November 1-6 live war map: Kurakhove becomes Russia’s top target this month

October's frontline results and threatening prospects for November

In October, Russian forces managed to occupy over 500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, marking their largest territorial gains in both 2023 and 2024. They captured 321 square kilometers in the Kurakhove direction, 53.5 square kilometers in the Kupyansk direction, and 46.5 square kilometers in the Pokrovsk direction. However, Kurakhove, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk remain under Ukrainian control, making them priority targets for Russian forces by the year’s end. To expedite the capture of Kurakhove, Russian troops have redeployed from Pokrovsk to this area. Securing Kurakhove would create opportunities for a rapid westward advance, potentially reaching the border of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions and allowing Russian forces to bypass Pokrovsk from the south and west.

In October, Russian Armed Forces suffered unprecedented losses of 42,000 soldiers, surpassing their monthly mobilization capacity. Additionally, the number of tanks deployed in offensives has significantly decreased, with Russian forces now relying more on armored vehicles in place of tanks. This shift led to two further records: the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 923 armored personnel carriers and 2,417 other vehicles used by Russian forces to transport soldiers closer to the front line.

The first weeks of November will demonstrate whether the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be able to stop Russia’s rapid advance, significantly increasing their losses, or whether they will have to retreat to new defense lines in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.  

Zaporizhzhia front reignites

The Orikhiv direction remains one of the least active on the front, with Russia redeploying reserve units from this area to more critical regions like Kursk and Kharkiv. However, along the front line stretching from Nesterianka to Novopokrovka, Russian forces are probing for vulnerabilities in Ukrainian defenses. This week, they made a 1.5-kilometer advance in some areas between Verbove and Novopokrovka. Ukrainian forces continue to hold the Robotyne bridgehead, though it has shrunk by about one-third after prolonged combat. Despite this, Ukraine still controls a zone approximately 8 kilometers wide and 4.5 kilometers deep. Ukrainian intelligence also indicates that Russian forces are massing troops and may attempt an offensive on Huliaipole.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

Ring around Kurakhove is rapidly shrinking

The battle for Kurakhove has officially begun, with the first Russian tanks breaking through to the city’s eastern outskirts before being destroyed. This demonstrates both Russian capabilities and the resilience of Ukrainian defenses. Russian forces are now attacking Kurakhove from three directions, concentrating significant resources and making incremental progress each day. They appear to be accelerating their efforts, as capturing Kurakhove would have strategic implications for developments on other parts of the front.

On the northern front of the Kurakhove direction, Ukrainian forces are conducting strategic rearguard actions, gradually retreating to maintain defensive positions. Over the past week, Ukrainian troops had to withdraw from Izmailivka, Kurakhivka, Oleksandropil, and other smaller villages. While avoiding encirclement, they face ongoing pressure from Russian forces advancing westward. Russian troops are currently pushing through Ukrainian defenses in Novoselydivka, have taken control of half of Novodmytrivka, and are progressing toward Sontsivka. Their long-term objective appears to be reaching the Kurakhove reservoir’s shore to potentially attack the city from the rear, thereby threatening Ukrainian defensive lines.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

In the ongoing assault on Kurakhove, Russian forces are not only launching a direct offensive from the east but are also attempting to expand their control southward toward a series of villages along the Sukhi Yaly River. This area is heavily fortified, with a robust Ukrainian defensive line still intact, positioned to repel advancing Russian units from both the north and south. The Russian strategy in this sector appears aimed at establishing a partial encirclement, which would put additional pressure on Ukrainian defenses and complicate the logistical and operational situation for Ukrainian forces defending Kurakhove and nearby areas.

The southern flank of the Russian advance toward Kurakhove has seen some progress, particularly after the capture of key settlements like Bohoiavlenka, Shakhtarsk, and Novoukrainka. However, Russian forces have encountered significant resistance, especially around Yasna Poliana, Maksymivka, and Trudove. Their progress has slowed considerably, and Ukrainian forces have managed to stabilize the situation to some extent. The Russians are pushing toward the Sukhi Yaly river, having already occupied Kostiantynivka and Katerynivka, crossing the river and advancing toward Antonivka. This move poses a direct threat to the Ukrainian defensive line along the river, which could soon be caught in the crossfire. Despite the bleak outlook for Kurakhove, the ultimate outcome will depend on how effectively Ukrainian forces can manage their defense, kill Russian soldiers, and ensure the security of critical positions. If the Russians fail to capture the villages along the Sukhi Yaly river, their plans to encircle and capture Kurakhove could be thwarted.

Pokrovsk front in anticipation

The situation in the Pokrovsk direction has seen a significant reduction in activity, with the number of battles dropping by 80 to 225 following the occupation of Selydove. Despite ongoing Russian efforts to attack across the entire front, from Vozdvyzhenka to Novooleksiivka, their territorial gains have been minimal. The Russians have focused their efforts on advancing along the road from Selydove toward Pokrovsk, managing to gain 1.5 kilometers and nearly capturing Hryhorivka. They have also initiated an assault on the village of Petrivka. Additionally, there have been movements westward toward the Dnipropetrovsk region, with ongoing fighting in Novooleksiivka and on the outskirts of Yurivka. However, attacks on Lysivka and Promin have ended without success for the Russians.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

Given that most Russian resources are currently being concentrated on the Kurakhove area, it is unlikely that the Pokrovsk front will see significant momentum until the situation in the south is resolved.

Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counteroffensive in Toretsk

In the middle of last week, units from the Azov Brigade, along with other Ukrainian forces, launched a successful counteroffensive in central Toretsk. They managed to halt the Russian offensive, liberate several neighborhoods, and temporarily stabilize the front line. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces pushed the Russians out of parts of Druzhba, on the northern outskirts of Toretsk. However, Russian pressure is mounting as they advance from the south, aiming to gain full control over Nelipivka and flank the Ukrainian defenders. Toretsk holds strategic importance, as it serves as the last major outpost in this region, defending the southern flank of Kostiantynivka and the northern flank of Pokrovsk. If the Russians capture Toretsk, it would open up the possibility of their advance in both directions, significantly weakening the Ukrainian position.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues in Chasiv Yar, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully held off Russian advances so far. Not only have the Ukrainian troops managed to prevent further enemy gains, but they have also carried out local counterattacks to reclaim some ground. Despite the lack of territorial shifts, the battle remains intense as both sides continue to contest control in this critical area.

Lyman, Borova and Kupyansk under threat of re-occupation

After capturing Makiivka and Nevske, along with the 8-kilometer stretch of land between them, Russian forces have yet to establish a strong foothold on the right bank of the Zherebets River. Despite their progress, they are now pushing toward Ukrainian fortifications near Terny, Yampolivka, and Torske. Over the past week, they have captured an additional 8 kilometers of territory to the east of Terny and made several attempts to enter the village itself. However, these efforts were thwarted by Ukrainian Defense Forces, who managed to destroy multiple Russian units. The fighting is currently concentrated on the northern and northeastern outskirts of Terny. The Ukrainian forces have inflicted heavy losses on the Russian troops, killing over 400 and wounding a similar number within just five days. While this represents a significant blow to the Russian forces, it has not stopped their advance. There is a strong likelihood that Russian attacks on this fortified area will intensify in the near future, as regaining control of Lyman is a key objective for Russia. Control over Lyman would allow them to launch attacks on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk not only from the east, as in 2022, but also from the north.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

The situation in Kupyansk is deteriorating, with Russian forces intensifying their bombardment of the city and its surroundings. Their attacks are particularly focused on weakening Ukrainian positions in areas like Kivsharivka, which, though not yet on the front line, is being targeted to create further pressure on the defense. In response, the Ukrainian military administration has begun evacuating civilians and preparing for the city's defense, anticipating more Russian aggression. Despite these intensified efforts, Russian forces have not gained any new territory this week. However, they are expanding the gray zone in the direction of Petropavlivka and around Synkivka, pushing forward in these areas without making substantial breakthroughs. The Russians also failed in their attempts to capture Kruhliakivka or break through to Kolisnykivka, forcing them to refocus their efforts on advancing south from Kruhliakivka towards Borova. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Espresso's November 1-6 battle map

At the same time, an attack continues in the direction of Borova along the road from Svatove. Russian troops have completed the occupation of the village of Vyshneve and have entered the outskirts of Pershotravneve. As a result, Ukrainian defenders in the area of Nadiia, one of the last villages in Luhansk region still under Ukrainian control, will likely face logistical challenges, which could lead to the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from this section of the front.

In the north of Kharkiv region, as well as in Kursk region, there were no territorial changes, despite the fact that Russian forces are increasing their presence in these areas and continue to counterattack.

The maps were created using data from the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and other verified sources. However, they are approximate and conditionally reflect trends in the war zone.