Russian troops trying to expand foothold in north of Ukraine's Kharkiv region
Illustrative photo: Russians attempt to expand their foothold in Vovchansk (Getty Images)
In Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, Russian troops are trying to advance in the southwestern part of the city. Heavy fighting continues, according to the Joint Forces Group.
According to the command, Russia attacked 12 times in the South Slobozhanskyi and Velylyi Burluk directions in the areas of Vovchansk, Kamianka, and towards Dvorichanske.
"Russia's main efforts are focused on attempts to expand the wedge in the southwestern part of the city of Vovchansk. Heavy fighting continues," the report says.
In the Kupiansk direction, Russian troops conducted 12 attempts to break through near Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Hlushevka - all attacks were repelled.
Russia also stormed the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces 9 times in the Lyman direction, trying to break through the defenses near Novoiehorivka, Andriivka, Hrekivka, Zarichne, Novoselivka, as well as in the direction of Korovyn Yar and Druzhliubivka.
Ukrainian defenders continue to hold their positions, preventing the Russians from advancing.
Vovchansk
Vovchansk is a city in the Kharkiv region that has repeatedly found itself in the zone of fierce fighting during the Russian-Ukrainian war.
In 2022, it was briefly occupied by Russians but liberated by Ukrainian forces during the Kharkiv counteroffensive.
In 2024, the Russian army resumed its offensive, and the city was almost destroyed. Due to Russian shelling and evacuation, the number of residents decreased from 17,000 to several dozen.
Situation in Vovchansk
Last year, Russian troops attempted to break through into the Kharkiv region, but were unable to advance beyond the border areas. In particular, fighting broke out in Vovchansk, where Russia entered at the beginning of the offensive.
After that, the Russians turned Vovchansk into complete ruins. Ukrainian Defense Forces showed what the city looks like now.
Russian troops also continue to try to drive Ukrainian units out of the southern part of Vovchansk.
According to Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces, the situation in this area remains difficult, as there are fewer Ukrainian forces there than in the Kupiansk area, and the line of demarcation itself is more even, which creates additional difficulties for defense.
On November 6, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Russian troops had raised the Russian flag on one of the buildings in Vovchansk and recorded a propaganda video. Russia's operation did not go unnoticed.
