Battle begins for Rai-Oleksandrivka

The battle for Rai-Oleksandrivka has begun, marking a potentially crucial engagement in Russia's 2026 spring offensive. Russian soldiers have reportedly entered the easternmost houses of the town, while Ukrainian forces are actively counterattacking on the southern flank to clear villages like Lypivka, Nykyforivka, and Fedorivka Druha. On the northern flank, Russia maintains the initiative but struggles to consolidate positions south of Kryva Luka, a key tactical height. The capture of Rai-Oleksandrivka would open a path to the neighboring city of Mykolaivka and facilitate a further Russian advance toward the outskirts of Slovyansk.