Russia’s offensive against Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine appears to have slowed in the past 24 hours.
But it is “in a big hurry” for the American weapons and above all anti-aircraft to arrive, says lieutenant colonel Joakim Paasikivi on TV4 Nyhetsmorgon.
– There are considerable forces pushing.
Last Friday, Russia launched a large-scale offensive against Kharkiv. The exact number of soldiers is unclear, but Ukraine is talking about tens of thousands.
– I think Russia is trying to take this chance before the American aid package arrives, says Joakim Paasikivi.
He says that Russia is testing where on the 100-mile long front line they can successfully penetrate in depth. Fierce fighting is also taking place in, among other places, Kupjansk and around Bakhmut further south.
Walked more slowly in the last 24 hours
Kharkiv is only a few miles from the Russian border and Russia claims to have taken control of at least five villages.
– But the vast majority of these places are in front of the Ukrainian defense positions.
So far, there are no signs of an imminent Russian breakthrough, says Joakim Paasikivi.
– It seems that the Russian advance has slowed down in the last 24 hours.
Need anti-aircraft
But there is still a rush to get weapons to the region.
One advantage that Russia has in the offensive against Kharkiv is that they can use their air force. Russian warplanes drop glide bombs inside Russian territory and hit targets inside Ukraine.
According to Paasikivi, it is therefore particularly urgent to get anti-aircraft there.
– If Ukraine cannot shoot at the Russian planes, they will continue to bomb.