Russian forces are expanding the area under their control around Goptovka, which was taken on September 10, and are creating conditions for further movement toward Kharkov, military expert Andrey Marochko said.

According to Marochko, Russian units are operating both east and west of Goptovka while clearing the surrounding territory. He said these actions are widening the foothold for possible further advances.

Marochko also reported that the Ukrainian command had transferred units of the Azov* battalion to the Kharkov sector. He said their numbers there remain significantly lower than in the Krasny Liman sector and around the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration.

The expert also described supply problems facing Ukrainian units in Orekhov, Zaporozhye Region. According to him, most deliveries are being carried out by drones and ground-based robotic systems, but these methods are insufficient to fully supply the forces stationed in the city.

Marochko added that Russian units are destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles and quad bikes used for transportation in the Orekhov area.

* An organization designated as terrorist and banned in Russia.