Ukraine recaptures about 2,500 sq. km in Kharkiv Oblast, may create cauldron for Russian troops around Izyum

Ukrainian military near the front line in Kharkiv Oblast, August 24, 2022
Ukrainian military near the front line in Kharkiv Oblast, August 24, 2022

According to the report, Ukrainian forces reached the southern approach to the town of Kupyansk and the Oskil River on Sept. 9., and are likely clearing pockets of disorganized Russian forces caught in the rapid Ukrainian advance to Kupyansk, Izyum, and the Oskil River, given the influx of observed pictures of Russian prisoners of war in the past 48 hours.

Read also: Ukraine recaptures 400 square kilometers in Kharkiv Oblast, ISW report says

“Ukrainian forces may collapse Russian positions around Izyum if they sever Russian ground lines of communication (GLOCs) north and south of Izyum,” ISW analysts said.

“If Ukrainians are successful in severing the Russian GLOCs, then they will have an opportunity to create a cauldron around Izyum and collapse a major portion of the Russian positions in northeastern Ukraine.”

Read also: Ukrainian flag raised over Balakliya after surprise Ukrainian counter-offensive in Kharkiv Oblast

At the same time, according to ISW, the Kremlin is rushing resources to the Kharkiv City-Izyum line in an attempt to halt Ukrainian advances after Ukrainian forces achieved remarkable operational gains. In particular, Russian Ministry of Defense and Kremlin media outlets have published footage of Russian military convoys reportedly en route to reinforce Kupyansk and Izyum.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces had recaptured more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.

In an evening video address on Sept. 9, he said the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence and the SBU security service continue to succeed in several operational areas.

The territories in some villages are still being checked, Zelenskyy added.

“We’re gradually taking control of new settlements – we’re returning the Ukrainian flag and protection for our people everywhere,” he stressed.

Read also: Ukraine can retake occupied territories, including Crimea, within next year, says retired US general

The Ukrainian president also called on Ukrainians in the liberated territories to report any information about the crimes of the Russian invaders to the law enforcement agencies.

He also appealed to bloggers and asked them not to disclose the details of Ukrainian operations before official announcements.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine