Russian troops attempt small-group advances toward Kharkiv, accumulate forces

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

“The Russians are attempting to advance towards Kharkiv. We are observing their constant efforts to amass forces. By ‘accumulation,’ I mean their infiltration in small groups of one, two, or three individuals towards a specific forest strip where they have a gathering point. We understand their intentions and are doing everything we can to prevent them from reaching that point,” emphasized Dehtiariov.

According to a representative of the public relations service of the 13th Khartiia Operational Brigade of the National Guard, the brigade's area of responsibility includes the northern part of Kharkiv region, including the routes leading to the state border. The main Russian objective remains unchanged — they aim to reach the outskirts of Kharkiv or at least the village of Lyptsi. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are successfully pushing them back.

“We cannot say that there is no threat here. The threat exists, but there is no close threat. The Russians cannot reach Kharkiv with artillery, only with guided aerial bombs and missile strikes, which they carry out regularly,” added Dehtiariov. 

• On December 30, 168 clashes occurred on the frontlines, with Russian forces attacking Ukrainian positions in the Pokrovsk direction at least 40 times.