Ukrainian storm troops smash through Russian defenses near Vovchansk (video)
National Guard of Ukraine troops break the hostile defenses (photo: Getty Images)
Fighters of the 23rd Assault Regiment R.U.G. of the 2nd Corps of Ukraine's National Guard Khartiia implemented a successful operation in the Kharkiv region, breaking through the Russian defensive line. During the fighting, Ukrainian defenders cleared the Russian forward positions deep into a company strongpoint.
Breakthrough near Vovchansk
According to the military, the operation lasted from April to May 2026. Assault groups of the R.U.G. regiment managed to cross the line of contact on one of the most difficult sectors of the front.
The main objective was to dislodge enemy forces from fortified positions and expand the area of control. The coordinated actions resulted in the complete clearing of the territory deep into a company-level strongpoint held by the opposing forces.
The unit noted that the success was made possible by the well-coordinated work of all groups.
"The 23rd Assault Regiment R.U.G. continues to carry out combat missions on the most difficult sectors of the front, demonstrating the effectiveness of assault operations and the coordinated performance of its units," the military emphasized.
Fighters of the 23rd Assault Regiment R.U.G. of the 2nd Corps of Ukraine's National Guard Khartiia have broken Russia's defense in the Kharkiv region pic.twitter.com/A1q8xOquYS
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) May 9, 2026
Resilient volunteers
The battles for Vovchansk involve not only Ukrainian troops but also foreign volunteers who have joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine.
"We see incredible resilience from both Ukrainian and foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine," the R.U.G. regiment members emphasized.
Vovchansk situation
Earlier, on March 23, 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied claims about Russian advances near Vovchansk and Synkivka, stressing that information from analytical platforms was inaccurate.
Earlier reports said that Russian forces had effectively destroyed Vovchansk through constant shelling and airstrikes, while Ukrainian forces continue to hold defense in the southern part of the city.
In addition, as early as January, reports emerged that Russia was attempting to break through the border in the Kharkiv region, concentrating forces for attacks toward border communities in an effort to create a so-called "buffer zone."
