LUGANSK, December 20. /TASS/. Russian troops have broken through Ukrainian defenses on the western bank of the Oskol Reservoir and gained a foothold in a forest area near the settlement of Zagryzovo in the Kharkov Region, military expert Andrey Marochko told TASS on Friday.

"During active combat operations, our troops have managed to break through the enemy’s defenses on the western bank of the Oskol Reservoir, advance along the railway and gain a foothold in a forest belt area near the settlement of Zagryzovo. This advance has enabled Russian troops to improve their tactical position," the military expert said.

The new positions will enable Russian troops to advance further in that frontline area and deliver more effective strikes on the enemy, he specified.