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Volodymyr Zelensky from Kharkiv: The situation on the front is under control, but it is extremely difficult for us

The Ukrainian army reports that its forces are fighting Russian troops in the northern areas of the city of Volchansk, but the invaders have not been able to penetrate deeper into the border town about 45 km northeast of Kharkiv

Май 16, 2024 15:34 66

Volodymyr Zelensky from Kharkiv: The situation on the front is under control, but it is extremely difficult for us  - 1

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city of Kharkiv in the northeastern part of the country, reports "Reuters".

He described the battlefield situation in the region as "extremely difficult" but under control. Against this background, Russia is trying to continue its new offensive beyond the border areas.

The Ukrainian army reported that its forces were fighting Russian troops in the northern areas of the city of Volchansk, but the invaders were unable to penetrate deeper into the border town about 45 km northeast of Kharkiv.

Russian pressure in the northern part of the district since Friday forced the hardened Ukrainian ranks to try to hold the line on a new front.

"The direction remains extremely difficult - we are strengthening our units," Zelensky said after a meeting in the city with the top military leaders there. Yesterday, Zelensky postponed all his trips abroad as the situation on the battlefield worsened.

Kharkov - Ukraine's second-largest city, currently home to about 1.3 million people, has been under airstrikes for months, which defenders are trying to stop with depleted air defenses.

Russian forces launched two major strikes in the region, one of which targeted Volchansk, 5 km from the border. If it is captured, it will be Moscow's most significant conquest since the beginning of the war.

"The enemy's plans to penetrate deeper into the city of Volchansk and strengthen there were thwarted,'' the Ukrainian General Staff reported.

Ukraine tried to evacuate civilians from the city and other border areas, with around 8,000 people fleeing their homes so far.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klimenko said that the Russian army is taking "captive" civilians in the northern part of Volchansk and locked them in basements.

He accused Russian forces of killing a Volchansk resident who tried to flee on foot and refused to obey their orders.

The Ukrainian army described the situation in Volchansk as under control and indicated that its defensive actions had forced Russian troops to slow down their advance in the northern part of the district.

Russia claims to have taken control of 12 villages since it launched its attack. Its forces are preparing for an attempt to capture the village of Liptsi, about 30 km north of Kharkiv.