UKRAINE, KHARKIV REGION, Sep 26 — From September 25 to September 26, Russians conducted ten assaults on positions of the Armed Forces on the Kupiansk axis, reported General Staff. 

Russians advance into Kharkiv Oblast from two sides: northern (called Kharkiv axis or Kharkiv direction; combat there started again after Russians launched a new offensive there on May 10, 2024) and southeastern (called Kupiansk axis or direction; Russian forces have been trying to reoccupy the region since Ukraine pushed them beyond the Oskil River during the Kharkiv counteroffensive in autumn 2022). 

General Staff said that combat clashes were ongoing near Petropavlivka, Synkivka, Kolisnykivka, Hlushkivka, Stelmakhivka, and in the direction of Lozova on the Kupiansk axis. 

Russian advance near Pishchane, approaching the Oskil River / Source: DeepStateMap from Sep 24
Russian advance near Pishchane, approaching the Oskil River / Source: DeepStateMap from Sep 24

On the Kharkiv axis, the Russians attacked thrice in the areas of Vovchansk and Tykhe. 

In his Telegram channel, the head of Kharkiv, Harrison Serhii Melnik, with a call sign “Marcel” also added that Russian troops attacked Vasyshche and Bilashi with missiles and hit Kupiansk, Kindrashivka, Prykolotne, Shyikivka, Varvarivka, and Bilashi with mortars, artillery, and drones. 

On September 23, the UK’s Ministry of Defence released a report saying that, in Kupiansk direction, Russians “advanced westwards from [previously occupied — ed.] Pishchane village. They now occupy a small salient 3.5km from the Oskil River. It is likely that Russian forces aim to reach the eastern bank of the Oskil River to use as a natural defensive barrier and set conditions for future operations.” 

The head of the Kupiansk military administration, Andrii Kaneshevysh, told GM on September 24 that the authorities have noted more people wanting to evacuate from the district, adding, “It’s logical because the situation on the frontline is getting more complicated.” He added that the number of Russian strikes at the Kupiansk district increased. 

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