Russian troops have expanded the area of active hostilities by almost 70 kilometres, thus attempting to force Ukraine's defenders to deploy additional brigades from the reserve.
This was announced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyy.
"Due to the complication of the situation in eastern Ukraine, I have been working for several days in a row in units that are engaged in combat operations in Kharkiv Region," he wrote on Telegram.
Syrskyy said that the enemy focused its main efforts on the direction of Strilecha - Lyptsi and the capture of Vovchansk, followed by the advance to Bilyy Kolodyazh and the launch of an offensive to the rear of our troops. For this purpose, the Russians created and strengthened the operational and tactical grouping of troops North, which included combat units of the 6th Army, 11th and 44th Army Corps of the Russian Federation.
"The Russian enemy launched an offensive much earlier than planned when it noticed the redeployment of our troops, but it failed to break through our defences. However, we understand that there will be heavy fighting ahead and Russia is preparing for it. In such circumstances, we must prevent further advance of the enemy Russian troops by steadfastly holding the occupied borders and positions, by air strikes, missile systems, artillery and tank fire, inflicting maximum losses on them, and creating conditions for defeat by mobile assault groups and units with attacks to the flank and rear from different directions. Of course, we must make the most of our advantage in attack UAVs in combination with the use of electronic warfare and accurate artillery fire," noted Syrskyy.
The Commander-in-Chief stressed that his work was dedicated to these issues, as well as to the regrouping of troops and the simplification of the comprehensive support system.
Syrskyy worked in all the brigades fighting in Kharkiv Region, visited one of the battalions defending Vovchansk, and made all the necessary decisions on the spot to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of defence. He also toured and inspected all the units preparing for defence in the Sumy sector.
"I regularly report to the President of Ukraine on the situation and the progress of these tasks," added Syrskyy.
He also said that the leadership of the regional military administrations provides maximum assistance to commanders and unit commanders in resolving all problematic issues. Kharkiv citizens and residents of the region are actively involved and help the Defence Forces in any way they can.
The General Staff assures that the situation at the front is generally under control of the Defence Forces.