According to a spokesperson for the National Guard, Russian forces have significantly increased their activity in the Kupiansk sector of northeastern Kharkiv Oblast over the past month. This news was announced on national television on Sept. 10. The spokesperson also reported that there have been fresh attacks attempted by Moscow’s troops in other areas of Kharkiv Oblast, with the 92nd Assault Brigade successfully repelling a cross-border raid.
This increase in activity comes as part of Russia’s larger effort to put pressure on the entire eastern front. Heavy battles are currently ongoing near the towns of Pokrovsk, Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. The spokesperson, Ruslan Muzychuk, stated that there has been a noticeable concentration of tank and motorized rifle units in the Kupiansk sector, specifically in the areas of Synkivka and Stelmakhivka. These units are attempting to advance and have made serious assaults in recent days.
Muzychuk also mentioned that Russian forces are trying to advance to the defense line along the Chornyi Zherebets River in the south. Kupiansk is located in the eastern part of Kharkiv Oblast, just 25 kilometers from the administrative border with mostly occupied Luhansk Oblast. The town was previously occupied by Russian forces in 2022 but was later liberated in a surprise offensive. Since then, it has faced heavy pressure from Russia’s military.
The spokesperson explained that Russia’s goal is to increase pressure along the entire front and stretch Ukrainian defenses. This is why they have also become more active near the Tykhe settlement in the Kharkiv sector. In May, Russia launched a new offensive in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast, but Ukraine has been able to halt their advance. However, Russian forces still hold a few settlements across the border.
On Sept. 10, the 92nd Assault Brigade reported that they successfully repelled an attempt by Russian mechanized forces to break through the border in Kharkiv Oblast. The exact location was not specified, but the unit shared footage of Ukrainian forces striking Russian armor, including two BMP-2 armored vehicles and one T-72 tank used in the attack.
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