UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug 26 — In the area of Vovchansk, Russian troops are preparing to resume assault operations to unblock Russian military personnel on the territory of the aggregate plant and expand the zone of control, reported the “Kharkiv” group of forces. 

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 military reported that in Vovchansk, the Russians are actively conducting aerial reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and building up their communication system.

Since the beginning of the day, there has been one combat clash in Vovchansk. Russian actions, “Kharkiv” reports, show they are preparing to intensify assault operations in this area, improve intelligence and communication capabilities.

The “Kharkiv” group of forces refutes the information published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) about Russian troops’ possible full occupation of the aggregate plant in Vovchansk: They say Russians took over the plant at the beginning of their May offensive in the area. Now, as “Kharkiv” spokesman told Gwara Media, the Russians are blocked there, so taking over a plant is not a new development.

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  • Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops have destroyed 11,879 Ukrainian facilities. Among them, 52.2% are civilian buildings and infrastructure, reported Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.