Today, 16 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Kharkiv Oblast, where Russian forces launched a new offensive last week, and met with regional and military leaders. Zelenskyy’s official Telegram provided an update on the situation in the region.
Overnight on 10 May 2024, Russian forces initiated a new offensive into Kharkiv Oblast from the north across the border, with Vovchansk town being one of the primary targets. The US think tank ISW notes that now this offensive has since slowed, with advances halting at no more than 8 km from the border, while Western restrictions on strikes within Russia complicate Ukraine’s defense of these vulnerable areas.
According to Zelenskyy, the operational situation in Kharkiv Oblast is generally controlled as of now, with Ukrainian fighters inflicting significant losses on the occupying Russian forces. However, he acknowledged that the direction remains extremely challenging, prompting Ukraine to reinforce its units in the area.
Zelenskyy received detailed reports from the Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the “Khortytsia” Operational Command Yurii Sodol, and Commander of the “Kharkiv” Operational Command Mykhailo Drapatyi. They analyzed the combat situation, threats over the coming days and weeks, and Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian offensive plans.
The President also heard from the heads of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, and the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the Russian intentions and Ukraine’s counter-diversionary measures respectively. A plan of further actions was outlined for the Kharkiv regional authorities and all structures responsible for security in the region.
Read also:
- Interior Minister: Russian military conducts civilian executions in northern Vovchansk
- ISW: Russian offensive slows in northern Kharkiv Oblast, halts at 8km from border
- Ukraine loses some ground near Kharkiv Oblast’s Kupiansk
- Could Ukraine have prevented the Kharkiv incursion? Experts weigh in
- ISW: Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast slows amid new tactics, heavy losses
- Russian air strikes on residential area in Kharkiv injure 21 people, including three children
