Ukrainian forces repel Russian advances in Vovchansk border town

Ukrainian forces are taking decisive actions to stop attempts to capture Vovchansk, a border town near Russia, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports on Facebook. These actions have been particularly intense since May 10, when the Russian offensive began in the Kharkiv region.

"The enemy's plans to penetrate deeper into the urban area of Vovchansk and establish a foothold there have been thwarted. Since the early hours today, our units have continued combat operations within Vovchansk, in the northern part of the city. (...) The situation is under control," the statement reads.

The General Staff also reports that in the Kupiansk direction, attacking Russian forces lost a tank and an infantry fighting vehicle.

Despite ongoing fighting, the situation is stable. Ukrainian forces have managed to improve their tactical positions and force the enemy to retreat to the area north of the village of Kyslivka.

In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces unsuccessfully attempted three times to break through the defense of Ukrainian forces in the Bakhmut - Klishchiivka and Bakhmut - Andriivka directions in the Donetsk region. Fighting continues near the village of Hryhorivka.

Russian armed forces have been attacking border areas of the Kharkiv region, which borders the Belgorod region in Russia, since May 10.

According to information from Ukrainian and Western sources, Russian forces plan to create a 6-mile buffer zone in the Kharkiv region. As a result, Kharkiv would be within the range of Russian tube artillery, while Russian logistics centers would be out of reach for Ukrainian forces.