In a significant development, Russian forces have reportedly seized control of five villages in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. According to the British news agency Reuters, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the occupation of these villages on Saturday.

The captured villages, namely Platenivka, Ohirsev, Borysivka, Pilna, and Strylechna, are situated along the border of Russia in the Kharkiv region. Additionally, the ministry revealed that Russian troops have also taken control of Keramik, a village located in Donetsk, an industrial city in eastern Ukraine.

The assault on Kharkiv began with a cross-border attack by Russian forces on Friday and continued into Saturday, as reported by Oleh Siniehubov, the governor of the city. Siniehubov expressed concerns over ongoing attacks in the Kharkiv region and noted Russian troops' attempts to advance further.

This recent offensive marks a resurgence of Russian aggression in Kharkiv, following a previous incursion at the onset of the Ukraine campaign in February 2022. While Russian forces briefly retreated after facing a counterattack by Ukrainian troops in September of the same year, analysts observe a deliberate and methodical approach by Russia, particularly since the seizure of the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdivka in February.

In addition to the villages captured in Kharkiv, Moscow's forces have also occupied Stepov, Lastochkain, and Severon in the city of Avdivka, Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces reportedly withdrew from these villages in response to the advancing Russian troops. The situation remains tense as the conflict escalates in the region.