Russia makes a major retreat to 'regroup' after Ukrainian forces carried out a 'very sharp and rapid' advance that could lead to a collapse in Russia's positions

Russian forces have retreated from the Kharkiv region as Ukrainian forces have made one of their largest gains in months.

The official said that the advance was very fast.

In order to achieve the goals of the special military operation, a decision was made to regroup troops in the areas of Balakliya and Izyum.

—Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) September 10, 2022

Several settlements have already come under the control of Ukrainian armed formations, according to the head of the Russian-backed administration in the Kharkiv region.

According to the New York Times, Ukrainian forces were regaining control of cities in the region. According to The Times, the advance shows that the Ukrainians are close to capturing Izium, a Russian military stronghold.

Natalia Popova is an advisor to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Council.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video that Ukrainian forces liberated and took control of more than 30 settlements.

Zelenskyy said that in some of the villages of the region, actions to check and secure the territory continue, and that they are gradually taking new settlements under their control.