Russia escalates Ukraine conflict: Frontline forces face intensive battles across all fronts

Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, declared on Saturday through the Telegram messaging service that severe battles are being fought on all fronts. The situation remains precarious, with Russia persistently intensifying its attack and continually reinforcing its frontlines with fresh reserves. He relayed this information during his visit to troops situated near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine.

Syrsky highlighted that he got to hear about the front line situation firsthand from commanders' reports. Besides, operational meetings were conducted, during which the potential tactics of the enemy were discussed, taking intelligence findings into account.

The Ukrainian commander emphasized that his forces' chief focus continues to be efficient intelligence, coordinated usage of all accessible strike means, inclusive of artillery fire, and electronic warfare. The safeguarding of Ukrainian soldiers' lives is also viewed as critically important.

At the end of January, the American research center, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reported on the anticipated Russian offensive currently underway in eastern Ukraine, bordering the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions. According to ISW, the Russians have had some tactical victories, which, however, are less likely to culminate in significant progress at the operational level.

The ISW further reported that Russian forces have strategically advanced southeast of Kupiansk, along the P07 road (Kupiansk-Svatove), in the vicinity of the town of Krochmalne. Russian forces are amplifying their assaults to the west and northwest of Krochmalne, moving their actions towards the Oskol River.