Russian Occupation Campaigns in June: Escalation and Strategic Advances on the Ukrainian Front line
In June of this year, Russian forces once again demonstrated a significant escalation in their combat activities across occupied territories of Ukraine, occupying substantial parts of our frontline and pursuing new tactical and strategic objectives. According to data from the monitoring project DeepState, during this month, the occupiers seized over 556 square kilometers of Ukrainian land, marking the highest figure for 2025 and signaling a new wave of aggression from Russia. This indicates that the advances observed in previous months have not only persisted but have intensified. Compared to November of the previous year, when enemy forces captured 730 sq km, the current situation is approaching new records, with the most considerable progress concentrated in three key directions: Novopavlivskyi and Pokrovskyi sectors, accounting for about 56% of all captures, and Sumy region, which holds a 18% share. Consequently, three-quarters of all successful territorial advances occurred in these regions, revealing strategic priorities of the Russian invaders. The remaining 25% is almost evenly distributed across other front sections, illustrating the dynamic and dispersed nature of hostilities across Ukraine. Experts analyzing the situation note that the Russian military's advances in June are associated with internal challenges faced by Ukrainian defenders, particularly a shortage of personnel and resources, which has led to a decrease in mechanized attacks. At the same time, the intensity of assault operations by small groups of infantry—comprising only 1 to 3 soldiers—has decreased, although such small-scale assault units remain significant on the battlefield. On July 1st, the General Staff of Ukraine's operational maps recorded for the first time since February that Russian forces are making advances in the Sumska region, specifically in the North-Slobozhansk direction, signaling increased activity in this part of the front as well. This development increases instability and raises concerns about further developments and possible Ukrainian counteroffensives, as the situation continues to evolve rapidly.