Ukraine is certain to liberate the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region within 72 hours, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.
According to the latest assessment, Ukrainian forces have advanced 20 km into the city, and its recapture would significantly worsen communications between Russian forces in the region.
“Russian rear positions in the Kharkiv region are exposed to further Ukrainian advances, and Ukrainian forces are likely to capture Kupyansk within the next 72 hours,” the Institute for War said.
“The loss of Kupyansk and other rear areas on critical land lines of communication will hamper Russian efforts to support offensive and defensive operations, but will not completely cut Russian lines of communication with Izyum,” he adds.
The Ukrainian advance came as Russia sent troops to counter a Ukrainian offensive in the southern Kherson region, whose Russian-occupied capital is a strategic prize for both sides.
Otherwise, Ukraine is already reported to have recaptured 20 villages from the Russian occupation forces.