**Russian Forces Cross Oskil River, Advance into Kharkiv Region**
For weeks, the Oskil River had served as a natural defensive line for Ukraine in the Kharkiv region. But now, Russian occupation troops have crossed the river and are pushing forward along its right bank. According to reports from the analytical portal DeepState, Russian forces have occupied the settlement of Dvorichna, located north of Kupiansk.
This breakthrough is significant because Dvorichna had been a crucial stronghold for Ukrainian forces since the region’s liberation. As one Ukrainian MP, Maryana Bezuhla, pointed out, the settlement served as a barrier against further Russian advances on the western bank of the Oskil River. “Now the Oskil is no longer a natural obstacle for Russian offensives,” she confirmed.
**Russian Strategy Unfolds**
Analysts at DeepState have been tracking Russian movements and note that their forces had long been applying pressure on Dvorichna, continuously infiltrating infantry units before eventually taking control of the settlement. The enemy’s strategy was to target Dvorichna from the moment bridgeheads were formed, with the intention of using it as a stronghold to accumulate resources for further offensives.
The report also highlights that Russian forces have been trying to move equipment across the Oskil River, but so far, with limited success. However, over time, they may be able to pull heavier equipment across, which could give them an advantage in their advance into Ukrainian territory.
**Key Takeaways**
* Russian occupation troops have crossed the Oskil River and are advancing along its right bank.
* The settlement of Dvorichna has been occupied by Russian forces, which had been a key stronghold for Ukrainian forces.
* Russian strategy involves using Dvorichna as a base to accumulate resources for further offensives.
* Ukrainian defenses may be weakened over time due to the increased distance from their positions.
As one military expert suggested earlier, Russian forces might focus their main summer offensive on the Lyman and Kupiansk directions. With this latest development, it’s clear that Ukraine faces significant challenges in defending its territory against a well-coordinated and determined enemy.
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