UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Oct 15 — Yesterday, on October 14, the Russian army may have advanced within Vovchansk, to the northeast of Kharkiv, amid continuing offensive operations in the north of Kharkiv region, reported the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Kyiv hasn’t confirmed this information as of October 15. 

Russia started its new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

The ISW notes that the goal of the Russian command is to push Ukrainian forces away from the border with Belgorod region (Russia) and get closer to the city of Kharkiv within range of artillery.

According to them, Russian military bloggers claimed that Russian troops had advanced along Korolenka Street in northern Vovchansk, although ISW has not yet seen visual evidence of this claim.

On September 16, the ISW reported that geolocation footage published on September 16 shows Russian troops shelling Ukrainian positions at the aggregate plant in Vovchansk. This may mean that the Defense Forces have regained lost positions in the plant.

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