Russian troops seek to shift front closer to Kharkiv - ISW

ISW analysts assessed that the goal of Russian forces in this section of the front is to push Ukrainian troops away from the international border with Russia’s Belgorod Oblast and move closer to Kharkiv — within range of artillery.

Experts noted that, based on geolocated footage published on Sept. 7, Russian troops recently advanced toward the Vovchansk Oil Extraction Plant in the western part of Vovchansk (northeast of Kharkiv).

The report also cites a claim by a so-called Russian military blogger, who alleged that the invaders advanced 200 meters into the forest west of Synelnykove.

AFU General Staff data indictaed that, as of the morning of Sept. 8, 14 clashes took place over the past day in the South Slobozhanskyi direction — in areas around Vovchansk, Ambarne, and Kamianka (Kharkiv Oblast).

In the Kupyansk direction, five enemy attacks were recorded. Ukrainian forces repelled assaults near Kupyansk and in the direction of Pishchane.

156 combat clashes were recorded on the front line over the past day in total.