Border guards kill 21 Russians in failed ground assault on Kharkiv Oblast (VIDEO)

Ukrainian border guards repelled an attempted Russian ground assault on the state border in Kharkiv Oblast over the past several days, Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service said on 15 January.

Kharkiv Oblast, which borders Russia, has seen sustained pressure along its northern and northeastern sections as Russian forces continue probing attacks and artillery strikes despite failing to achieve a breakthrough.

Hart Brigade repels repeated infantry attacks

According to the statement, units of the Hart Border Guard Brigade, operating as part of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, came under repeated attacks by Russian infantry groups supported by artillery and drones.

Russian forces attempted to seize forward Ukrainian positions and advance deeper into Ukrainian territory along the border. The Border Guard Service said the attacks indicate Moscow continues to look for new directions to expand active combat operations.

Ukrainian border guards repel Russian ground assault on Kharkiv Oblast - 21 Russians killed, 11 wounded.

📹Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service pic.twitter.com/pWAh6opBZM

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) January 15, 2026

Aerial reconnaissance detects troop movements

Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance detected enemy troop movements and concentrations in time, allowing defenders to respond with available firepower. The attempted breakthrough was blocked, and Russian forces were forced to withdraw.

During the fighting, Ukrainian defenders killed 21 Russian soldiers and wounded another 11, the Border Guard Service said.

Russia probes for new attack directions along northern border

The assault comes as Ukraine has begun evacuating northern border settlements in Chernihiv Oblast amid growing concern that Russia may open a new axis of attack in 2026. 

While analysts assess that Moscow lacks the reserves for a major northern offensive, Russian forces continue probing for weaknesses along the border and attempting to force Ukraine to divert troops from critical fronts in Donetsk Oblast.