Russia launched the armoured incursion early on Friday, an attack on a new front that may presage a broader push into Kharkiv region or aim to draw away overstretched Ukrainian forces from where Moscow’s offensive is focused in the east
Fierce fighting continued for a second day in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. Moscow claimed the capture of five villages, while Kyiv reported repelling attacks and battling for control.
On Friday, Russia initiated an armored incursion, signaling a potential broader push into the Kharkiv region. The move may also aim to divert overstretched Ukrainian forces from the eastern offensive.
Kyiv has been on the back foot on the battlefield for months as Russian troops have slowly advanced mainly in the Donetsk region to the south, taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortages of troop manpower and artillery shells.
“We clearly understand what forces the enemy is using in the north of our territory. Certainly, the escalation can grow, the pressure can increase, it can strengthen its military units, its military presence,” he said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address that battles were going on around seven border villages in Kharkiv and called the situation in the southern Donetsk region “extremely difficult”.
Moreover, amidst the chaos, Russia continues to assert its military gains in the region. The Kharkiv region fighting has seen Russian forces making advances into key strategic areas. Despite efforts to contain the conflict, the situation shows no signs of abating, raising fears of further escalation.
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