In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has denied claims that its ground offensive on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region is failing. The denial came after Belgorod's regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced that access to 14 Russian border villages would be restricted due to the continuous intensity of the attacks.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue, stating that the operation in Kharkiv is still ongoing and will continue until it is successfully completed. Peskov further emphasized that the implementation of new practices, such as sealing off the border villages, is necessary to ensure the safety of the population amidst what they claim are "barbaric attacks" by the Kyiv regime on civilian infrastructure.

Russia launched a surprise attack on Kharkiv in May, with the aim of pushing Ukrainian forces back and establishing a "buffer zone." However, the Institute for the Study of War has reported that Ukrainian forces have been largely successful in holding back the Russian push around Kharkiv city. In response to the ongoing conflict, city officials have announced plans to build underground schools to protect children from Russian shelling.

The regional governor of Belgorod revealed that over 200 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in the region due to Ukrainian shelling. As a result, entry to the border area will be limited starting next Tuesday, with only adult men wearing bullet-proof vests and helmets allowed to pass through checkpoints. Governor Gladkov emphasized that it is unacceptable to expose women and children to settlements that are constantly shelled.

Last week, Ukrainian strikes in the Belgorod region resulted in the deaths of four people and injured 20 others within a 24-hour period. The conflict has forced Ukraine to deploy additional troops to reinforce the area after Russia's latest offensive.

In a surprising turn of events, both Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner swap on Wednesday, exchanging 95 prisoners of war each. This marks the 54th prisoner exchange since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The swap was brokered by the United Arab Emirates, with neither side disclosing the total number of prisoners of war held or participating in peace talks.

The situation in the Kharkiv region remains tense as Russia continues its offensive, denying any failure while reinforcing border village security measures. The conflict shows no signs of resolution as both countries engage in periodic prisoner swaps without pursuing peace talks.