Russia expands area of active hostilities by almost 70 km - Syrskyi on Russia's offensive in Kharkiv region

This was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi.

He informed that due to the deteriorating situation in eastern Ukraine, he has been working for several days in a row in units engaged in combat operations in the Kharkiv region.

"The enemy has expanded the area of active combat operations by almost 70 kilometers, thus trying to force us to use additional brigades from the reserve. The enemy has focused its main efforts on the direction of Strilecha - Lyptsi and the capture of Vovchansk, with further access to Bilyi Kolodiaz and the launch of an offensive to the rear of our troops," noted Syrskyi.

According to him, to this end, the Russians have created and significantly strengthened the Sever operational and tactical grouping of Russian troops, which includes combat units of the 6th Army, 11th and 44th Army Corps.

"The enemy launched an offensive much earlier than planned when they noticed our troops being redeployed, but they failed to break through our defense. However, we understand that there will be heavy fighting ahead and the enemy is preparing for it," the commander-in-chief emphasized.

Syrskyi emphasized that under such circumstances, the Armed Forces should not allow further advancement of Russian troops by steadily holding their borders and positions, air strikes, missile systems, artillery and tank fire. The Ukrainian military should inflict maximum losses on theRussian enemy, as well as create conditions for defeating them by mobile assault groups and units with attacks to the flank and rear from different directions.

"Of course, we have to make the most of our advantage in strike UAVs in combination with the use of electronic warfare and accurate artillery fire. My work has been devoted to these issues, as well as to regrouping troops and simplifying the system of comprehensive support," the commander added.

He has worked in all brigades fighting in the Kharkiv region, was in one of the battalions defending Vovchansk, and made all the necessary decisions on the spot to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of defense. Syrskyi also visited and inspected all the units preparing for defense in the Sumy direction.

He said he regularly reports to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the situation and progress of these tasks.

"It is noticeable that the leadership of the regional military administrations is providing maximum assistance to commanders and unit commanders in resolving problematic issues," Syrskyi said, adding that Kharkiv and Kharkiv region residents are actively involved and helping the Ukrainian Defense Forces with everything they can.

• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that the Russian occupation army has advanced no more than 10 km in the Kharkiv sector.