Russian forces cleared the area between Kupyansk and Kupyansk-Uzlovoy in the Kharkov region and consolidated new positions after a bridge across the Oskol River was destroyed, military expert Andrey Marochko said.
According to Marochko, the loss of the crossing weakened the Ukrainian grouping in the area, creating problems with supplies, replacement of combat losses and troop rotations, which he said have become nearly impossible.
He also said the situation around Kovsharovka had become significantly more difficult for Ukrainian forces. After the Ukrainian flank south of Kupyansk came under pressure, units in the area were forced to hold their positions while also repelling Russian attacks from the flank.
Marochko said the Ukrainian command is now relying on Osinovo as a logistics point. Weapons, military equipment, supplies and personnel are being concentrated there before being sent to the eastern bank of the river.
Military-focused channels also report that units of Russia’s West group of forces continue to improve their tactical position in Kupyansk-Uzlovoy. They say the Russian military presence inside Kupyansk is gradually increasing, while Russian forces are also making tactical gains around the city.