

Pre-war population: ~547
Total land area: ~1.87km²

Russian forces have captured the village of Novomykolaivka, Yunakivka direction, Sumy Oblast.

Pre-war population: ~133
Total land area: ~0.77km²

Russian forces have captured the village of Shevchenko Pershe, Pokrovsk direction, Donetsk Oblast.

Pre-war population: ~44
Total land area: ~0.24km²

According to new information, 11 Tu-22M3s redeployed from Olenya Airbase probably to Ukrainsk Airbase in Amur Oblast.

One of these aircraft landed at Diaghilev Airbase in Ryazan Oblast. This was on of the airbases which Ukraine attempted to attack, but failed.

The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul lasted a little over an hour and both sides have agreed to conduct a 6,000 for 6,000 exchange of fallen soldiers. Zelensky also announced that that both sides are preparing for a new POW exchange.

Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov stated that the Ukrainian delegation proposed holding a new meeting with Russia sometime between June 20 and June 30.