The Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region has been stopped, Ukrainian units are conducting a counteroffensive

Ukrainian defense forces stopped the Russian offensive in Kharkiv region / Photo: Public Radio

Defense forces of Ukraine stopped the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region and are conducting counteroffensive actions.

On May 24, the representative of the Main Operational Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ihor Prokhorenko, said this at a briefing in the Ukraine Media Center.

According to him, the goal of the Russians in the Kharkiv region is to create a buffer zone. However, they have now been stopped, the situation has been brought under control and they are conducting offensive actions.

It is noted that in addition to the north of Kharkiv region, Russian troops are trying to advance in the east of the region, planning to bypass the city of Kupiansk from the east. However, they are not successful. He also added that fierce fighting continues almost along the entire front line, where the occupiers are suffering heavy losses.

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Russian offensive on Kharkiv Oblast

We will remind you that Russian troops have increased shelling in the northern direction of the Kharkiv region. First of all, the enemy attacks the city of Vovchansk.

Reserve units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been sent to strengthen the defense in the Vovchansk direction. The military continues to hold back the enemy's advance.

Subsequently, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed that the Russian army had launched a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv direction. He noted that the military command knew about the enemy's plans for a new offensive and calculated the forces to respond to the attack.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported on the strengthening of positions in the Kharkiv region, where defensive operations continue.

It was also reported that the pace of Russian offensive operations in the north of the Kharkiv region has slowed down. According to analysts, Russian troops prefer the creation of a «buffer zone» near the border, rather than a deeper advance into the Kharkiv region. Defense forces prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold in Vovchansk.

In the Kharkiv region, Russian troops expanded the zone of active hostilities by almost 70 kilometers and concentrated their main efforts in the direction of Strilecha — Lyptsi and captured Vovchansk and launched an offensive in the rear of Ukrainian troops.

It is noted that the Russian occupiers in the northern part of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Region are taking civilians captive, there have been recorded cases of shooting civilians.

On May 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no plans to capture Kharkiv. And he justifies the intensification of the offensive in the Kharkiv direction with shelling of Belgorod from the side of Ukraine.

On May 19, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian troops had strengthened their positions in the Kharkiv region and were ready to confront the enemy.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that after «insignificant successes» during the offensive on Vovchansk, the Russians «completely got stuck in street battles for the city.»