Oskil River no longer a frontline as Russian forces advance in Kupyansk sector

Kharkiv City Council deputy Bohdan Tkachuk reported that the Russian forces have intensified their efforts in the Kharkiv region to advance towards Kupyansk.

He stated this during a broadcast on Espreso.

"Combat actions in the Kupyansk direction continue daily. The enemy constantly attacks and conducts assault operations. Speaking of new threats, the village of Topoli should be mentioned. Today, DeepState reported that the enemy has advanced near the village of Topoli. This village is located between the Russian border and the Oskil River and represents the northernmost flank of Ukraine’s defense," Tkachuk explained.

According to the deputy, the front in the Kupyansk direction is gradually expanding.

"The small village of Topoli, located on the western bank of the Oskil River, is currently seeing ongoing battles. The front is expanding there. Now it includes Dvorichna, Topoli, and the occupiers are trying to break through toward Kupiansk. The Oskil River, at least north of Kupyansk, is ceasing to be a dividing line and is gradually moving into the rear of the occupiers," he added.

• On February 26, the General Staff reported that on February 25, there were 98 combat engagements on the front. Ukrainian forces repelled 25 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk direction and 16 in the Kursk region.
• On February 26, the OSINT project DeepState reported that as of the beginning of the day on February 26, the Russian army had captured the settlement of Novoocheretuvate and advanced in the area of Preobrazhenka in Donetsk region. Russian forces were also observed advancing near Topoli in Kharkiv region.