Russia has started a new offensive pushing toward the significant Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Here are the key points:
- Russian forces are advancing in areas northeast of Kharkiv
- They have captured some territory after months of not gaining ground
- Intense fighting and bombing is happening near Kharkiv’s outskirts
- Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee the area
Can Ukraine stop this Russian attack from reaching Kharkiv? Let’s take a closer look.
Russians Moving Towards Second-Biggest City
For the past few days, Russian troops have been bombing towns northeast of Kharkiv. This area was close to the fighting point, but Russia has not tried to move in until now.
Videos show bombs raining down and fires raging in villages in the path of the Russian offensive. Homes and buildings have been badly damaged or destroyed.
An explosion injured an older woman as she tried to flee in her car, which had become an ambulance. Other shocking scenes show residents desperately trying to escape with their pets and belongings before it’s too late.
Heavy Clashes at New Front Line
The Ukrainian military is rushing forces to try to stop the Russians from advancing any closer to Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city.
Paramedics describe the town of Veschanka as being “mercilessly destroyed” by nonstop shelling from Russian rocket-propelled grenades, artillery, mortars, and gunfire.
Battles are raging right on the northern outskirts of Kharkiv as Ukrainian troops fight fiercely to defend the approaches to the city.
So far, Kharkiv has remained relatively safe compared to the heavy combat unfolding in surrounding areas. However, that could change quickly if Russia’s offensive is still ongoing.
Ukrainian Reinforcements Rushing In
Maksym, a Ukrainian soldier from Kharkiv, says their task is crystal clear: “Stop Russia’s attempt to expand the war.”
However, fulfilling that mission won’t be easy. Ukraine’s air defenses have been depleted, and Russia’s missile barrages keep hitting Kharkiv. Russian forces are also very skilled at electronic warfare, which disrupts communications.
The Ukrainian commander responsible for defending the area has already been replaced due to the setbacks in repelling this Russian push.
Officials admit Ukraine is struggling to hold this new front line that has opened northeast of Kharkiv over the past few days.
Both Sides Digging In For a Long Fight
While Russia claims its first major breakthrough in months, military experts caution that it’s still too early to say whether its gains can be sustained.
James Waterhouse, reporting from near the front lines, says the big question is whether this offensive will allow Russian artillery to get within range of bombarding Kharkiv.
In the short term, he notes, the Russians have improved their tactics since their disastrous attempt to capture Kyiv by driving armored columns down the main road.
They are now better at coordinated missile strikes, exploiting Ukraine’s weakened air defenses. Russia may sense an opportunity to make gains before Ukraine receives more military aid from Western allies.
However, the bigger picture is Russia’s preparation for a prolonged war. Jeremy Bowen, an international editor, says Russia’s new defense minister is an economist whose role will be expanding Russia’s “war economy.”
This suggests the Kremlin has given up hopes of a swift victory and is preparing for a long fight against Ukraine’s determined resistance.
Only time will tell if this Russian offensive near Kharkiv marks a significant turning point in the war or another burst of intense combat in an increasingly entrenched conflict. But one thing is clear – both sides are steeling themselves for many more months of grinding battle.
What sacrifices will each nation’s people be asked to endure as this terrible war drags on? It’s a heavy question looming over the escalating clashes near Kharkiv.
