20 Sep: Countdown begins. Russians lose the grip on Vovchansk. - Reporting from Ukraine

Today there are a lot of updates from the Kharkiv direction.

Here, Ukrainian forces have intensified their operations around the Vovchansk area, making substantial progress by merging two independent bridgeheads near Tykhe. As Russian troops attempt to consolidate control and create a buffer zone in northern Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian forces, supported by advanced aerial reconnaissance and precision strikes, are steadily undermining Russian efforts. This shift in momentum is tipping the balance in Ukraine’s favor, further disrupting Russia’s defensive strategies in the region.

Ukrainian Kharkiv Group spokesperson Vitaly Sarantsev recently reported that Russian forces continue to pursue their operational objectives in northern Kharkiv Oblast. However, Ukrainian operations in the region, combined with the additional pressure from Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast, are significantly disrupting Russia’s offensive efforts. Russian objectives reportedly include establishing a "buffer zone" along the international border with Belgorod Oblast and pinning down Ukrainian forces in the area. However, Sarantsev also highlighted a more dangerous objective: Russian forces are aiming to launch an advance from Vovchansk to strike the rear of Ukrainian positions in the Kupyansk direction, which could threaten Ukraine's defensive posture in the region.

The strategic significance of Kupyansk cannot be overstated. It serves as a critical linchpin for Russia's broader political objective of fully securing the territorial boundaries of Luhansk. At the same time, any potential Russian advance on the regional capital, Kharkiv, even if intended merely to pressure the city and provoke civilian evacuations, remains unlikely to succeed as long as the Ukrainian Kupyansk group continues to threaten Russian forces from the southeast. From Russia's perspective, both objectives—exerting pressure on both Kharkiv and Kupyansk —are highly valuable and ultimately, interdependent.

In recent days, Ukrainian forces have intensified efforts to disrupt Russian logistical operations around Vovchansk. This escalation has been driven by enhanced aerial reconnaissance, allowing for heightened vigilance and more precise targeting. Numerous geolocated images reveal a surge in attacks, primarily using FPV drones, following accurate detection by reconnaissance UAVs. Footage shows strikes on a wide array of vehicles, as well as attempts to hinder on-foot logistical support, demonstrating Ukraine's growing capability to undermine Russian supply lines in the area.

Additionally, Ukrainian air force operations have intensified, with the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade conducting a strike on a Russian base in Vovchansk. Reports indicate that GBU-39 precision-guided bombs were launched from a MiG-29 during the attack. Geolocated images confirm the destruction of a Russian personnel and equipment base located at the former central district hospital in Vovchansk. Footage highlights the pinpoint accuracy of the Ukrainian munitions, which were set to a delayed detonation mode. The bombs can be seen penetrating the building before exploding, maximizing the impact and destruction. Russian sources have acknowledged heavy losses, potentially amounting to two companies. For access to the original, uncensored combat footage, you can visit our Telegram channel via the link in the description.

In response to their stalled infantry advances, Russian forces have escalated aerial attacks in the area, primarily deploying FAB guided bombs and thermobaric munitions. These strikes have focused on Tykhe, which has remained firmly under Ukrainian control for several weeks. Additionally, Russian aviation reportedly destroyed a bridge over the Vovcha River near Okhrimivka and Mala Vovcha, northeast of Vovchansk. However, Ukrainian forces maintain multiple crossings over the Vovcha River throughout the eastern part of Vovchansk, minimizing the disruption to their logistics. This shift in Russian tactics suggests a renewed focus on eastern Vovchansk, as northern Vovchansk is increasingly leveled and reduced to rubble. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to solidify their hold on Tykhe, preparing for a potential future offensive aimed at advancing on Vovchansk from the east.

If we look at the topographic map, we can see that Tykhe occupies a strategically advantageous position, with a road descending from its heights...