Russian forces, which had been experiencing only gradual advancements in recent months, initiated an unexpected offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10, resulting in their most significant territorial gains in over a year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an exclusive interview with AFP on Friday, expressed his anticipation of an intensified Russian offensive in the northeast and cautioned that Kyiv possesses only a fraction of the necessary air defenses to maintain the front line.
Zelenskyy highlighted that Russian troops managed to push forward approximately five to ten kilometers along the northeastern border before encountering resistance from Ukrainian forces, suggesting the possibility of this offensive serving as an initial wave in a broader incursion.
While Zelenskyy refrained from characterizing Russia's advances as a substantial victory, he emphasized the sobering reality of their encroachment into Ukrainian territory. Speaking from Kyiv, he underscored that while the situation in the Kharkiv region is under control, stability has yet to be achieved.
Zelenskyy reiterated his appeals for allied support in bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities, emphasizing the urgency of countering Russia's aerial dominance as the conflict enters its third year. He stated that Ukraine currently possesses only a quarter of the required air defense resources and specified the need for "120 to 130" F-16 fighter jets or equivalent advanced aircraft to attain air parity with Russia.
Regarding the offensive in the Kharkiv region, Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed it to Ukraine's alleged shelling of border regions and asserted Moscow's aim to establish a "security zone." According to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have seized 278 square kilometers between May 9 and 15, marking their most significant territorial gains since the conclusion of 2022.
Reports indicate ongoing advancements by Russian troops, with the Russian defense ministry confirming the capture of twelve villages in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine has conducted evacuations of nearly 9,000 individuals from the northeastern border area since the commencement of the assault.
Despite Putin's statement that there is no current intention to take Kharkiv, the governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleg Synegubov, cautioned that Russia is making headway near Lukyantsi, a village approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv city. Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from this area amidst intense shelling, necessitating reinforcements.
Military analysts speculate that the northeastern offensive aims to further strain Ukrainian troops and resources, with Russia leveraging its manpower and ammunition superiority. Ukraine's army chief Oleksandr Syrsky affirmed Russia's efforts to compel Ukraine to mobilize additional troops from its reserves, acknowledging the anticipation of intense combat ahead.
As Ukraine braces for an escalation in the Russian offensive, Zelenskyy acknowledged challenges in staffing and maintaining morale within Ukraine's armed forces. He emphasized the imperative of mobilizing reserves to address vacancies within military units and acknowledged the strain on soldiers who have endured prolonged periods of service without rotation.
In anticipation of an extended conflict, Ukraine has enacted a controversial mobilization law, reducing the draft age from 27 to 25 and imposing stricter penalties for draft evasion. However, a proposal to allow discharge for soldiers with over 36 months of service was rejected.
Additionally, Zelenskyy signed a law permitting the recruitment of prisoners in exchange for parole. Despite pressure from Western allies for a swift resolution to the war, Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine's commitment to a protracted struggle, asserting that ultimate victory would entail Russia's defeat.
Amidst the conflict, Ukrainian authorities accused Russian forces of destroying Vovchansk, a nearly deserted town near the border, and capturing civilians to use as "human shields" to protect their command headquarters. However, these claims could not be immediately verified by AFP.
In response to the escalating hostilities, Ukraine conducted one of its most extensive aerial attacks in weeks, launching drones at targets in Russia and Crimea. The Russian military reported intercepting or downing over 100 Ukrainian drones in southern regions, Crimea, and the Black Sea, resulting in damages reported in multiple Russian territories.
Incidents included drone strikes on an oil refinery in Tuapse, sparking a significant fire, and subsequent fires in Novorossiysk, a critical port city.
