KYIV: Russian forces launched an armored ground attack on Friday near Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv in the northeast of the country and made small inroads, opening a new front in a war that has long been waged in the east and south.
Ukraine sent reinforcements as fighting raged in the border areas of the region, the defense ministry said, adding that Russia had pounded the frontier town of Vovchansk with guided aerial bombs and artillery.
“Russia has begun a new wave of counteroffensive actions in this direction,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a news conference in Kyiv. “Now there is a fierce battle in this direction.”
Ukraine cautioned about a possible Russian buildup in the area, indicating offensive preparations or diversion tactics. Moscow’s next move remained uncertain.
The Ukrainian General Staff’s evening update revealed Russia’s troop buildup north of Kharkiv. This included regions like Sumy and Chernihiv.
Zelensky warned of a potential Russian offensive this spring or summer. He stated Kyiv’s readiness for Friday’s assault but anticipated additional troop deployments by Moscow.
In the aftermath of the Russian forces attack on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, the repercussions are reverberating across the global stage. Moreover, it has prompted calls for increased international pressure on Russia to de-escalate the situation and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Additionally, the attack underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict, one that addresses the root causes and ensures the long-term security and prosperity of the region.
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