Assessing Russia’s Offensive Campaign: January 4, 2026

On January 4, 2026, Russia continued its offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, primarily targeting Kharkiv Oblast and surrounding regions. Despite ongoing attacks, the Russian forces did not achieve significant territorial gains. This article assesses Russia’s offensive campaign in this critical period.

Eastern Ukraine: Ongoing Russian Offensive

Russian forces resumed active combat operations in Kharkiv Oblast after a tactical pause. Colonel Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Joint Forces Task Force, reported that Russian troops were trying to bypass Vovchansk and establish positions in Vilcha, while also attempting to push Ukrainian forces back along the international border with Belgorod Oblast.

• Key Locations Attacked: Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, Starytsya, Prylipka, Lyman, Izbytske.
• Reported Counterattacks: Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive near Vovchanski Khutory.

Russian military activities in northern Kharkiv Oblast are characterized by smaller fireteams probing Ukrainian defense lines, indicating a shift from previous large-scale attacks initiated in earlier years.

Significant Engagements in Kupyansk Direction

Additionally, Russian forces aimed to capture the remainder of Luhansk Oblast while pushing westward into eastern Kharkiv. Attacks were reported in the Kupyansk area, but no confirmed advancements were made. Colonel Trehubov noted that Russian troops were struggling to infiltrate Kupyansk effectively, citing fewer than 70 Russian servicemembers remaining in the area.

• Key Attacks Reported: Kupyansk, Kutkivka, Synkivka, Fyholivka, Petropavlivka, Kucherivka.

Operations in Siversk and Donetsk Oblast

Meanwhile, Russian forces continued their assault in the Siversk direction, attempting to capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast. Russian military actions were reported near Siversk itself and surrounding regions without confirmed gains.

• Areas of Attack: Dyronivka, Ozerne, Yampil, and Svyato-Pokrovske.
• Recent Advances: Notably, footage indicated Russian forces advanced along the H-20 highway near Yablunivka.

Supporting Operations in Southern Ukraine

Russian forces also maintained pressure in southern Ukraine, particularly aimed at securing positions in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Despite ongoing attacks, they encountered limited success. Notably, strikes near Hulyaipole and in the Kherson direction occurred, though without territorial advancements.

• Notable Locations of Engagement: Hulyaipole, Orikhiv, and Kherson City.

As of January 4, 2026, the operational landscape remains complex, with both sides engaging in heavy drone and ground warfare. Continuous monitoring of the situation is essential to understand the evolving dynamics of this conflict.