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Russian troops have secured two key victories in the Kharkiv region north of Kupyansk, advancing their strategic goal of consolidating control over the western bank of the Oskol River.
On April 29th, the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation announced the liberation of the village of Doroshovka. Following intense clashes, Ukrainian attempts to hold their positions in the village failed. The victory in Doroshovka marks another step in Russia’s expansion of its foothold north of Kupyansk, where Ukrainian troops have largely relied on drone warfare and tactical withdrawals to slow the advance. At the same time, Russian victory in Doroshovka allows to surround Ukrainian stronghold on a hill between this village and Malaya Shapkovka. Advancing on a wide front, amid battles in Kondrashovka and Malaya Shapkovka, Russian troops are approaching the strategically important road north of Kupyansk, used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military supplies and rotation.
Battle for Kamenka:
The day before, the Russian army achieved another important victory to the north in the Kupyansk directions. On April 28th, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially confirmed control of Kamenka, located just 7 km from the Belgorod border. After crossing the Oskol River, Russian forces launched assault on the settlement and won the battle. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov personally commended the 344th Motorized Rifle Regiment for its role in the operation, highlighting the unit’s “exceptional bravery” in dangerous battles. Kamenka’s fall is particularly significant. It bridges Russian-held footholds on the western bank of the river from Dvurechnaya to the Belgorod border, creating a unified bridgehead that could enable future offensives to the west on a wide front toward Velykyi Burluk, a logistical hub for Ukrainian garrison defending Kupyansk.
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Strategic Implications: Encirclement and Pressure on Kupyansk
The recent gains underscore Russia’s broader tactical objective: isolating Kupyansk, a heavily fortified Ukrainian stronghold. By securing villages like Doroshovka and Kamenka, Russian forces are gradually encircling the city from the north, while grinding through Ukrainian defense east, and south. At the same time, the expanding Russian bridgehead could eventually threaten Ukrainian supply lines to the war-torn town Volchansk, where Kyiv’s troops are engaged in fierce counterattacks.
Ukrainian forces have responded by reinforcing grouping in Velykyi Burluk, anticipating a potential Russian thrust into their rear. However, Russia’s incremental advances coupled with reported Ukrainian ammunition shortages suggest Moscow retains the initiative. The Defense Ministry’s confirmations of these victories indicate confidence in holding the new positions.
With Kupyansk’s defenses proving resilient, Russia appears focused on grinding down Ukrainian resistance through flank maneuvers rather than a direct assault. The Oskol River line, once fully secured, would provide a springboard for deeper pushes into Kharkiv region. Yet the pace remains slow, a reflection of Ukraine’s layered defenses and Russia’s preference for minimizing losses.
As fighting rages near Stepovaya Novoselovka (17 km from Kupyansk), the next phase may hinge on whether Russian forces can sever Ukrainian routes to the city. For now, the twin victories at Doroshovka and Kamenka signal Moscow’s unwavering pressure on a critical sector of the front, one that could soon tilt the balance in Russia’s favor.
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expanded the front but no advance or territory gains, ukraine are holding against russia military might is a sure sign of weakness.
russia is still moving slower than a sloth with arthritis…heheheh