Russia launches armored ground attack in Kharkiv; US maintains contact with Ukraine.

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Russian forces launched an armoured ground attack on Friday near Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv in the northeast of the country, marking a new front in the ongoing conflict. The attack resulted in small inroads made by Russian troops, prompting Ukraine to send reinforcements to the region as fighting intensified.

Ukraine's defense ministry reported that Russia had targeted the frontier town of Vovchansk with guided aerial bombs and artillery strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the escalation, stating that Russia had initiated a new wave of counteroffensive actions in the region, leading to fierce battles.

Concerns over a potential Russian offensive had been mounting, with Ukraine warning of a significant build-up of Russian forces in the area. The attack near Kharkiv could signify preparations for a larger assault or a tactic to divert Ukrainian defenses. However, the extent of Moscow's intentions remained uncertain.

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In response to the escalating situation, Ukraine's General Staff disclosed that Russia was also amassing forces to the north of Kharkiv, near the Ukrainian regions of Sumy and parts of Chernihiv. Zelenskiy speculated that Russia might be planning a major offensive push in the spring or summer, but reassured that Ukrainian forces were prepared to repel any assault.

The Ukrainian defense ministry reported that Russian forces launched the armoured assault at around 5 am, with battles continuing throughout the day to prevent further Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. A senior Ukrainian military source revealed that Russian troops had penetrated 1 km inside the Ukrainian border near Vovchansk, aiming to establish a buffer zone.

The White House confirmed that the United States was closely coordinating with Ukraine in response to Russia's offensive near Kharkiv. While Ukrainian officials expressed doubts about Russia's capacity to capture the city, heavy shelling resulted in civilian casualties and prompted evacuations in border settlements like Vovchansk.

Despite Ukraine's previous success in repelling Russian forces from the Kharkiv region in 2022, Russian troops have resumed their offensive, advancing slowly in the Donetsk region further south. Ukrainian concerns escalated in March when Russian President Vladimir Putin advocated for the creation of a buffer zone inside Ukrainian territory.

With Russia gaining battlefield momentum and Ukraine facing shortages of manpower and essential supplies, including artillery shells and air defenses, the conflict's dynamics have shifted. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to engage in combat, heightening tensions and raising concerns about the conflict's escalation.

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