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Zelenskyy: Kharkiv Oblast situation generally controlled, units being reinforced

Zelenskyy describes the situation in Kharkiv Oblast as generally controlled despite challenges, with Ukrainian units inflicting losses but needing reinforcement against a new Russian offensive from the north.

byYuri Zoria

16/05/2024

2 minute read

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kharkiv on 16 May 2024. Photo: Telegram/Zelenskiy Official

Zelenskyy: Kharkiv Oblast situation generally controlled, units being reinforced

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.

ukraine loses some ground near kharkiv oblasts kupiansk situation north oblast 16 may 2024 per deepstatemap situ — Situation in the north of Kharkiv Oblast on 16 May 2024, as per Deepstatemap.

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.

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