A new front has opened in the war as Russia launched a ground offensive against Kharkiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy now announces that more Ukrainian forces are moving towards the region.
– Everything is up to the resistance of our fighters and all those who hold their positions, who now hold the positions for the whole of Ukraine, says Zelensky.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated on Friday that Russia launched a ground offensive against the Kharkiv region. The fighting was said to be heavy and has opened up a new front in the war.
– Fierce fighting continues in the border regions of Kharkiv, writes the region’s governor Oleg Sinegubov on Telegram.
According to Sinegubov, Russia has launched offensive operations in the northern part of the region. The governor also said that “the enemy’s offensive potential was currently insufficient” to capture Kharkiv.
Moves more troops towards Kharkiv
At lunchtime, Zelensky announced at a press conference in Kiev about the ongoing fighting and that they were resisting with both ground troops and artillery. According to Zelenskyi, the Russian advance must have been stopped.
– Our military, the military leadership, knew about it. And calculated their strength, Zelenskyy says.
Ukraine’s commander-in-chief is said to have reported to the president during the day, and during the evening Zelenskyi announced that more troops are being moved to the Kharkiv region. Zelenskyj has also been in constant contact with the Minister of Defense and is now doing everything to be able to defend Ukraine’s positions in the region.
– We are adding more forces in the direction of Kharkiv. Both along our country’s borders and along the entire front line.
Asking for fast deliveries
In his statement, Zelenskyy continued to stress the importance of support from Ukraine’s partners and that it must happen quickly.
– I really mean fast deliveries. The truly helpful packages are the weapons that have been brought to Ukraine, not just the announcement of aid packages, says Zelensky.
The American Security Council’s spokesperson, John Kirby, believes that the American military support that is coming in will make it possible for Ukraine to stand up to the attacks, TT reports.
– We trust the Ukrainian forces and we work around the clock to provide them with the equipment, tools and weapons they need to withstand the attacks, he says.
The US has recently approved an aid package worth around SEK 655 billion, but today announced another package, worth around SEK 4.3 billion.