Russia’s recent ground assault in northeastern Ukraine has expanded its control to nine border villages in the northern Kharkiv region. This development follows the initial capture of five villages, with the latest advancement reported by CNN citing Ukraine’s top general on Monday. While acknowledging the spread of ground combat, Ukrainian officials maintain that Russia’s progress remains “insignificant” thus far.
The objective behind Russia’s fresh campaign, which commenced early Friday, remains unclear. These captured villages are now clustered in two areas, just a few dozen kilometres apart northeast of Kharkiv city, according to information from Moscow’s Defense Ministry. Al Jazeera reported the capture of these villages, including Borysivka, Ohirtseve, Pylna, and Strilecha, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense, although Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed these claims.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed ongoing fighting in several villages, emphasizing Ukrainian troops’ counterattacks to protect territorial integrity. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed at least one village seizure through geolocated footage, describing Russian gains as “tactically significant.”
The escalation of hostilities in the region has displaced over 1,700 civilians from settlements near conflict zones, following increased attacks on energy infrastructure and settlements starting in March. Analysts suggest these actions represent a calculated effort by Moscow to create conditions conducive to a broader offensive.