Russian forces are advancing into northeastern Ukraine, nearing a village just 10 miles from Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The Ukrainian Army repelled Russian attempts to breach its defenses near the village of Lyptsi, but independent analysis showed Russian troops approaching the village outskirts. Russia's goal may be to create a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian artillery strikes on Russian towns and cities, potentially targeting Kharkiv. The city, home to 1.2 million people, faces the threat of Russian artillery and missile attacks. Ukrainian officials are requesting more air defense systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities in the northeast. While Russia claims it has no plans to take the city, military experts believe it lacks the forces for such an operation. As Russian forces advance, they will encounter more populated and fortified areas, posing challenges for further progress toward Kharkiv.