UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Mar. 16 — Russia is amassing its forces in the northern Kharkiv oblast as they avoid being targeted by Ukrainian troops who use advantages of clear skies and better weather, said the deputy commander of the operative unit of the 13 Khartiia brigade with the call sign Couch to the Ukrainian TV channel ICTV.

According to Couch, Russians are mobilizing reserves, conducting training, and awaiting reinforcements north of Kharkiv oblast.

“Earlier, Russians actively assaulted the Ukrainian positions using the weather, such as snow, fog, and (consequent — ed.) bad visibility. Currently, they are on the defensive and gathering their strength,” said Couch.

The deputy commander said the Russians have paused their operations and are waiting for the weather to turn for the worse. 

“Or they’re waiting for, as the military calls it, ‘green cover’— for the leaves to come in so they can move under cover,” said Couch.

Now, the Khartiia brigade is defending the positions near Lyptsi village, located 14 kilometers (~9 miles) north of Kharkiv.

Couch noted that the brigade’s defence of the village prevented the Russians from effectively using drones and artillery against Kharkiv, as Lyptsi and nearby areas are located at heights.

“There are a lot of administrative buildings in Lyptsi which Russians could use as shelters. They also could move along buildings and use forests in this area,” added Couch.

Read more

  • (Updated) Russian drones attacks on Kharkiv injure 4

⚡ The fifth year of the Russian full-scale invasion started, so it’s been four years since most of us here at our Kharkiv-based newsroom became war reporters. Please consider supporting our journalism via a one-time donation — or join our community.