Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia

Russia has intensified its attacks on the region following Friday’s surprise incursions across the border, seizing several villages and settlements in one of the most significant ground attacks since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Vovchansk, located 74km (45 miles) from Kharkiv, has been heavily bombed in recent days. While it is a significant town in the region, Vovchansk is not of specific military importance, though its capture would be a blow to Ukrainian morale.

Russian military bloggers claim clearing operations have started in the village of Staritsa, although that is not confirmed.

Thousands of civilians have fled towards Kharkiv and there are concerns among Ukrainian commanders about what could happen if Russian troops get within artillery-range of the city.

US-based analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) say Russian forces “currently appear to be prioritizing the rapid establishment of a ‘buffer zone’ along the international border over setting conditions for deeper penetrations into northern Kharkiv Oblast”.

However, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) assessment is that Russia is “almost certainly attempting to divert Ukrainian resources away from other parts of the front line”, but adds: “It is unlikely that Russia has built up sufficient combat power to take the city (Kharkiv) without diverting additional forces into the area.”