Russian occupation forces may have retaken the Volchansk Aggregate Plant in Kharkiv Oblast and have likely occupied Verkhnyokamyanske in Donetsk Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.
According to an analyst report, Russian forces recently advanced deep into Volchansk as part of offensive operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast that took place on October 7, 8, and 9. Geolocation footage released on October 7, showing a Russian soldier raising a Russian flag on top of the Volchansk Aggregate Plant, suggests that Russian forces have likely captured the strategic facility.
Additionally, enemy forces advanced near Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, on the same dates. Geolocation data published on October 7 and 8 indicate that Russian forces have recently advanced east of Hryhorivka and into the western part of Verkhnekamyanske.
ISW analysts note that this may indicate the capture of Verkhnyokamyansky by Russian troops.
We will remind that at the end of September it became known about the liberation of the Volchansky aggregate plant by the fighters of the Main Intelligence Directorate. After the operation, the territory of the plant was transferred under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the successful clearing of all 30 buildings of the facility. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kirill Budanov, personally participated in the operation to liberate the plant.
Vitaliy Sarantsev, a spokesman for the Kharkiv operational-tactical group, stressed that after losing control of the plant, the Russians attempted to destroy it using flamethrower systems and guided aerial bombs. These actions underscore the growing tensions and challenges facing Ukrainian forces on the frontline.
