Russian Army Expands Border Buffer Zone In Kharkiv And Blocks Seversk From North (Videos)

File image.

On November 17, the Russian military expanded the buffer zone along the border with Kharkiv and blocked the city of Seversk in Donetsk from the north.

In Kharkiv, the Sever [North] Group of Forces captured Dvorichanske, some 17 kilometers away from the Russian border, after advancing from Odradne and Bolohivka near. The attack was led by the 9th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which released footage from the battle.

“During combat operations, artillery crews and drone system operators of the group provided support to the assault units,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Air reconnaissance identified routes of movement of equipment and personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine formations, and FPV strike drone crews preemptively destroyed all detected enemy targets, depriving the enemy of the ability to deliver personnel, ammunition, and supplies to the frontline,” it continued.

“After clearing buildings, basements, and the area adjacent to the settlement from remnants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine formations, the servicemen raised the Russian tricolor,” it added.

The capture of Dvorichanske indicates that Russian efforts to establish a buffer zone along the border with Kharkiv are once again gaining momentum.

The next target for the Sever Group of Forces in this part of the border may be Chuhunivka, which is located to the north of Milove. If Russian troops begin advancing in this direction, then the plan is likely to link up with Dehtyarne, further north along the border.

To the south in Donetsk, the Yug [South] Group of Forces made a serious breakthrough to the north of Seversk, capturing Platonivka.

By capturing the settlement, Russian troops have effectively blocked the city from the north and could begin advancing towards its northwestern and western outskirts. The road leading to the city of Krasny Liman has been de-facto cut, and the troops will begin advancing along it within a few days.

The breakthrough in Platonivka poses a serious problem for remaining Ukrainian troops in Seversk, who are already facing growing pressure from the northeastern, eastern and southern directions. A breakthrough to the south of the settlement and the city will be fully besieged.

The capture of Dvorichanske and Platonivka make it clear that the Russian military is taking advantage of the problems facing Ukraine today, from the shortage in manpower to the disastrous decision-making on the highest levels in Kiev. Overall, Ukraine appears to be heading to a series of defeats in several directions before the end of the year.

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