Russian troops escalate in Kharkiv sector

The Ukrainian General Staff reported this on the afternoon of May 19.

The number of combat engagements increased to 78 over the last day.

"Occupants became somewhat more active in the Kharkiv sector, with seven combat engagements taking place there so far. The situation is dynamic, the enemy is trying to push the units of the Defense Forces near Vovchansk, Starytsia and Liptsi. The enemy conducted an air strike near Lukiantsi, using five guided bombs. Ukrainian troops are holding the line, responding with fire and counterattacking in certain areas," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informs.

In the Kupyansk sector, Russian aircraft attacked in the vicinity of Petropavlivka, the information is being clarified. As of now, Ukrainian troops have repelled four attacks, two more are ongoing. The fighting took place near Synkivka, Ivanivka, Berestove and Stelmakhivka. The invaders suffered casualties, information about which is being clarified.

Battles with occupying Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region

On May 10, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported that the Russian occupation army had intensified attacks in the northern sector. Around 5 a.m., the enemy tried to break through the Ukrainian defense in the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Defense Forces met the invading forces with fire.

At 11:00 p.m. on May 10, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that defensive battles were currently underway in the Kharkiv region. Counterattacks continue in the directions of Lyptsi and Vovchansk. The Russian army is using infantry and equipment. 

On May 10, 1,775 civilians were evacuated from the districts of Kharkiv region that are constantly under intense Russian fire.

Subsequently, the Atesh guerrilla movement reported that the Russian military refused to attack Kharkiv. The Russian occupation troops also began to apply new tactical signs to their vehicles, probably denoting a group operating in the north of Kharkiv region.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that Russian offensive operations along the border in Kharkiv region are likely to have a strategic goal of drawing and consolidating Ukrainian forces on this axis to enable Russian advance into other areas of eastern Ukraine.