Kharkiv front line: Ukraine resists Russia's intensified assault

In the Kharkiv region, the battle continues in the border zone following an escalation last week, stated Chief Commander of the Ukrainian Army, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Sunday.

Last week, the Kharkiv region witnessed a significant escalation. Current fighting is happening in the border areas along the state border with Russia, Syrskyi reported. According to the chief commander, the situation is challenging; however, the Ukrainian armed forces are exerting all efforts to halt the enemy's advance.

The most intense battles are underway in Kupiansk, Sievierodonetsk, Lyman, and Pokrovsk. Syrskyi pointed out that the situation in these areas is highly dynamic.

Russian forces continue their assaults on Kramatorsk in an attempt to take control of Chasiv Yar. Additionally, the commander noted that Russian troops are trying unsuccessfully to reclaim lost positions in the area of Klischiiwka, near Bakhmut.

Gen. Syrskyi highlighted that the frontline situation remains extremely tense. "At the moment, there are battles ongoing in the border areas along the state border with the Russian Federation," he stated. He also mentioned that Ukrainian troops staunchly defended their positions, halting all attempts to breach the Ukrainian defence.

Despite the challenging conditions at the front, the Ukrainian command is rotating units to regenerate the brigades' combat capabilities and afford soldiers the necessary rest.

The Russian offensive, starting near Kharkiv, is likely to escalate in intensity, with expectations of a direct attack on the city, said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Friday. He added that the USA is coordinating with Ukraine to counter the offensive.

As Kirby articulated during an online press briefing, the US anticipates the Russian offensive in the northeast will intensify, potentially leading to territorial gains for Russia.