UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, June 27 — Defense Minister Rustem Umierov visited the military groups’ headquarters in the Kharkiv, Vovchansk, and Siversk directions, reported the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In particular, Umierov noted the high level of readiness and motivation among the troops of the “Vovchansk” tactical group.

Russia started their new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

Also, in the Kharkiv region, Rustem Umerov met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, to discuss possibly strengthening the combat positions in the Kharkiv direction.

“I listened to the report of the commander, Brigadier General Mykhailo Drapatyi [of “Kharkiv” group of forces]. We discussed the current situation and further steps to strengthen the defense in this area of the front,” Umerov said.

General Staff reported that in the Kharkiv direction, Russian troops attempted to attack Ukrainian positions ten times near Vovchansk, Lyptsi, Sotnytskyi Kozachok, and Hlyboke over the past day.

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that the Ukrainian defense forces have partially taken back positions in Vovchansk and the village of Starytsia.

ISW reported that Ukrainian forces have counterattacked and recently taken back some tactical positions northeast of Kharkiv. In Starytsia, the Armed Forces are holding their positions in the center of the village.

Read more