Image Credits - NY Times
Ukraine’s Defence Ministry announced Friday it has rushed military reinforcements to the northeastern Kharkiv region to help beat back intensifying Russian attacks and attempted armoured breakthroughs in border areas there.
In a statement, the ministry said Russian troops tried to punch through Ukrainian defensive lines in Kharkiv’s frontier districts early Friday “under the cover of armoured vehicles.” It added, “At approximately 5 am, there was an attempt by the enemy to break through our defensive line.”
However, Ukrainian forces managed to repel the Russian offensive for now. “As of now, these attacks have been repulsed; battles of varying intensity continue,” the statement said.
The reinforcements come as Ukraine has noted a significant build-up of Russian troops and equipment near Kharkiv in recent weeks, sparking fears Moscow could be setting the stage for a new offensive thrust in the region bordering Russia. Though Russia’s main offensives are currently concentrated further south in Donetsk, Kharkiv’s proximity to supply lines in Russia makes it a potential future target.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has been one of the main frontline targets since the war began over a year ago. While it has avoided being captured by Russian forces, its population has endured relentless artillery bombardment and missile strikes due to its location just 25 miles from the border.
Ukrainian officials had warned of anticipated increased hostilities as both Kyiv and Moscow prepare for expected new spring offensives aimed at regaining momentum. The reported Russian armoured push into Kharkiv appears to presage that new surge in fighting, even as the two sides remain bogged down in attritional battles in eastern Donetsk.
With its newly committed reinforcements, Ukraine hopes to stall and repel any Russian ground advances into Kharkiv before they can gain a foothold. The region’s defence has become even more paramount now to prevent any widening of Russia’s front ahead of Kyiv’s own expected counteroffensive.