Since the beginning of the week, the Russian occupiers have intensified the shelling of the Kharkiv region and increased their military presence in the Vovchansk area, the Ukrainian operational-tactical military group “Kharkiv” reported.

On May 10, Russian forces launched an offensive on the Kharkiv front. Their main objective was the city of Vovchansk.

Earlier, Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov, commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces and the Khortytsia Forces Group, said that Russia’s strategic goal in the northern Kharkiv region is to continuously attack the Ukrainian armed forces and thereby prevent them from gathering troops for possible counteroffensives.

“Over the past day, the Russians have shelled the positions of the Ukrainian defenders 517 times. The enemy is using artillery, mortars and multiple rocket launchers to attack the Ukrainian defense forces, which may indicate that the enemy intends to launch active offensive operations,” says the statement of the Ukrainian army.

The highest intensity of attacks is observed in the Vovchansk area. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian occupation troops are increasing their military presence, conducting preparatory measures and concentrating forces and equipment.

The Ukrainian armed forces stressed that the increase in attacks on the Kharkiv front requires appropriate attention.

“Despite the threat from the enemy, the Ukrainian defense forces are ready to repel any aggressive actions. Our defense remains strong and ready for any challenge,” explained the operational-tactical military group.

The Ukrainian military also noted that the support of international partners who supply Ukraine with modern weapons and military equipment increases the ability to stop the occupiers and prevent their deeper advance into Ukraine.

Read more: