Ukrainian forces block Russian attempts to cross Oskil River
Ukrainian forces block Russian attempts to advance (Photo: REUTERS/Stringer)
Russian forces are attempting to cross the Oskil River to establish a foothold and advance further in Kharkiv Oblast, but those efforts have so far failed, Mykola “Abdula” Volokhov, Terra unit commander in 3rd Army Corps, told Kyiv24 on Feb. 9.
Russian infantry units are sometimes able to reach the opposite bank of the river — but are quickly destroyed.
“They do get across from time to time,” he said.
“But none of those attempts have led to a sustainable foothold or further offensive momentum.”
Volokhov added that Russian forces are also attempting to bypass Ukrainian positions through flanking maneuvers and small-scale infiltration.
“Lyman is on the other flank," he explained.
"The situation there is extremely difficult because we see it as part of a broader operation aimed at Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.”
The enemy's goal, Volokhov explained, remains consistent: infiltrate from the rear, cut off Ukrainian positions, and then reinforce where possible.
Ukrainian units are actively disrupting those plans and preventing the enemy from gaining ground.
DeepState monitoring group earlier reported that Russian forces occupied 245 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in January — nearly half the amount seized in November or December.
On Feb. 5, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said the active frontline now stretches roughly 1,200 kilometers, while the depth of combat formations continues to increase. He added that Russian troop numbers inside Ukraine remain at approximately 711,000–712,000 personnel, including operational reserves.
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