Russian Advances in Kharkiv: Battle for Strategic Towns Intensifies

Russian forces have captured the settlement of Kruhliakivka near Kupiansk in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Heavy fighting continues in the area. Ukrainian forces previously pushed Russian troops back, but recent advances show renewed efforts to gain control over strategic locations in northeastern Ukraine.

Russian forces have seized control of the settlement of Kruhliakivka, located near the pivotal town of Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region, as reported by the Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday.

Ukraine's military has not confirmed the loss of Kruhliakivka, although officials note intense combat in the region, with Kupiansk facing Russian artillery attacks. The General Staff of Ukraine has listed Kruhliakivka among nine villages experiencing heavy fighting, successfully repelling 15 Russian assaults and facing nine ongoing clashes.

Ukrainian intelligence had previously indicated that Russian forces were pushed away from the village. Prosecutors in the Kharkiv area reported that Kupiansk endured both ground and air attacks, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including two police officers. Furthermore, one fatality occurred due to Russian shelling in the nearby village of Kucherivka.

(With inputs from agencies.)