Ukrainian forces reclaim critical stronghold in Kharkiv region

At the end of September, Ukrainian forces recaptured the mechanical plants in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region. These plants had been a Russian stronghold, enabling tactical operations along the Vovcha River, the British Ministry of Defence reported on Tuesday.

In the latest intelligence update, it was assessed that this loss will limit the ability of Russian ground forces to advance in the Kharkiv region. In turn, the takeover of the plants will likely facilitate further Ukrainian counteroffensives north of the city, aiming to push Russian forces to the border.

It was explained that Vovchansk had been the site of fighting since May 2024, when Russian ground forces launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region, likely to create a buffer zone to deter Ukrainian forces from launching attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region and to mitigate their effects. This has resulted in heavy fighting for Vovchansk, which lies 5 kilometres from the border, with both sides trying to push each other out of the area.

Russia withdrew troops from the Vovchansk area to support operations in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has occupied a wedge inside Russian territory since August 2024. This almost certainly limited the capabilities of Russian ground forces in the Vovchansk area - it was written.