Kiev Forces Are Nearing Defeat In Vovchansk And Kupyansk (Videos)

File image.

On October 29, the Russian military advanced on all key fronts in the direction of Kharkiv, bringing Kiev forces closer to defeat in both Vovchansk and Kupyansk.

The Sever [North] Group of Forces is reported to be now in control of most of Vovchansk. The settlement’s southwestern part has been completely secured by Russian troops. Kiev forces are currently attempting to defend their last positions in the southeastern part of the settlement.

The road linking Vovchansk with Bilyi Kolodyaz further to the south will likely be severed by Russian troops within a few days.

To the west of Vovchansk, the Sever Group of Forces has reportedly captured Synelnykove. From there, Russian troops could advance to Liman, Tsehelne, and Prilypka.

Ultimately, the Sever Group of Forces could develop their operations and advance from Vovchansk and nearby areas southwards, along the Siverskyi Donets River.

Meanwhile in Kupyansk, the Zapad [West] Group of Forces is also reported to be advancing. Russian troops begin clearing the residential areas to the south of Kharkivska Vulytsya street in the center of the city. The troops also made gains in the eastern part of the city, advancing close to the Oskil River, and taking new positions along the Krasnoe 1st – Figolevka line.

A very small part of Kupyansk remains under the control of Kiev forces. Those still fighting in the city are either trapped in the center, or can’t flee from its southern part due to the deployment of Ukrainian blocking detachments.

The Zapad Group of Forces has also advanced in areas near Kupyansk, mainly to the southeast of the city. Russian troops are reportedly clearing the remaining Ukrainian positions to the south and southwest of Stepova Novoselivka. Operations there are likely meant to secure a breakthrough reported a few days earlier between Pishchane and Kurylivka.

Kiev forces are facing some big problems in Kharkiv, the most serious of which is clearly the severe shortage in manpower.

Recent reports in Ukrainian media revealed that Kiev is advancing a plan to recruit prisoners from two Kharkiv colonies, the IK-100 in Temnovka village and the IK-43 in Kharkiv city, in order to address the shortage. Those being offered military contracts include thieves, gang members, rapists and murderers.

Of course, the recruitment of a few dozens, or even hundreds of prisoners won’t stop the collapse of Ukrainian defenses in Vovchansk or Kupyansk.

Ukraine’s only realistic option is to order an organized withdrawal and build new defenses. Kiev would never make such a decision, however, as it would damage its image in mainstream media in the West. Sacrificing more Ukrainian troops to prolong the battles there remains the priority of those in charge.

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