Russian forces expand Kharkiv front, Western leaders push for talks
Russian forces have expanded the area of combat operations in the northern Kharkiv region by nearly 69 kilometres, announced the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrski, on Friday. Meanwhile, the Europe 1 station provided new information regarding the actions of Western leaders concerning the peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow.
17 May 2024 14:02
According to the radio station's reports, "Western offices are preparing coordinated diplomatic actions to persuade Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the terms of negotiations."
"Kyiv will have to conduct talks about ending the war, risking the worst possible scenario, such as the Russians opening another section of the front," it stated.
Russians are advancing. the situation on the Ukrainian front
"The enemy has expanded the area of active combat operations by nearly 69 kilometres, trying to force us to use additional brigades from the reserve. The enemy has concentrated its main efforts on the direction of Strilecha-Lypci and capturing Vovchansk, with further advancement towards Bilyi Kolodiaz and starting an offensive on the rear of our troops," wrote the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrski, on Facebook on Friday.
The military also noted that the Russians "started the offensive much earlier than planned." "We are facing heavy fighting, and the enemy is preparing for it," he added.
The general declared that Ukrainian forces now have the task of preventing the further advance of Russian forces, maintaining occupied positions, and inflicting maximum losses on them through strikes using aviation, artillery, and missile systems.
"Of course, we must make the best use of our advantage in drone attacks combined with the use of electronic warfare and accurate artillery fire. These issues, as well as regrouping forces and simplifying the comprehensive support system, were the subjects of my work," wrote the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.