On 27 February, Ukrainian forces reported that Russian ground forces had advanced into Bucha and later made a breakthrough from Bucha towards Irpin, thus also initiating the battle for Irpin.[1][7] A tank battle ensued inside the city while Ukrainian infantry engaged Russian VDV.[2][7] The mayor of Irpin, Oleksandr Markushin, reported that the Russian forces were attempting to break through the city but were being repulsed by Ukrainian Ground Forces and Territorial Defense Forces, with tank reinforcements coming from Bucha.