Ukrainian forces repel Russian sabotage group in Kharkiv Oblast
The Ukrainian Armed Forces thwarted a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group's infiltration attempt near Palna in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff announced on Facebook on May 8.
Russian forces continue to maintain a presence along the border oblasts spanning the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi sectors. Their activities include sabotage to hinder the movement of Ukrainian troops to strategic areas and the fortification of mine-explosive barriers along the border.
Read also: Ukraine braces for worst as Russian probing of frontlines intensifies
The Russians launched a single missile and conducted 47 aerial strikes, along with 97 shelling attacks using reactive multiple rocket launchers. These attacks targeted both Ukrainian fighter positions and civilian settlements throughout the day, according to the General Staff.
The aerial strikes during this period affected various settlements, including Dvorichanske and Synkivka in Kharkiv Oblast; Novyi, Druzhba, Chasiv Yar, Oleksandropil, Novooleksandrivka, Ocheretyne, Prohres, Vodyane, Urozhayne, Kostyantynivka, Paraskoviiivka in Donetsk Oblast; Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhya Oblast; Chervonyi Mayak, Ivanivka, Dniprovske in Kherson Oblast.
Read also: US expects Ukraine to withstand Russia’s May offensive — report
Ukrainian aviation and missile troops targeted a self-propelled mortar 2S4 Tyulpan, a command post, an ammunition warehouse, and five areas where Russian troops were concentrated.
Potential Russian offensive targeting Kharkiv
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Feb. 22 some concerns regarding a potential new Russian offensive against the city, noting the lack of resources on the Russian side.
On March 26, the Russian news agency Meduza released a story alleging dictator Vladimir Putin's plans to seize Kharkiv.
Read also: Russia lacks forces to open new front in Kharkiv, Ukrainian official says
The country's leadership intends to capture Kharkiv and subsequently terminate the so-called "special military operation", according to a source with ties to the presidential administration.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) later noted the absence of apparent preparations for such an operation, which would present significant challenges for Russian forces already engaged in active combat elsewhere in Ukraine.
Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, stated on May 3, citing intelligence, that the Kremlin has a plan to capture either Kharkiv or Sumy.
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