Russian Forces Advance Near Kharkov, Take Kazachya Lopan
Russian forces advanced near Kharkov after taking most of Kazachya Lopan, moving within 25 km of the city and closer to the logistics hub of Zolochev.
Russian forces are continuing their offensive across several sectors of the Kharkov Region, with their most significant gains reported north of Kharkov, Military Review wrote on the morning of July 13.
According to the publication, after several days of fighting, Russian troops took control of the Kazachya Lopan railway station and a large part of the settlement itself. Over the previous 24 hours, they reportedly captured about 4.5 square kilometers in and around Kazachya Lopan.
The settlement had previously served as a key base for a Ukrainian border unit, with forces concentrated there to protect Kharkov from the north. Ukrainian troops have now lost control of that defensive position. Most of Kazachya Lopan is reportedly held by Russian forces, while part of the area remains a grey zone. Ukrainian units retain a presence mainly in the southern and southwestern sections.
Military Review said the advance is significant because it shortens the distance to the northern outskirts of Kharkov. Less than 25 kilometers now separate Kazachya Lopan from the regional capital.
Zolochev lies even closer to the front. The settlement is described as one of the main Ukrainian logistics hubs in the northern Kharkov Region, with Russian forces approximately 9–10 kilometers away. The area is also used to launch drones deeper into Russian territory. Losing Zolochev could deal a serious blow to the Ukrainian army.