Russians build up forces near Kharkiv Oblast, but they're not enough to break through defences – Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief

Russian forces are increasing the number of troops near the settlements of Strilecha – Lyptsi and Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, but these forces are not enough for a full-scale offensive.

Source: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on Telegram

Details: Syrskyi said that he had visited the brigades and battalions that are defending the Kharkiv front.

Quote: "The enemy is continuing to build up the grouping of its troops on the line of the main Strilecha – Lyptsi strike and in the area of Vovchansk, by transferring additional regiments and brigades from other fronts and training grounds. However, these forces are now insufficient for a full-scale offensive and a breach of our defence."

Details: Syrskyi stressed that the Russians’ actions were complicated by the transfer of Ukrainian reserves to vulnerable areas and the strengthening of defence.  

He noted that the creation of an ammunition reserve and effective strikes on Russian manpower also contributed to the reduction of Russian offensive capabilities.

Because of this, the Russians have switched to tactics of hitting Ukrainian positions with artillery and strikes with aerial bombs.  

"Under these conditions, the physical destruction of aircraft carrying the aerial bombs, reconnaissance UAVs, electronic warfare protection of our troops, camouflage and the use of mock-ups are of primary importance," Syrskyi said.

He added that the military leadership was currently taking "urgent measures to improve the air defence control system, its automation and combination with the ground forces’ firepower along with electronic warfare systems."

Syrskyi also said that during his visit to Kharkiv Oblast, he had "heard from each commander about their readiness for active operations, made decisions on problematic issues and checked how the battalion commander was performing in destroying the enemy’s firing position."

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