Ukrainian military disrupts Russian foothold attempts in Vovchansk - General Staff
Armed Forces managed to disrupt plans of Russian army to penetrate deep into Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast and gain a foothold there, General Staff reported on Facebook on May 16.
The report noted that since the beginning of the Russian offensive on May 10 in the Kharkiv sector, Ukrainian forces have significantly reduced Russian activity through decisive actions.
According to the General Staff, Ukrainian units have continued to perform combat missions within the urban area of Vovchansk, keeping the enemy under fire control as of May 16.
Read also: Vovchansk faces invasion: Russian forces advance amid ongoing battles – Bild
Russian advance in Kharkiv Oblast
Russian occupation forces attempted to penetrate Ukraine's defenses near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast at 5 a.m. on May 10. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Ukrainian defenders repelled the attack.
The Russians also heavily shelled border settlements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian troops had initiated a new wave of counteroffensives on this front. He also announced the redeployment of Ukrainian forces to the Kharkiv sector.
General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces noted that the Russians had tactical successes near city of Vovchansk on May 13, and that the situation in the Kharkiv sector remained difficult.
Read also: Russian forces occupy streets in Vovchansk amid ongoing battles - Ukrainian DM
The Institute for the Study of War believes that attack on Vovchansk and an attempt to encircle the city is a priority goal of Russian troops.
Local authorities reported that Vovchansk was almost completely destroyed as a result of constant Russian shelling on May 14. Situation in the town is critical at the moment.
Chief of Vovchansk patrol police, Oleksiy Kharkivsky, said that Russian occupants were taking up positions on the streets of Vovchansk on May 15.
Later, Ukrainian General Staff confirmed advance of Russian troops to northern part of Vovchansk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 15 said that the situation in Kharkiv sector had been partially stabilized. At the same time, according to ISW, Russian troops advanced no more than 8 kilometers from the border in Kharkiv Oblast.
Read also: Ukrainian forces engage Russian troops in Vovchansk's northern sector - General Staff
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