Battle for Kharkiv intensifies: Ukraine resists Russian offensive
In the Kharkiv region, fighting continues along the border following a significant escalation last week, said General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief Commander of the Ukrainian Army, on Sunday.
9:31 AM EDT, May 12, 2024
"At the moment, there are battles ongoing in the border areas along the state border with the Russian Federation," Syrskyi reported. According to the Chief Commander, the situation is challenging, yet the Ukrainian armed forces are fully engaged to halt the enemy's advance.
The most intense battles occur in Kupiansk, Sievierodonetsk, Lyman, and Pokrovsk. Syrskyi observed that the situation in these locations is highly fluid.
The commander added that the Russians continued their assaults on Kramatorsk, attempting to capture the city of Chasiv Yar. Additionally, they unsuccessfully try to reclaim lost positions near Klischiiwka, close to Bakhmut.
Gen. Syrskyi highlighted the continued tension on the front, stating that the enemy persistently attacks Ukrainian forces across different fronts, aiming to penetrate further into their territory. He also mentioned that the troops resolutely defended their positions, thwarting all attempts to breach their defenses.
Despite the challenging conditions on the front, the Ukrainian command is actively rotating units to rejuvenate the brigades' combat readiness and provide soldiers with the necessary rest.
Russia's Offensive in the Kharkiv Region
The Russian offensive, initiated close to Kharkiv, is expected to intensify, and there are indications that Russia might be planning a direct assault on the city, according to John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson, on Friday. He added that the USA coordinates defense efforts with Ukraine against the offensive.
During an online press briefing, Kirby stated that the US anticipates the Russian offensive in the northeast to grow in intensity and potentially lead to Russia capturing territory.
