Ukrainian forces report Russian infiltration attempts near Kozacha Lopan

The report cited the Joint Forces Grouping, military sources operating in the South Slobozhanskyy sector and Derhachi City Military Administration head Viacheslav Zadorenko.

Russian forces are attempting assault operations toward Kozacha Lopan after making a tactical advance along the border near the settlement of Hraniv, the Joint Forces Grouping said.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have recorded confirmed attempts by Russian units to cross the border and infiltrate toward Kozacha Lopan.

Fighting is ongoing between Hraniv and Kozacha Lopan, Joint Forces Grouping spokesperson Viktor Trehubov said.

Russian forces have made limited gains over the past two to three months in nearby hamlets that are part of the Kozacha Lopan community, including Veterinarne, Hraniv and Shevchenka, Zadorenko said.

“Russian forces entered these small hamlets and are now trying to move from there toward Kozacha Lopan,” he said.

Military sources said small groups of Russian servicemembers are changing into civilian clothes and entering streets near the state border.

More than 100 civilians remain in Kozacha Lopan.

Russian forces may attempt to develop their offensive or stage a breakthrough in the area, the Joint Forces Grouping said.

Veterinarne and Hraniv are the fifth and sixth identified points of Russian infiltration in Kharkiv Oblast, according to monitoring project DeepState, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Russian forces are seeking to establish a 20-kilometer buffer zone along the border in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts by capturing border villages, Joint Forces Grouping Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi said in March.