Russian troops have attempted to open a new front by breaking through Ukrainian front lines in the Kharkiv region, a move Kiev said it has repulsed, despite fighting continuing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference, said that the Russian attack on the morning of May 10 failed to catch Ukrainian troops by surprise.
"Ukraine welcomed them with troops: brigades and artillery", Zelenksy said, warning that Moscow could send more troops to support its push to make progress.
According to sources, Russia is aiming to create a "neutral zone" to prevent Ukrainian forces from shelling Russian territory.
The northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv is located on the border with Russia, and on the outskirts is the regional capital of the same name. This city is located 25 kilometers from the front lines.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Russian troops have been attacking for hours, having previously carried out artillery attacks.
"After the fall, the Russian invaders intensified the pressure on our front lines. Around 05:00, the enemy tried to break through our defense lines", said the Ministry.
Reservist units have been deployed to strengthen defense lines and Ukrainian forces continue to withstand the enemy's offensive, the Ministry said, adding that fighting is still ongoing.
Earlier, Oleh Synyehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, reported that the city of Vovchansk, located 70 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv and only 4 kilometers from the Russian border, was under attack from Russian shelling.
With a population of 1.4 million – according to pre-war population data – Kharkiv is Ukraine's second largest city and one of the most important economic and industrial cities. It was among the first cities to face Russian attacks after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in September 2022 led to the liberation of almost the entire Kharkiv region.
But in recent months, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks in this region and its capital, while Ukrainian forces are facing shortages of ammunition and air defense systems.REL
