Reported Russian capture and advances around Kozacha Lopan, September 2026

Rybar reports that Russian forces have captured the settlement of Kazachia Lopan in the Slobozhansky direction, in the border area of Kharkiv Oblast. According to Rybar, Vladimir Putin announced the capture during a press interaction in Bishkek on the previous evening, and the Russian Armed Forces grouping 'Sever' subsequently published footage of fighting in the settlement and the raising of multiple flags throughout it. Rybar notes that intense fighting in the area had continued for several months, following the earlier capture of the neighboring settlements of Shevchenko and Granovo.