The Russians are infiltrating across the border in Kharkiv and are already in Cossack Lopani П UP

Russian forces have reportedly breached Ukraine’s border on another front near Kharkiv Oblast, according to recent reports. Ukrainian defense forces confirmed that Russian occupiers have been present in the village of Kozacha Lopan for at least a week. This area lies just two kilometers away from the border with Russia. According to statements from the press service of the Joint Forces Command (UOS), enemy forces are attempting storm operations towards Kozacha Lopan, having made tactical incursions into the territory of the State Border of Ukraine near the village of Graniv. Defense forces have observed real attempts by Russian units to cross the border and infiltrate toward Kozacha Lopan.

The fighting currently takes place between the villages of Graniv and Kozacha Lopan. Military personnel noted that Russian occupiers have managed to reach Kozacha Lopan directly, although it remains unclear how many of their troops have entered this settlement. A military source stated that Ukrainian forces are actively sending FPVs (drones) to drive the Russians out of populated areas. The situation began after the loss of Vetyrinyne village, which is located on the border with Russia, north of Kozacha Lopan. A few months ago, the previous commander was removed from his post following this incident.

According to the head of the Derzhatyvskyi MVA, Russian forces have had partial success in the hamlets that are part of Kozacha Lopan—Vetyrinyne, Graniv, and Shevchenko—for about two to three months. These hamlets have been occupied by Russian forces, who are now trying to move closer to Kozacha Lopan itself. It has also been reported that Russian soldiers are using civilians as cover, including dressing in civilian clothes to enter streets close to the state border. Currently, more than 100 civilians live in Kozacha Lopan.

Analytical portal DeepState notes that the villages of Vetyrinyne and Graniv represent the fifth and sixth infiltration points for Russians in Kharkiv Oblast. Earlier, the spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, mentioned that Russia aims to fully capture Gulaypolie in Zaporizhzhia Oblast by the end of June. However, Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold positions around the city. Meanwhile, Reuters highlights a difficult situation for the defense forces in the area of Kostiantynivka, where battles are already taking place within the city itself. Experts believe the city's fall is only a matter of time.

Since the beginning of 2026, the Russian army has actively infiltrated border villages in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts to create a 20-kilometer buffer zone, which in reality serves as a zone of fire influence. This allows the enemy to keep Ukrainian units stationed along the border under constant tension and thus stretch the front line. Civilian populations living in these border villages and towns suffer the most from such zones.

Earlier, on June 23, the spokesperson for the State Border Service, Colonel Andriy Demchenko, stated that Russian occupation forces attempt to storm the positions of Ukrainian border guards daily in the direction of Vovchanskyi Khutory on Kharkiv Oblast, but without success.

Military analysts note that the ongoing conflict in this region reflects broader strategic goals by both sides. For Ukraine, maintaining control over these border areas is crucial to prevent further Russian advances and to protect civilian populations. For Russia, establishing a presence in these regions could provide a foothold for future offensives and serve as a psychological pressure tactic against Ukrainian defenses. As the situation evolves, the focus will likely remain on the effectiveness of Ukrainian countermeasures and the potential for further escalation in the region.