Russian forces have captured five villages in northeastern Ukraine as part of a renewed ground assault, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Ukrainian officials have not officially confirmed the capture, but Ukrainian journalists reported that four of the villages were taken by Russian troops on Friday. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed at least one village was seized, describing the Russian gains as tactically significant.
The assault has forced over 1,700 civilians to flee settlements near the fighting. Russia’s recent push in the Kharkiv region aims to exploit ammunition shortages and keep Ukrainian forces away from heavy battles in Donetsk. Analysts believe Russia may be attempting to carve out a buffer zone along the border to halt Ukrainian attacks on Russian regions.
Ukrainian officials are downplaying Russian statements about captured territory and have rushed reinforcements to the Kharkiv region. The situation is under control, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov, with heavy fighting continuing in several areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces were expanding their operations and called for swift deliveries of military aid from Western allies.
Meanwhile, Russia continued to bombard the city of Vovchansk with airstrikes and grad rockets, leading to evacuations and destruction. The situation in the region remains dire, with artillery strikes hitting multiple towns and villages, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in intense combat.
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