Ukraine's fierce defence amid intensified fights in Kharkiv region

In the Kharkiv region, fighting continues in the border zone after the situation escalated last week, said the Chief Commander of the Ukrainian Army, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Sunday.

Last week, the Kharkiv region experienced a significant escalation. Currently, fighting is ongoing in the border areas, along the state border with Russia, Syrskyi informed.

According to the chief commander, the situation is complicated, however, the Ukrainian armed forces are doing everything within their power to halt the enemy's advance.

The fiercest battles are occurring in the directions of Kupiansk, Sievierodonetsk, Lyman, and Pokrovsk. Syrskyi noted that the situation in these areas is very dynamic.

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Russians do not cease their attacks on Kramatorsk, attempting to take control of the city of Chasiv Yar. Russian troops are also unsuccessfully striving to regain lost positions in the area of Klischiiwka, near Bakhmut, the commander added.

Gen. Syrskyi emphasized that the situation on the front remains extremely tense. "The enemy does not stop its attacks on our units on various fronts, seeking to advance further into our territory," he wrote. He also noted that the Ukrainian troops are fiercely defending their positions, and all attempts to break the Ukrainian defense have been thwarted.

Despite the challenging situation at the front, the Ukrainian command is rotating units. This strategy aims to rebuild the combat capabilities of the brigades and provide soldiers with the necessary rest.

The Russian offensive, initiated near Kharkov, is likely to increase in intensity, and Russians may be preparing for a direct attack on the city, said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Friday. He added that the USA is coordinating with Ukraine to defend against the offensive.

As Kirby stated during an online press briefing, the US expects the Russian offensive in the northeast to intensify and may result in Russia capturing some territory.