Russia pushes to break Kharkiv border, seeks buffer zone
Illustrative photo: Russia is trying to break through the border in the Kharkiv region and create a "buffer zone" (GettyImages)
Russian occupation forces continue searching for weak points in Ukraine's defenses, attempting to breach the border in Kharkiv region. Fighting remains ongoing near Vovchansk and Kupiansk, the head of communications for the Joint Forces, Victor Trehubov, said on a televised marathon.
On the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces regularly attempt offensive actions but have been unsuccessful. Despite constant attacks, the enemy has not achieved any tactical gains.
At the same time, the Russian army is barely using heavy armored vehicles in this section of the front. Instead, the occupiers advance in small infantry groups of 15 to 20 soldiers.
Attempt to create a "buffer zone"
According to Trehubov, the Russian command is seeking to establish a so-called "buffer zone" in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions along the Slobozhansky direction. However, these plans are currently being thwarted by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. In particular, Ukrainian paratroopers recently foiled an attempt by Russian forces to create a bridgehead for a further advance toward the settlement of Khotin.
Fighting in Kharkiv region
Earlier, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported that Russian forces attempted to breach the state border near the village of Dihtyarne in Kharkiv region. Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled the attack and destroyed over 20 Russian soldiers.
Attempts by the enemy to expand the combat zone toward nearby settlements — Kruhlyi and Buhruvatka — have also been recorded.
In addition, the Russian army has recently increased its activity in Kharkiv region. On January 15, the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine Khartiya reported repelling an assault toward Lyptsi, during which about 70 occupiers were neutralized.
On January 13, the Joint Forces Group also reported intensified Russian assault actions on the South Slobozhansky direction, where measures are being taken to prevent deterioration of the tactical situation.
