Russian forces took control of 13 settlements in the Kharkov region during July 2026, according to Vitaly Ganchev, head of the regional military-civil administration.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ganchev said Russian units were continuing offensive operations around Kupyansk. The advance is developing downstream along the Oskol River toward Borovaya, while heavy fighting is also underway farther north near Bely Kolodez.

He described the position of Ukrainian forces on the Kupyansk axis as rapidly deteriorating. According to Ganchev, Russian troops retain the initiative, continue to press forward and are steadily expanding the area under their control.

Russian drones are creating additional difficulties for Ukrainian units by maintaining constant surveillance over major military supply routes, he added. These include sections of the Kharkov-Poltava and Kharkov-Sumy highways.

The Ukrainian side uses these roads to move personnel, military equipment, ammunition and other supplies. Ganchev said Russian drone strikes were disrupting deliveries to the front and limiting the Ukrainian command’s ability to send reserves quickly to the most heavily contested sectors.

He also noted that Ukrainian military analysts were increasingly acknowledging the severe, and in some assessments critical, situation around Kupyansk. In Ganchev’s view, such reports may be intended to prepare Ukrainian society for a possible withdrawal from the area.