# Russian advances in northeast Kharkiv pressure Ukraine’s hold on key forests and border settlements

*Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 2:05 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-06T02:05:17.597Z (2h ago)
**Category**: conflict | **Region**: Eastern Europe
**Importance**: 7/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/16990.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: Russian forces have pushed south from Pokolyane, recaptured forests north of Starytsya, and kept up fighting around Kozacha Lopan in a series of offensives in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. The moves aim to cut off Ukrainian formations and deepen Russia’s foothold near the border, putting small settlements and supply routes under strain.

In northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, a series of Russian advances is testing Ukraine’s ability to hold exposed villages, forests, and transport links near the international border.

Over the last few weeks, Russian forces have continued offensive operations in the Bilyi Kolodyaz and Velykyi Burluk directions, where they are trying to cut off Ukrainian formations in the corner of the region. In the west of this sector, Russian troops have advanced farther south from Pokolyane, taking new positions along treelines on a nearby tactical height. Control of that higher ground can make it easier to observe and target Ukrainian movements in the surrounding area.

Fighting has also continued in the Ternova and Bilyi Kolodyaz directions, though at a lower intensity over the past week. Russian and Ukrainian forces have carried out limited assault operations as they probe each other’s lines. Russian units have reportedly recaptured the remaining forests north of Starytsya after earlier Ukrainian counterattacks, and have re-infiltrated central forests stretching significantly to the south. These wooded areas matter because they offer cover for troops moving toward or around more open defensive positions.

Further west, on the Kozacha Lopan direction, heavy combat has persisted for three weeks in and around the town as Russian forces attempt to expand their control across the border. In the northwest of this area, Russian forces have improved their positions around Veterynarne, creating a small buffer zone down to low-lying ground. At the same time, Russia is trying to push south toward local rail infrastructure that plays a role in supplying Ukrainian positions, though current reports do not specify the exact extent of these advances.

For civilians living in these rural but strategically important zones, each shift in the front line can affect access to roads, services, and routes to safer areas. Villages that end up closer to active fighting face greater risk from shelling, mines, and movement restrictions.

For Ukraine’s military, this sector is important because it provides depth to the wider defence of Kharkiv Oblast. Losing additional treelines, forests, or high ground south of Pokolyane and around Starytsya could give Russian forces better staging areas for future attacks and more options to disrupt Ukrainian logistics.

In the coming weeks, the balance in this area will depend on whether Ukraine chooses to reinforce these directions or to adjust its lines, and on how much additional combat power Russia is prepared to commit to relatively small but accumulating gains near the border.