Syrskyi: Ukrainian Defenses Holding Firm Despite Russian Onslaught in Kharkiv

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in a statement released via Telegram, acknowledged the difficulties faced by Ukrainian forces in the northeastern Kharkiv region on May 12. Russia has continued its assault in the area, claiming to have captured several more villages.

While General Syrskyi denied a significant Russian breakthrough, he did confirm that the Ukrainian forces are currently in a defensive position.

“Units of the Defense Forces are conducting fierce defensive battles, and the attempts of the Russian occupiers to break through our defenses have been stopped. Our intelligence, artillery, and drone units are working”.

This week, the situation in the Kharkiv region has significantly worsened, as Russian forces have been able to seize 6 settlements. Currently, battles are ongoing there in border areas along the state border with the Russian Federation.

Severe battles continue in the Kupyansk, Seversky, Pokrovsky and Lyman directions, and the situation is changing very dynamically. In some areas, the enemy has partial success, in others, the Defense Forces are pushing the enemy back and improving their tactical position.

In the Kramatorsk direction, the enemy does not abandon attempts to seize the city of Chasiv Yar, and continues offensive operations east of the city. Unsuccessfully trying to restore the lost position in the area of Klishchiivka.

While facing difficulties, the Defense Forces of Ukraine are determined to hold defensive lines and inflict losses on the enemy.