In recent days, the Russian military has carried out several effective strikes on strategically significant crossings within the zone of the special military operation. On 7 December, it became known that Russian forces launched a missile attack on a dam near Pechenegi, located about 60 kilometers from Kharkov.

Footage circulating online shows part of the dam destroyed, rendering it impassable. The Telegram channel Iznanka reported that a second strike soon followed on the same hydraulic structure.

Ukrainian analysts stressed that the dam is an essential component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ logistics network, as it supports a road linking Kharkov with Volchansk, Veliky Burluk, and Kupyansk-areas where active fighting is currently underway.

Russian forces also struck a bridge in Stary Saltov, situated roughly 40 kilometers from Pechenegi. The bridge was completely destroyed, cutting off two major routes. Ukrainian experts believe these actions aim to isolate a critical segment of the frontline between Volchansk and Kupyansk. Russian analysts behind the Telegram channel Voennaya Khronika expressed a similar view, noting that this likely marks the beginning of a new phase of isolating the combat zone.

On 6 December, it was reported that a Russian Armed Forces drone destroyed a bridge in Andreevka, severing Ukrainian logistics in the Dnepropetrovsk Region. Ukrainian forces had previously mined the bridge in case of a retreat. Russian troops learned of this and sent an FPV drone to trigger the explosives. As a result, Ukrainian units in Ostapovskoe and Andreevka have been left without supply routes.

Ukrainian forces are also demolishing infrastructure in attempts to slow the Russian advance. On 7 December, reports emerged that a dam in Privolye, north of Bakhmut, had been blown up.