Russian Forces Launch Armoured Ground Attack Near Kharkiv, Ukraine: New Front Opens in War

Russian forces launched a bold armoured ground attack near Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv, opening a new front in the ongoing conflict. The attack, which saw small inroads made by Russian forces, has intensified the fighting in the border areas of the region.

Ukraine quickly sent reinforcements to the area as the defence ministry reported that Russia had targeted the frontier town of Vovchansk with guided aerial bombs and artillery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the battle as fierce and acknowledged that Russia had initiated a new wave of counteroffensive actions.

The Ukrainian General Staff revealed that Russia was also building up forces to the north of Kharkiv near the Ukrainian regions of Sumy and parts of Chernihiv. This development raised concerns about a potential large-scale offensive by Russia in the coming months.

Despite the ongoing assault, Zelenskiy expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to defend against the Russian forces. However, he warned that Moscow could send more troops to the area, posing a significant challenge to Ukrainian forces.

The Ukrainian defence ministry confirmed that Russia launched an armoured assault in the early hours of the morning, with battles continuing throughout the day to prevent further Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. A senior Ukrainian military source reported that Russian forces had already pushed 1 km inside the Ukrainian border near Vovchansk.

The White House stated that the United States was closely coordinating with Ukraine in response to Russia’s offensive in Kharkiv. While Ukrainian officials expressed doubts about Russia’s capacity to capture the city of Kharkiv, heavy shelling in border settlements resulted in civilian casualties.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing battles for control of key frontier villages. Ukrainian military spokespersons emphasized the dynamic nature of the conflict and the need to counter Russian offensive efforts effectively.

As the conflict escalates, concerns mount over the impact on civilians and the region’s infrastructure. With Russia gaining momentum on the battlefield, Ukraine faces challenges in manpower and resources, highlighting the urgent need for international support in the face of Russian aggression.