UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Dec. 29 — Russian troops are trying to push Ukrainian positions from the left bank of the frozen Oskil river, said Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson of the military group responsible for Kharkiv oblast, during the national telethon. According to him, that is Russia’s main effort on the Kupiansk axis. 

“If the river will freeze to such an extent that it’s possible to walk across the ice, that obviously won’t be to our advantage,” said Trehubov, though adding that that won’t be the first time Russians would be trying to cross the river. “We are already more or less used to this and know how to counteract it.”

Trehubov added that Russians have changed their focus from Kupiansk to the eastern bank of the river, trying to advance on Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi and the nearby settlements.

A large number of Russian drones are present in the area, Trehubov said, and Russia’s infantry is trying to move in small groups during foggy weather.

“The weather is always a two-sided thing. Firstly, because it affects both sides of the conflict. Secondly, any weather conditions have advantages and disadvantages,” said Trehubov.

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