Ukrainian officials say Russia has set clear objectives for January, focusing on operations in the Kharkiv region. Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces grouping, said Moscow’s forces are regrouping and probing defensive lines rather than launching major assaults during the holiday period.
According to Trehubov, Russia aims to bypass Vovchansk, eliminate Ukraine’s bridgehead east of Kupiansk, and push toward Lyman. He noted that similar plans failed in the autumn and predicted they would fail again.
While no active assaults were reported in Dvorichna over the past day, Trehubov cautioned that Russian troops are preparing to resume attacks. He stressed the importance of preventing enemy forces from crossing the Oskil River once it freezes, warning that Moscow may attempt crossings without watercraft.
He also confirmed reports of Russian troop transfers from the Svatove direction toward Kupiansk, while estimating daily Russian losses at 300–350 personnel.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces said the situation in Vovchansk remains stable, though Russian units continue efforts to encircle the city and expand their control zone. Heavy fighting persists in the southwestern part of Vovchansk, but Ukrainian troops maintain control and respond to advances.