Russians trying to gain foothold amid heavy fighting – Zelenskyy on combat action in Kharkiv Oblast

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that heavy fighting continues in a large swathe of border territory in Kharkiv Oblast as the Russians attempt to gain a foothold in several villages there.

Source: Zelenskyy’s evening address

Quote: "Throughout the day, I have heard reports by the Commander-in-Chief, [Defence] Intelligence, and the Interior Minister. The main focus is Kharkiv Oblast. Defensive fighting is ongoing, as well as heavy fighting on a large section of our border line.

There are villages that have turned from a ‘grey zone’ into combat zones, and the occupiers are trying to gain a foothold in some of them and to use others to advance further…

The situation is very difficult on the outskirts of Vovchansk; the city is under constant Russian fire, and our forces are conducting counterattacks there and helping the locals."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that everyone in Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces must be as efficient as possible right now.

"In a war, everything depends on what you are capable of, what you are able to do, whether you are able to resist attacks and hold your positions so that everyone can do the same. What matters most is our persistence and Ukrainian results on the battlefield," he added.

The president noted that the situation around Donetsk is "no less intense".

Quote: "In fact, the idea behind the strikes on Kharkiv Oblast is to make us spread our forces thin and to undermine the moral and motivational basis of Ukrainians’ ability to defend ourselves. Despite everything, the situation on the Pokrovsk front is the most difficult. Over the past day alone, 30 combat clashes have occurred on the Pokrovsk front. The situation is also tough on the Lyman, Vremivka, Kramatorsk and Kupiansk fronts."

Background: 

• On 10 May, it was reported that Russian forces had intensified their activities in Kharkiv Oblast, with fighting taking place there.
• Ukraine's Defence Ministry said that reserve units had been sent to the north of Kharkiv Oblast.
• DeepState analysts said that as of 12 May, Russian troops have seized six more settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.
• Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on 12 May that the Ukrainian army was aware of Russia’s plans and was responding effectively to Russian operations, but said the situation in Kharkiv Oblast was "getting more complicated".
• Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has said that it was aware of the timeline for Russian forces’ offensive in the north of Kharkiv Oblast and has urged Russian soldiers to surrender.

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