Ukraine Defense Ministry Confirms Russian Advances North Of Vovchansk

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reports that Russian troops have entered Vovchansk from the north. Battles are ongoing.

“Russian forces are trying to gain a foothold in the northern part of the town with small infantry units,” according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin, appearing on air of the National Telemarathon in the afternoon on May 15.

“Our task is to destroy the enemy, to prevent them from gathering more forces and gaining a foothold,” he added.

Ukrainian forces, employing a powerful combination of FPV drones and artillery, are effectively countering Russian attacks, particularly those involving enemy troop movements in vehicles. “Reserves have been tightened. Indeed, such effective combat units are now near Vovchansk and are holding this direction. But yes, some infantry groups have indeed entered the city”.

Lazutkin also announced that President Zelenskyy received a briefing today from the military leader Oleksandr Syrskyi. While Syrskyi is currently deployed with frontline troops, Brigadier General Mykhailo Drapaty is in charge back at headquarters.

“Therefore, the fighting continues. It is clear that the situation is difficult and that the tension remains. There is a tendency towards stabilization, but heavy fighting continues nonetheless,” Lazutkin said.

On May 10 Russia launched an offensive in the northern part of the Kharkiv region. They were aiming to break through the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defense lines in the Vovchansk area.