UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug 27 — The National Guard of Ukraine fought off a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv direction, said Volodymyr Cherniak, the officer of the Rubizh brigade, on Ukrainian TV.

Russia started its 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.)

According to the military, Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups tried to infiltrate Ukrainian positions near Vovchansk, concealing themselves among the greenery. However, they failed, and the Ukrainian army destroyed a group of Russian reconnaissance men during a combat clash.

“Due to the dense greenery, our groups did not notice the Russians long enough. Of course, when they were detected, the Ukrainian troops opened fire. Greenery is actively used for camouflage by both Russians and our military, and that does not allow the Russian military to conduct active assaults,” said Volodymyr Cherniak.

Cherniak said that although the Russian army has an advantage in equipment, Ukrainian control over the area and rapid response to threats are the key to their success, even with rough terrain and natural obstacles.

On August 26, the “Kharkiv” group of forces reported that in the area of Vovchansk, Russian troops were preparing to resume assault operations to unblock Russian military personnel on the territory of the aggregate plant and expand the zone of control.

To prepare, “Kharkiv” reported, Russians are actively conducting aerial reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and building up their communication system.

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