Conflicting Reports Emerge on Starytsya Control
The Russian Ministry of Defense declared on January 24, 2026, that its forces had successfully completed the takeover of the village of Starytsya in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. This announcement was made alongside reports of massive overnight strikes targeting Ukrainian long-range drone sites and key energy facilities. The Russian military credited elements of the 7th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the 9th Motorized Rifle Regiment with the alleged seizure of the settlement.
Ukraine Disputes Russian Advance
In response to Moscow's claims, Ukraine's General Staff reported that Russian forces had launched six attacks on an area including Starytsya but did not acknowledge any change in the village's control. Ukraine did not immediately comment directly on Russia's assertion of capture.
Lack of Independent Verification and Internal Disagreement
The claims made by the Russian Defence Ministry regarding Starytsya's capture have not been independently verified by sources such as Reuters. Furthermore, a Russian military blogger reportedly affiliated with the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces contradicted the official Ministry of Defense statement, asserting that Starytsya remains a contested 'gray zone' rather than being fully under Russian control. Ukraine's DeepState military blog, which monitors army positions using open-source intelligence, also did not confirm the village's capture, though it noted ongoing Russian 'pressure in the Vovchansk area.'
Strategic Context in Kharkiv Oblast
The village of Starytsya, with a population of approximately 486 people, is strategically located near the border and close to the town of Vovchansk. Vovchansk has been a focal point of intense fighting since a significant Russian offensive began in May 2024. Russian forces have been engaged in a broader effort to push westward through eastern Ukraine, maintaining pressure on the Kharkiv region. The overarching Russian objective in northern Kharkiv Oblast is to establish a defensible buffer zone with Belgorod Oblast and to bring Kharkiv City within range of tube artillery. Russian forces continued offensive operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast on January 24, though the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported no confirmed advances on that day.
6 Comments
Coccinella
Starytsya taken. Expect more advances soon.
Muchacho
The West won't report this, but the facts are clear on the ground.
BuggaBoom
Another fake victory. The world sees through this.
Loubianka
It's difficult to verify these claims without independent sources, but the conflicting reports highlight the intense fighting in the Kharkiv region.
Katchuka
Ukraine's General Staff is reliable. Russia is just trying to boost morale.
Comandante
The fact that even a Russian military blogger contradicts their own MoD speaks volumes about the truth here. However, Ukraine is under immense pressure in the Vovchansk area.