Intense fighting escalates as Russia sends more reserve forces to Ukraine

Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander of Ukrainian ground forces, announced on Saturday via the Telegram messaging app that heavy fighting is occurring on all fronts. The situation is tense, with the Russians continuing their forceful attacks and persistently supplying the front with new reserve forces. He shared this information during his visit to units stationed near Kupiansk in the Eastern Ukrainian Kharkiv region.

Syrsky emphasised that he had the opportunity to hear directly from the reports of commanders about the situation at the front line. He also held operational meetings where potential enemy tactics were discussed, taking into account information obtained through intelligence.

The Ukrainian commander underlined that the priority for his forces remains effective intelligence, coordinated use of all available strike methods, including artillery fire, and electronic warfare. The protection of Ukrainian soldiers' lives is also of utmost importance.

On the last day of January, the American think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reported the expected Russian offensive in Eastern Ukraine, on the border of the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions. According to ISW, Russians have achieved some tactical successes, which, however, are unlikely to result in significant progress at the operational level.

The ISW also reported that Russian forces have made some tactical advances to the southeast of Kupiansk, along the P07 road (Kupiansk-Svatove), near the town of Krochmalne. Russian forces are increasing their attacks to the west and northwest of Krochmalne, directing their operations towards the Oskol River.