An expansion of areas under the control of Russian forces is being recorded along Ukraine’s state border, with new “red zones” appearing on the map. This was reported by analysts from DeepState.
According to them, the enemy is using the opportunity to expand control in border areas, destabilize the situation near the state border and divert the resources and attention of Ukrainian forces.
In particular, the area near the village of Hrabovske, which came under Russian control in December, has expanded to about 45 square kilometers of occupied territory. The enemy has also entered the settlements of Popivka and Vysoke. According to DeepState, this section is being held by Territorial Defense units.
Another problematic location is the settlement of Sopych. According to the analysts, Russian infantry entered the village in full equipment and during the raid used local residents as cover, abducting them. This section is also held by Territorial Defense units.
Further south, the settlement of Komarivka has been marked as a “red zone,” where Russian troops were first spotted and later entrenched themselves.
At the same time, according to DeepState, there are many “grey zones” along the border where Russian forces are being observed probing the situation and potentially using it to advance. Analysts say the enemy is forming a buffer zone on Ukrainian territory in this way, setting up observation posts and trying to gather information about possible maneuvers by Ukrainian forces.
DeepState also stressed the need to increase attention to the defense of border areas, particularly by providing units with resources such as drones that could prevent the movement of Russian infantry and their attempts to entrench themselves in border settlements.
The analysts also called on residents of border areas to evacuate due to the heightened danger, noting that the enemy disregards civilian lives, loots and destroys.