Kharkiv Oblast faces new Russian attack strategy

The New Voice of Ukraine
·2 min read
Soldiers of the Prince Roman the Great 14th separate motorized rifle brigade at positions near Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast, July 19, 2023
Soldiers of the Prince Roman the Great 14th separate motorized rifle brigade at positions near Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast, July 19, 2023

Russian forces are attempting to stretch Ukraine's defense lines in Kharkiv Oblast by launching small-group attacks in new directions, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on national television on May 13.

Ukrainian defense forces have successfully repelled about 15 enemy attacks in new areas recently.

"The gray zone is expanding, and the front line is growing because the enemy is deliberately stretching it by attacking in small groups in new directions," he said. Despite the challenges, the Ukrainian military maintains full control.

Evacuation efforts are continuing, with 5,700 people already evacuated and another 1,600 slated for evacuation on May 13.

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"We have just concluded a meeting of the Regional Defense Council, where we discussed the forced evacuation of children with orphan status or those deprived of parental care from dangerous areas," he added.

Currently, about 25 such children remain in the Chuhuiv, Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Izium districts.

Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast

Russian occupying forces tried to breach Ukrainian defenses near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, but Ukrainian forces repelled the attacks, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported.

Read also: Russian invaders reportedly seize additional border villages in Kharkiv Oblast - monitoring group

The Russians also heavily shelled border towns.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new wave of counteroffensive actions by Russian forces in the area, stating that Ukraine will reinforce its troops on the Kharkiv front.

As of the evening of May 10, there are ongoing battles for populated areas in the "gray zone," according to Ukraine's General Staff.

The White House indicated that Russian forces are preparing for a "larger" offensive on Kharkiv.

Russian forces resumed assault operations near the village of Hlyboke on the morning of May 11, media sources reported.

Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational group, said during a TV interview on May 11 that Russian troops in Kharkiv Oblast are localized in the "gray zone" and are not expanding.

On May 12, DeepState reported that Russian forces had occupied several villages in the border areas of Kharkiv Oblast.

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