The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that Russian forces captured the village of Krokhmalne in Kharkiv Oblast on January 20th. This move marks a notable advance along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna axis.
Krokhmalne, situated approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Svatove, fell into Russian hands according to geolocation data. This aligns with earlier claims by Russian military bloggers who reported a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from positions around Krokhmalne.
Additionally, the ISW notes that Russian troops made a modest eastward push near Ivanivka, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Kupiansk. This advance, though minor, signifies ongoing efforts by Russian forces to make strategic gains in the region.
In the area southwest of Bakhmut, Russian forces have also made territorial gains. They have reportedly secured a small forested area northwest of Klishchiivka, further tightening the situation around Bakhmut, a focal point of intense fighting in recent months.
Russian military progress is not limited to the northeast.
The ISW's latest geolocation data from January 20th indicates incremental advances near the administrative border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Russian forces have achieved limited territorial gains southeast of Urozhaine, just south of Velyka Novosilka.
In light of these developments, positional engagements continue along the entire front line in Eastern Ukraine, highlighting the dynamic and ongoing nature of the conflict.
