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AFU continue their offensive in Kharkiv Region for the third day. Their immediate goals are to occupy Kupyansk, the de facto capital of the liberated territories, and to blockade Izyum. ▪️By evening, the fall of Balakliya was confirmed. The approaching units of Russian Armed Forces managed to secure a safe corridor for withdrawal of Rosguardia (National Guard) units, which had held the town for two days. It appears that Russian Command decided to withdraw from the town and to preserve lives of the units. ▪️Having captured Volokhiv Yar, north of Balakliya, AFU partially blocked Shevchenkove and continued to advance on Kupyansk. AFU’s mobile tactical groups advanced across the fields towards Oskil River, occupying the villages of Bezmyatezhne and Spodobivka. After that, the enemy forces were divided. Some units went to Kupyansk-Shevchenkove Road, occupying the village of Hrushivka. ▪️Another group of Ukrainian troops aimed eastward, fighting for Sen’kove on the right bank of Oskil River. ▪️At the same time, the zone of control around Balakliya expanded. AFU were trying to advance towards Vesele and Kun’je, but the enemy’s advance slowed down near Zalyman. If AFU manages to take the junction at Vesele, it will cut off a key transport artery leading to Izyum from the north. ▪️Part of AFU grouping is engaged to divert the attention of Russian Armed Forces from the main breakthrough directions. A local offensive began near Kopanky, southwest of Izyum. 🔻Russian Armed Forces continue redeploying reinforcements in the breakthrough directions. So far, Balakliya has been lost among large settlements. But for now, AFU continue to advance exploiting weak spots in the defence of Russian forces.
