Kharkiv fighting difficult but under control – Zelensky
Fighting around the city of Kharkiv, where Russia has made its largest territorial gains in Ukraine in 18 months, has been described as “very difficult” but “under control” by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky made these remarks while meeting military leaders in the northeastern city on Thursday, just 18 miles (30 km) from the Russian border.
Last week, Moscow launched a significant ground assault into the Kharkiv region, further straining Ukraine’s already outgunned and outmanned forces.
On Telegram, Zelensky noted that Ukrainian soldiers were “inflicting significant losses on the occupier” but acknowledged the situation remains “extremely difficult” and that Ukraine is reinforcing its units.
Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov stated that Ukraine is working to “stabilize” the front line in the region and has managed to partially halt Russia’s advance.
An analysis by AFP, based on data from the Institute for the Study of War, reported that Moscow seized 278 sq km (107 sq miles) of Ukrainian territory between May 9 and May 15. This marks the largest territorial gain by Russia in a single operation since mid-December 2022.
Additionally, Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 16, 2024.
Some military analysts say Moscow may be trying to force Ukraine to divert troops from other hot spots.
On Thursday, a top Nato commander said Russia did not have sufficient forces on the ground to make a breakthrough in Ukraine.
“I’ve been in very close contact with our Ukrainian colleagues and I’m confident that they will hold the line,” US General Christopher Cavoli told journalists, AFP reported.
The intensification of Russian attacks on multiple fronts has underscored the acute ammunition and manpower shortages affecting the Ukrainian military.
The advances happened ahead of a rare international visit by President Putin to China, meeting President Xi Jinping.
During the visit, both leaders called for a “political solution” for what they termed the “Ukraine crisis”.