Russian forces attempt advance in Ukraine's Vovchansk using frozen rivers
Russian forces attempt to advance in Vovchansk using frozen rivers (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces are attempting to advance in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, taking advantage of the fact that local rivers have frozen and no longer restrict the movement of small infantry groups, said Victor Tregubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group.
According to him, fighting is ongoing in Vovchansk itself and in nearby settlements. Russian units are constantly attempting to move forward and are operating not only within the city.
He added that Russian units are actively operating on the flanks and in adjacent settlements.
"Russian forces are actively crossing the river to the south, but it is more about attempts to bypass Vilcha, Vovchanski Khutory, and nearby settlements," he clarified.
Tregubov noted that weather conditions are complicating the situation.
According to him, the rivers have already frozen and are no longer a natural barrier as they were before, so overcoming them poses virtually no problem for small enemy infantry groups.
Fighting in the Vovchansk area
Earlier, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the situation in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, remains stable, and Russian troops are attempting to bypass the city and expand their zone of control.
Directly in Vovchansk, Russian forces are trying to advance in the southwestern part of the city, where intense fighting continues.
On January 18, it became known that Russia attempted to break through defenses in Vovchansk, using numerical superiority.
An ISW analytical report indicates that Russian forces likely advanced in the eastern and southeastern parts of Vovchansk, in the Kharkiv region.
At the same time, ISW refuted claims by Russian bloggers about advances by Russian troops along the border in the Kharkiv region near the settlements of Nesterne and Dihtiarne.
