The city of Volchansk in northern Kharkiv region has become the focal point of intensified Russian military operations, as the «North» grouping of Russian forces presses its offensive on multiple fronts.

According to Voennoye Obozrenie (Military Review), a notable escalation in Russian activity has been observed around Volchansk since late July 2025. Russian troops have reportedly taken control of the city’s northern sector and established positions within the Tatar Forest. Ukrainian units, meanwhile, have been forced to retreat from defensive lines near the Volcha River, northwest of the city.

One of the key gains for Russian forces has been securing the area around the Aggregates Plant, a contested site where fighting had dragged on for over a year. Now, artillery units from Russia’s 128th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade are reportedly targeting Ukrainian positions in the southern and western quarters of the city.

The offensive is continuing, with Russian troops steadily pushing deeper into urban areas and displacing Ukrainian forces block by block.

Unlike developments in 2024, this current push is marked by more coordinated action. Russia’s 68th and 69th Motor Rifle Divisions are said to be making steady progress along the flanks, forcing Ukraine to disperse its reserves and weakening its ability to mount a concentrated counterattack.

In parallel, Russian assault units are approaching the town of Synelnykove. Should they capture it, Ukrainian troops entrenched in Volchansk would face the risk of being cut off from their supply lines coming from the west.