End of Week 29 of the Russo-Ukrainian War saw Ukraine take the initiative on a number of fronts regaining 6,000 sq km, most of which in Kharkiv Oblast. The information space is awash with wild speculation from both camps.
In the West and North there were no changes. Belarus conducted military exercises near the border however Ukrainian forces in their area reported no change in the Belarusian military's overall posture.
Around Kharkiv, Ukraine conducted a large offensive against weakened Russian positions, breaking through with highly mobile units. There were few Russian combat capable units in reserve which allowed Ukraine a relatively free run to the logistics hub of Kupyansk where they halted at the Oskil River, primarily as they risked out-running their logistic chains and artillery support. Russian units to the South of the advance found themselves cut-off from supply lines and either retreated or were isolated. The key city of Izyum fell as a result. To the North of the advance, Russian units were both out-gunned and under-prepared so withdrew, conceding all the territory to the Russian border with little resistance. Subsequently, units North of Kharkiv City found their positions untenable and withdrew to Russia. The offensive paused as Ukrainian troops were exhausted and there was a need to build supply lines and consolidate the significant territory gained. Ukrainian troops are now clearing villages and collecting the large amounts of Russian heavy equipment, ammunition and POWs left behind in the retreat. A new front formed along the Oskil River.
In Luhansk, Ukrainian forces crossed the Severski Donetsk River at multiple points, capturing some towns on the Northern bank. There are confusing reports from a number of towns in Luhansk where Russian forces have reportedly departed but Ukrainian flags raised are the result of partisan activity rather than indicative of any formal Ukrainian control.
In Donetsk, Russian units continued their grinding advance towards Bakhmut and continued efforts against the Ukrainian strongpoint of Adviika. There were some territorial gains by Russia, though no towns were exchanged.
Along the Zaporizhzhia front there were small advances by Ukraine Southwards. Russian milbloggers reported a Ukrainian build-up at several points, though reports appear heavily weighed by speculation.
In Kherson, the Ukrainian offensive continues on the right bank of the Dnieper with more villages reportedly taken by Ukrainian forces, notably around the Inhulets bridgehead. There are unconfirmed reports of some Russian units withdrawing to positions closer to the Dnieper so they can be covered by artillery from the left bank. Logistics for Russian units remains an issue. Information in this theatre continues to be difficult to obtain.