Russia’s military operation in the Kharkiv region has been met with significant resistance, resulting in a loss of over 1,500 soldiers in just the past week, despite President Vladimir Putin’s claims of having “no plans” to seize Ukraine’s second-largest city. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released figures detailing the loss of 263 units of military equipment, which includes 75 drones, 66 army vehicles, and eight tanks.
According to reports, Russian forces attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses using aircraft and guided aerial bombs, leading to around a dozen ground skirmishes. Tens of thousands of Russian troops crossed into the Kharkiv region with the intent to capture the city, but Putin, suggested the purpose was to create a “security zone” around the border, especially to protect the Russian city of Belgorod from Ukrainian strikes.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries following a Russian strike on a busy lakeside resort on the outskirts of Kharkiv and subsequent attacks on nearby villages. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials revealed that approximately 60% of Vovchansk, a key border town in the region, remains under Ukrainian control, despite aggressive Russian offensives.
Kyiv has consistently asserted that its military operations are aimed at valid military targets, such as oil refineries, in areas controlled by Russia. Kyiv’s calculations suggest that Moscow has suffered losses of 7,590 tanks, 14,665 armored vehicles, 17,311 non-combat vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,737 artillery systems, and a variety of other equipment, including 10,236 drones.
In the broader scope of the war, Ukraine believes Russia has experienced an overall personnel loss of 493,690 since the invasion commenced. Yet, Moscow has not acknowledged these revised numbers, as the most recent public disclosure of its military casualties dates back to September 2022, citing 5,937 troop fatalities.
The scenario in the Kharkiv area signifies a pivotal moment in the continuing conflict, as Ukrainian forces uphold a resolute defense despite the discrepancy in firepower and the anticipated arrival of additional military support from Western partners.
Relevant articles:
– Russia Ukraine war live: Putin loses more than 1,500 soldiers in faltering Kharkiv offensive, The Independent, 05/20/2024
– Russia-Ukraine war – latest: Putin loses more than 1,500 soldiers in faltering Kharkiv offensive, Yahoo New Zealand News, 05/20/2024
– Putin Claims He Does Not Want A Ukrainian City He Has Lost 1500 Troops Fighting For, Yahoo News UK, 05/20/2024
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