Russia occupies village in Kharkiv Oblast, advances in Sumy and Donetsk

Russian forces advanced near Hrabovske and Milayivka in Sumy Oblast, as well as near Nykyforivka in Donetsk Oblast.

On Jan. 19, Viktor Trehubov, head of the communications department of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Group, said Russian troops had intensified maneuver operations around Vovchansk, attempting to bypass the city and push Ukrainian units out.

Fighting continues on the outskirts, particularly in the Vovchanski Khutory area, where Russian forces regularly reinforce their units and conduct rotations. He added that the short distance from the border allows Russian troops to maintain a steady infantry presence and sustain active assaults.

On Jan. 18, Ukraine’s Joint Forces Group reported that over the previous day Russian forces tried to exploit their numerical advantage to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Pivdenno-Slobozhanskyi direction, particularly in Vovchansk.

Ukrainian military officials said the attackers attempted to advance toward Hrafske, Vovchanski Khutory, and Zybyne in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces also attacked Ukrainian defensive positions in the direction of Dehtyarne and Kruhle.