Ukraine's Defense Ministry confirms Russian troops entered Vovchansk

Photo: Russian groups enter Vovchansk (Getty Images)

Russian infantry groups have entered Vovchansk, Kharkiv region. They are trying to gain a foothold in the northern part of the city, while fighting continues, according to a spokesman for Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Dmytro Lazutkin.

"If we talk about the situation in Vovchansk, the enemy is trying to gain a foothold in the northern part of the city, trying to enter with small infantry groups. Our task is to destroy the enemy, not to allow them to gather more forces and gain a foothold," said the spokesman.

According to him, the Ukrainian military is effectively working against Russian troops thanks to FPV drones and artillery. Especially, when the enemy brings infantry with vehicles.

"Reserves have been pulled up. Indeed, very effective combat-ready units are now near Vovchansk and are holding this direction. But yes, some infantry groups did enter the city," added Lazutkin.

According to the Defense Ministry spokesman, today the head of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported on the situation to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Syrskyi is now in the combat brigades, and Brigadier General Mykhailo Drapatyi is in charge of the area.

"Thus, combat work continues. It is clear that the situation is not easy, and tension remains. There is a tendency towards stabilization, but heavy fighting still continues. The enemy is trying to stretch the front, to tie up our forces. Indeed, our task is to destroy the occupier. And this is being accomplished in large numbers. Occupants are dying on the approaches to Vovchansk, in its outskirts, and in the city itself," said the spokesman.

Situation in Kharkiv region

On the night of May 10, Russian forces launched an offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region. They tried to break through the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defense near Vovchansk.

Fighting is currently ongoing in this area. The Russian army managed to occupy several settlements.

Today, information appeared online that Russian troops had entered Vovchansk. The General Staff reported that as of 11:30 a.m. on May 15, the enemy was not conducting active operations, but was trying to gain a foothold and regroup.