Ukrainian army colonel comments on risks of new Russian offensive in Kharkiv region

There are up to 10,000 Russian soldiers and about 450 pieces of weaponry and equipment there.

Vladyslav Selezniov expressed his opinion on Espreso TV.

Regarding Russia's possible intention to repeat last year's attack on Borova, Selezniov said: "The terrain on this section of the frontline creates favorable conditions for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to conduct defensive battles. They have been on pause for almost a year since then. I believe this time it will be a similar scenario, as 10,000 personnel are definitely not a decisive factor that can radically change the situation on the battlefield."

Simultaneously, the deployment of about 200 artillery systems from Rayhorodka to Novovodiane by Russia poses a significant challenge.

"In the current situation, the Russian forces are advancing in areas of the frontline where they hold absolute dominance in artillery and even greater dominance in aviation components, specifically guided aerial bombs, which have helped secure certain territorial gains. We should consider the entire east of our country as under threat. Apart from this frontline section, attention should also be directed towards Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove directions. In the coming weeks, we anticipate a serious escalation of hostilities in the south of our country, particularly in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Russia is leveraging its technical and manpower superiority, aiming to apply pressure across different parts of the frontline to stretch our forces and resources as much as possible," explained the Colonel.

The military expert emphasized that Russian is exploiting what it perceive as a window of opportunity by launching substantial assaults.

"It is due to the fact that we have been waiting for quite a long time for the approval of relevant decisions from the US government regarding the supply of weapons, military equipment and ammunition. Now this window of opportunity for the Russians is gradually closing, and therefore the Russians are in a hurry before the Ukrainian army receives commercial quantities of artillery ammunition, because once this happens, the Russians will have no chance," Selezniov concluded.

The 3rd Assault Brigade reported that the frontline in Kharkiv, bordering Luhansk, is under intense pressure. Their objective is to defend against Russian advances towards Cherneshchyna - Pershotravneve and Borova.

"Russia sends large groups to attack Ukraine's positions. Despite rapid losses, they replenish with 250-400 Russian soldiers weekly," the brigade stated.

They emphasize holding their lines for over a month, eliminating 1068 Russian soldiers since May, with 2292 wounded.