The Russian Armed Forces are prepared to launch a months-long offensive campaign in the Kharkiv region, according to ISW (map).

Analysts observe that Russians are employing mechanized assaults in the Kupiansk direction, indicating that it is becoming a priority. This suggests that the Russian command has "historically allocated armored vehicles" to key fronts.

https://focus.ua/voennye-novosti/691456-rf-gotovitsya-k-nastupleniyu-kupyanskoe-napravlenie-novosti-voyny2025-02-02 07:51:29

"Russian forces are expanding their advance north of Kupiansk as part of long-term operational efforts to push Ukrainian troops from the eastern (left) bank of the Oskol River," the report states.

The shift in priorities of the Russian command is also evidenced by the significant allocation of armored vehicles directed towards key areas on the front. The increase in such equipment in the Kupiansk direction allows the Russians to strengthen their mechanized attacks.

"Historically, the Russian military command has prioritized armored vehicles for key front lines, and the intensification of mechanized actions may indicate that the Kupiansk direction is becoming a priority," analysts from ISW note.

These conclusions were drawn by experts from the Institute for the Study of War based on an analysis of enemy offensive actions occurring in this direction. In particular, the report mentions that since January 22, Ukrainian forces have repelled four mechanized attacks. Such attacks began to increase in frequency since October, as analyzed by the experts.

It is noteworthy that the RF army has recently intensified offensive actions north of Kupiansk, particularly in the area of Dvurechna. This settlement was previously captured by the Russians in 2022, at the onset of the full-scale invasion, but was soon liberated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Dvurechna is regularly subjected to enemy attacks — it is known that the local administration, residential buildings, and infrastructure have been destroyed in the town.

It should be noted that the Russians have previously claimed to have "liberated" Dvurechna. However, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration refuted this information and reported ongoing heavy fighting as of January 28.

Additionally, it has become known that the Russians occupied the village of Novomlynsk in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv region. This was reported by analysts from the DeepState project on the evening of January 31.