Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, with fierce battles raging in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Here are the key points:
- Russian forces have launched a fresh assault near Kharkiv
- Ukrainian troops are struggling to hold the front line
- Both sides are taking heavy casualties in the fighting
Is Ukraine able to repel Russia’s new offensive in the northeast? Let’s take a closer look.
Russia Pushes Toward Kharkiv
Russian Troops Advance
Over the past week, Russian troops have crossed the border into northeastern Ukraine near the city of Kharkiv. Though President Putin stated there are no plans to capture Kharkiv itself yet, his forces are advancing to protect Russian-occupied areas.
According to UK military intelligence, the red areas on the map show territories currently controlled by Russia. The arrows indicate likely targets of further Russian attacks, with the northeastern front near Kharkiv being the recent focus.
Ukrainians Reinforcing Defenses
Ukrainian soldiers like Andriy are nervously monitoring Russian troop movements through drone footage. “The situation is dynamic and tense,” he says. His unit was recently sent as reinforcements to help fortify defenses and repel enemy attacks.
At one point, Andriy’s team spotted Russian forces closing in on their position. “They’ve said this area is under threat and we’re going to [leave],” he explains.
Outgunned but Determined
Struggling to Hold the Line
Further from the front lines, a Ukrainian field hospital is treating soldiers like Viktor, who was injured by Russian mortar fire. He lost fingers fending off “wave after wave” of attacks, vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the Russians. “They have everything…and we have nothing to fight with, but we do what we can,” Viktor laments.
President Zelenskyy has acknowledged Ukraine’s ammunition shortages but claims the problem isย being addressed. One Ukrainian artillery unit received a new batch of old Soviet-era shells to continue bombarding Russian targets.
Rising Civilian Toll
Ukrainian gunners are frustrated that the Russians could quickly advance across the border. “We could have built fortifications and lost less human lives [and] fewer villagers,” one soldier said. He fears they will “have to use more resources…shells and people to take this land back.”
Digging In for Prolonged Fight
As the battle rages in Kharkiv, Ukraine appears to be preparing for a long fight against Russia’s invasion. Further east, where Russia is also gaining ground, new trenches and fortifications are being dug – sometimes perilously close to enemy lines.
During one such effort, a Russian drone scanning for targets flew overhead, forcing BBC reporter Jonathan Beale and his crew to take cover. “It’s getting harder to hide where the enemy is watching your every move,” Beale recounted.
While Ukraine struggles to hold back Russia’s latest northeastern offensive for now, both sides seem to be settling in for a grueling military campaign, with neither willing to back down.
Closing Thoughts
Russia and Ukraine remain locked in intense combat in the Kharkiv region, with heavy losses mounting on both sides. Though outmatched by Russian firepower, Ukrainian defenders are digging in with renewed determination to defend their homeland from Putin’s invading forces.
How long can Ukraine continue holding the line against Russia’s decisive military? The world watches as this pivotal battle rages on.