The Russian military has claimed a tactical gain in the conflict with Ukraine, announcing on Saturday that it has captured Starytsa, a village west of Vovchansk.
This development is part of Russia’s renewed offensive launched a week ago, aimed at capitalizing on Ukraine’s vulnerabilities before additional support can bolster its defenses. This move has intensified concerns about the potential threat to Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified on Friday that the objective of this offensive is not to take Kharkiv but to establish a buffer zone to protect Russia’s border areas, which have also experienced attacks.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted to facing challenges with manpower and morale within his forces.
Despite these issues, he confirmed that the Ukrainian military has managed to stabilize the front lines, with Russian troops making only limited territorial gains of up to 6 miles inside Ukraine.
Meanwhile, intense combat continues in Vovchansk, prompting a mass exodus of residents from this frontline town.
