(The Wall Street Journal) - Russian occupation authorities in eastern Ukraine said they would evacuate women and children from the strategic city of Kupyansk, as advancing Ukrainian forces stepped up strikes there aimed at cutting Russian supply routes in the country's east.


The announcement Thursday by the city's Russian-appointed mayor, Vitaly Ganchev, underscores the progress of a Ukrainian offensive in its east.


Ukrainian officials have largely kept silent about the advance to the east of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city, but have hinted at gains. Russian war bloggers close to the Russian military have said Ukrainian forces are making gains toward Kupyansk, a city of some 30,000 before the war that is a critical road hub for the resupply and movement of Russian occupation forces.


Ukraine has seized the initiative in the war for the first time in months with dual offensives in the south and east. In the south, Ukraine is seeking to cut off thousands of Russian troops on the western bank of the Dnipro River in and around the regional capital of Kherson.


To the east of Kharkiv, Kupyansk has emerged as a key target. Liberating the city, or even being close enough to use artillery to disrupt Russia's supply lines, could isolate Russian forces in the city of Izyum to the south, which Moscow had sought to use for an offensive of its own.


Russian war bloggers said Ukrainian forces were battling for control of the eastern city of Balakliya Thursday after surrounding it, and were also advancing to the northeast in the direction of Kupyansk, seizing villages.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed advances in his nightly address Wednesday but said he wouldn't disclose details. "This week we have good news from Kharkiv province," he said. "I think every citizen feels pride for our warriors."


U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday that the U.S. is sending Ukraine $675 million in new military assistance.


Russian officials have dismissed indications that their six-month invasion is faltering. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday: "We have not lost anything and will not lose anything."


A senior Russian official proposed holding votes on joining Russia in occupied territories on Nov. 4, a Russian public holiday known as National Unity Day. Andrei Turchak, leader of the governing United Russia party, said it would be a "correct and symbolic" date for the votes. He said they would certainly take place before the end of the year.


Russia had previously indicated that votes would take place in September, but those plans appear to have been scuttled by Ukraine's offensives.


In areas that Russia has captured, Moscow has been handing out passports, taking control of schools and introducing the Russian ruble.


But occupation forces have met with resistance. Vladimir Rogov, a senior collaborator in occupied Melitopol in Ukraine's south, said the headquarters of his group "We Are Together with Russia" had been blown up Wednesday.

Roles:

Everyone: All Users