File image.
On January 29, the Russian military captured another border settlement in Sumy, and advanced along the border in Kharkiv, expanding the security zone in both regions.
The Sever [North] Group of Forces took over Belaia Bereza in Sumy, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Ukrainian troops who were holding the settlement came under attack from across the border line to the south, as well as from Komarivka to the west, which was already under Russian control.
With both Komarivka and Belaia Bereza under control, the Sever Group of Forces now has a new pocket along the border in Sumy.
Next, Russian troops will likely advance west along the border, towards Kharkivka. Fighting near the settlement has been ongoing for a few weeks.
In Kharkiv, the Sever Group of Forces also made some notable gains along the border line, especially in the direction of Vovchansk.
Russian troops have reportedly captured most of Volchanskie Khutory, located right to the east of Vovchansk. The troops are now said to be battling Kiev forces at the eastern entrance of the settlement. The whole area will likely be cleared within a few days.
The Sever Group of Forces also resumed their advance with full force in the direction of Milove along the border to the southeast in Kharkiv.
According to preliminary information, Russian troops are now attacking Chugunovka, located right to the north of Milove. The troops also began advancing towards Khatnye and Zarubinka to the west. Kiev forces were pushed out from at least ten square kilometers.
It is expected that the main goal of the Sever Group of Forces in Kharkiv is to link up the troops advancing from Volchansk, with those advancing from Milove at Dehtyarne, which is located right in the middle of the border line between the two directions.
Russian military operations along the border in Sumy and Kharkiv are both meant to establish a security zone to prevent cross-border attacks on the regions of Belgorod and Kursk.
It is clear that Ukraine no longer has sufficient manpower to keep holding the entire line in both regions. The advance of the Sever Group of Forces there will likely gain more momentum in coming weeks.
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