Russian offensive in Kharkiv region could be only first wave of attacks - Zelenskyy

Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president gov ua)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russia's offensive in the Kharkiv region may only be "the first wave," reports AFP.

According to him, Russia's offensive "could consist of several waves. There was the first wave" in the Kharkiv region.

The President noted that overall the situation in the Kharkiv region, where Russia has seized several border villages, is "controlled" but "not stabilized."

Specifically, according to him, Russian forces penetrated 5-10 kilometers along the northeast border before being halted by Ukrainian forces.

We have to be sober and understand that they are going deeper into our territory. Not vice versa. And that's still their advantage," he said, adding that he does not consider it a great success for the Russian Federation.

Regarding Kharkiv, Zelenskyy believes that Russian forces "want to attack" the city, although they understand that it will be "very difficult." At the same time, he stated, "If this continues, we will be forced to create a security zone."

Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region

Russian forces launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10, capturing several border villages. To date, nearly 10,000 people have been evacuated from the border areas.

Just yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during his daily video address that Russia's advance on the Kharkiv front is an attempt to weaken Ukrainian forces across the front line. He also emphasized that Ukraine needs two Patriots for a more effective defense of Kharkiv.

It is worth noting that on May 16, Zelenskyy held military meeting in Kharkiv. Considering the challenging situation on this front, decisions were made to strengthen Ukrainian military units.