Ukrainian forces repel Russian invaders in Kharkiv Oblast — General Staff

A Ukrainian artilleryman from the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires an M777 howitzer at Russian forces in the Donetsk Oblast on May 1, 2024.
A Ukrainian artilleryman from the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires an M777 howitzer at Russian forces in the Donetsk Oblast on May 1, 2024.

The defense forces are trying to push back the occupiers near the viillage of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv direction, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on Telegram on May 18.

The Russians continue their attempts to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops. Since the beginning of the day, they have launched two attacks on the positions of the Armed Forces near the settlements of Lyptsi and Vovchansk, but were unsuccessful.

Russian losses in this direction today amounted to 19 personnel and 10 units of military equipment. Over the past day, the enemy lost up to 200 personnel and 42 units of military equipment in this area.

In the Kupyansk direction, Ukrainian units repelled two enemy attacks near the settlement of Berestove. The situation is under control. The defense forces continue their assaults in the populated areas of Synkivka and Terny, achieving partial success in some areas.

Russian advance in Kharkiv Oblast

The Russians have heavily shelled border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.

Russian troops initiated a new wave of counteroffensives on this front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while announcing the redeployment of Ukrainian forces to the Kharkiv sector.

Read also: Ukraine conducting sweeps north of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast to ensure Russia doesn't gain a foothold

Russia had tactical successes near Vovchansk on May 13, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff said, adding that the situation on the Kharkiv front remained difficult.

The attack on Vovchansk and an attempt to encircle the city is a priority goal of Russian troops, the Institute for the Study of War believes.

Vovchansk was almost completely destroyed by relentless Russian shelling on May 14, local authorities reported, adding that the situation in the city is critical.

Russian invasion forces were taking positions on the streets of Vovchansk on May 15, Vochchansk's patrol police chief, Oleksiy Kharkivskyi, reported.

The advance of Russian troops into northern Vovchansk was later confirmed by Ukraine's General Staff.

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Ukraine has so far managed to "increase confidence" in the direction of Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, Zelenskyy said on May 16. He stated that the counterattack actions of the Armed Forces are taking place in various areas, in particular in the border areas of Kharkiv Oblast.

The Russian troops have expanded the area of active combat operations by almost 70 kilometers during the offensive in Kharkiv Oblast to force the Ukrainian Armed Forces to bring in new brigades from the reserve, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 17.

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