Intensified Russian Assault on Kharkiv: Zelensky’s Fight Against Invasion

The Russian army intensified its ongoing assault launched on May 10, targeting the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope that Russia would carry out a major offensive with the goal of capturing the city, but acknowledged that his forces faced a difficult battle.

Zelensky noted that the Russian offensive could consist of several waves and that his troops were outnumbered. In response, Kyiv passed legislation lowering the age limit for military mobilization and allowing prisoners to be recruited in exchange for parole. The Ukrainian president also highlighted the need for more modern aircraft to ensure that Russia does not achieve air superiority.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched attacks on several Russian regions and Crimea, using drones to cause damage and casualties. The Russian army claimed to have captured multiple cities in the region in a week and continued to advance their assault. Civilians were evacuated from the Kharkiv region, but there were reports of Russian forces using them as human shields and committing summary executions.

In Kharkiv, new Russian attacks resulted in casualties, with deaths reported in various locations across Ukraine. Both sides continued to engage in active fighting, with the Russian army extending the zone of conflict. The situation remained extremely difficult, with ongoing casualties and infrastructure damage on both sides.

Despite these challenges, Zelensky remained optimistic about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s aggression. He vowed to continue fighting until victory was achieved and urged international support for Ukraine’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity.