Ukraine Liberates Forest Near Lyptsi in Kharkiv Region, Once Called “Berlin” by Russian Forces

The 13th “Khartiia” Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard has reclaimed a forested area north of Lyptsi in Kharkiv Oblast, previously designated as “Berlin” by Russian forces.

According to the Brigades’ official statement, the operation occurred on May 8, lasting five and a half months. It began in November 2024 and was conducted in coordination with other units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The total area of the liberated land exceeds 200 hectares.

The successful operation marked a significant step in pushing Russian forces further from Kharkiv and restoring control over a strategically important area.

Over the course of the offensive, Russian forces lost nearly 1,500 soldiers, and Ukraine’s forces seized over 200 weapons and 175 pieces of military equipment.

The breakthrough of Russian defenses and the capture of the initial bridgehead were achieved by the joint forces of the Charter unit and the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, named after Kosh Ataman Ivan Sirko.

The operation further strengthens the defense of the Kharkiv region, demonstrating the effectiveness of careful planning and coordination between the Ukrainian National Guard, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and other Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The Charter unit’s combat path began in the spring of 2022 near Kharkiv, participating in Ukraine’s counteroffensive that pushed Russian forces back across the state border. In March 2023, the Charter became part of the National Guard of Ukraine, forming the basis of the 13th Operational Brigade and joining the Offensive Guard.

The brigade has since gained significant combat experience in multiple regions, including Svatyiv, the Serebryany Forest, Ocheretyn, and Bakhmut. In May 2024, the brigade successfully halted a major Russian offensive on Kharkiv, particularly during the battles for Vovchansk. Now, it continues to defend the region, with its current focus on the area around Lyptsy.

In related news, Russian forces are building makeshift tunnel-like structures using mesh netting along the E50 highway in Donetsk to secure logistics routes for their offensive toward Pokrovsk.

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