Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirmed that Russian infantry groups have entered Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast and are trying to gain a foothold in the northern part of the city, Defense Ministry spokesman Dmytro Lazutkin said on national TV.

“The Russian army is trying to enter Vovchansk using small infantry groups”, Lazutkin explained. “Our task is to destroy the enemy, not to allow it to gather more forces and gain a foothold”.

Lazutkin noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are effectively countering the Russians with FPV drones and artillery, particularly when the enemy attempts to bring in reinforcements by vehicle.

According to Lazutkin, effective and combat-ready Ukrainian units near Vovchansk are holding the area: “But yes, some infantry groups did enter the city”.