Nearly half of all battles took place on the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka fronts, which remain the most active. At the same time, Russian forces sharply increased attacks on the Siversk and Toretsk axes, and continued their pressure on the Lyman front.Siversk and Lyman: Russian troops press forwardOn the northern Lyman front, Russian troops crossed the Netrius River and captured the village of Serednie on its western bank, complicating the situation for Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The invaders are now trying to advance further west toward the Oskil River, and have also reached the outskirts of Shandryholove, where fierce fighting continues. Further east, Russian units are pushing from Kolodiazi toward Stavky — Ukraine’s last stronghold before Lyman.In response, Ukrainian troops counterattacked in Zarichne, driving the occupiers from the village center. However, Russian assault groups continue to be sent in small waves to regain a foothold.Battle map for September 6–13, photo: EspresoNorth of Siversk, the situation has worsened dramatically: the number of battles has risen five- to six-fold in just two weeks. Russian forces have nearly pushed Ukrainian units out of the Serebriansky forest and are pressing westward toward Yampil and Lyman. Effectively, Lyman is being threatened from three sides — north, east, and south — making this axis critical, as capturing the town would open the way to Sloviansk.Near Siversk itself, the Russians have achieved tactical gains. From the north, they are trying to cross the Siverskyi Donets River into Dronivka — a point where they stalled in 2022. This time, Russian units are also advancing along the left bank, having already seized Hryhorivka and fought their way into central Serebrianka. Attacks are also underway from Verkhnokamianske to outflank Siversk. If successful, Russia could approach Dronivka from the south, securing a crossing of the river. Battles for Dronivka will be decisive for Siversk’s defense.Pokrovsk front and “black hole” at DobropilliaRussia’s attempt to break through toward Dobropillia has bogged down its advance on Pokrovsk from the north for more than three weeks. The overstretched forces lack resources to push effectively on both axes. This dispersal cost them the initiative, enabling Ukraine to counterattack.Striking from Zapovidne (formerly Nikanorivka) and Volodymyrivka, Ukrainian units narrowed the Russian salient to just 1.5 km. Troops trapped north of this “neck” now face severe shortages and are being systematically destroyed or captured. Reinforcements sent in are being swallowed up “like in a black hole.”Battle map for September 6–13, photo: EspresoAlthough surrounded Russian units have tried to break toward Shakhove, Ukrainian forces repelled attacks south of Volodymyrivka. Another attempt from Poltavka also failed. It is now a race: whether Ukraine eliminates the encircled forces first, or Russian reinforcements — redeployed even from Kursk and Sumy — break through. They still hope to push through toward Kostiantynivka. But their own greed may become their downfall. The longer Ukraine’s Defense Forces hold Volodymyrivka, the fewer chances the occupiers have to maintain a full defensive circle.Battle map for September 6–13, photo: EspresoAt the same time, Russia has failed to neutralize the threat of Ukrainian advances toward Razine and Fedorivka. This could soon turn the situation west of the Kazennyi Torets River from difficult to catastrophic for Moscow’s troops.Novopavlivka fights back under pressureIn the Novopavlivka sector, Russian forces who reached the Donetsk–Dnipropetrovsk regional border near Orikhove and Dachne have been unable to advance further for months. Recently, they faced a Ukrainian counterattack that reclaimed 14 sq km between Horikhove and Zelenyi Kut.The threat was so severe that Moscow rushed reinforcements, regaining about 5 sq km. The episode revealed that Russian advances rest on “clay feet” that can be toppled. Battle map for September 6–13, photo: EspresoFighting remains fierce, with Ukraine pressing around Tolstoi and Novokhatske. Russia is trying to regroup to push toward Andriivka-Klevtsove but remains blocked by the Vovcha River, which has become a natural defensive line. Ukrainian troops are working to encircle and eliminate Russian units near Novokhatske and the river valleys of the Vovcha and Mokri Yaly.Velykomykhailivka: new target in Dnipropetrovsk regionWhile Ukrainian forces hold the defense of Oleksandrohrad, the situation to the south is deteriorating. Russian forces are advancing from three directions on Velykomykhailivka, which could become the key to breaking Ukraine’s defensive line along the Vovcha River.Near Novoselivka, they punched a 5-km corridor and again entered the village’s outskirts. Another 4-km advance came south of Sichne toward Sosnivka. Following the capture of Komyshuvakha and Vorone, Russian troops pressed forward near Ternove, putting Ukrainian defenders in a near-encirclement that may soon force a withdrawal.Battle map for September 6–13, photo: EspresoAltogether, Russian forces have penetrated 9.5 km into Dnipropetrovsk region and continue pushing west. Ukraine’s main hope lies in its fortified area near Velykomykhailivka, now Russia’s primary target. Advancing between the Vorona and Vovcha rivers, Moscow’s troops aim to reach the village’s edge and launch a storming attack.Yet exhaustion may soon halt them here. Ukraine retains counterattack options, as Russian troops have failed to close the pocket between Voskresenka and Komar. A month ago the situation looked dire, but Ukrainian defenders continue to hold this patch of ground.Maps are based on information from Ukraine’s General Staff and other verified open sources. They reflect trends in the battle zone, but are not precise depictions.