Russian forces establish second encirclement in Kharkiv region

The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the formation of a second encirclement around Ukrainian forces in the northern Kharkiv region. This new perimeter has formed around Olkhovatka, where two Ukrainian battalions are reportedly surrounded. This area is located southeast of a larger initial encirclement.

Previously, on September 7, Russian authorities reported that approximately 1,700 Ukrainian soldiers, equivalent to four or five battalions, were trapped in the Vovchansk area. Russian forces have since worked to expand outer perimeters while tightening inner ones, gaining control of villages such as Dolgenkoye and Berezniki. Ukrainian attempts to break through the encirclement in Sliznevo and Dolzhanka were reportedly repelled.

In the past week, Ukrainian forces in these besieged areas have sustained losses including 180 soldiers, 8 armored vehicles, 5 cars, 11 ATVs, and 8 ground robotic systems. Russian command has also distributed leaflets instructing Ukrainian troops near Vovchansk to surrender. The strategic situation has shifted following Russian advances into Kazachya Lopan, a key transit point located 25km north of Kharkiv.