Eastern Ukraine has become a focal point for intense battles as Russian forces intensify their offensive around Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city, and other critical regions. The latest clashes have not only resulted in significant casualties but have also prompted urgent calls from Kyiv for more Western military support to stave off the advancing Kremlin forces.
Early Thursday, Russian missiles hit Kharkiv, leaving seven civilians dead and at least 20 wounded, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Describing the attack as “extremely cruel,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the delayed arrival of air defense systems from Western allies. “The city of Kharkiv, which is the capital of the region of the same name, is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border,” the governor noted, highlighting the city’s vulnerability.
In a reflection of the severity of the situation, a colonel from the Ukrainian general staff told The Independent that “the situation is serious and dynamic. It has the potential to develop dangerously very swiftly and the next few days will be critical.” The colonel emphasized the deployment of one of Ukraine’s most experienced brigades to bolster the defenses, adding, “is sending one of our most experienced brigades to reinforce our troops. The Russians are taking very big casualties and I think this brigade, which I know well, will be able to stop the Russian attack from spreading and then push them back or destroy them.”
Despite forewarnings from Ukrainian military leadership about a potential Russian offensive, Moscow’s sudden assault in the Kharkiv region caught Ukrainian forces by surprise. Moscow’s forces have managed to capture a number of villages, causing thousands of people to flee their homes. The colonel disclosed that “some five battalions of Russian troops – up to 3,000 men – were involved in the incursion,” backed by tanks, armoured vehicles, glide bombs, and air support.
Russian forces have also attempted to broaden their attack by targeting less fortified areas near the border. Kharkiv Governor Syniehubov commented on local TV that “the enemy is trying to deliberately stretch it [the front line], attacking in small groups, but in new directions.” The ongoing struggle to defend the region has turned portions of recently liberated territories from Russian occupation into battlegrounds once again.
The scale of the conflict is further demonstrated by ongoing intense battles in other parts of the eastern front. In Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian forces reported the downing of a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft, the fifth such downing this month. “The number of attacks in the Pokrovsk sector increased to 25,” the General Staff reported, emphasizing the continued fierce engagements in the area.
The relentless Russian offensive has forced Kyiv to consider strategic adjustments and troop reinforcements, while Moscow’s tactics aim to stretch Ukrainian defenses across multiple fronts. The eventual goal for Russia, according to the Ukrainian colonel, might be to create a buffer zone on the Ukrainian side of the border, strengthening their defensive positions and potentially shaping future peace negotiations.
Relevant articles:
– Russia-Ukraine war updates: Ukraine’s east sees most intensive battles , Al Jazeera English, 05/24/2024
– Ukraine’s soldiers battle to stop Putin’s forces advancing around Kharkiv: ‘The next few days are critical’, Yahoo News UK, 05/22/2024
– Ukrainian forces shoot down another Russian Su-25 aircraft, Kyiv Independent, 05/23/2024
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