Russian army counts on rapid advance: Zelenskyy on Kharkiv direction

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this on May 18.

"I am grateful to all our soldiers and units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces who proved this week that the Russian state will pay for everything it does against our people and our society. I thank each and every one of our soldiers who showed sufficient resilience and were able to add more confidence this week, particularly in the Kharkiv sector. The invaders are losing their infantry and equipment - they are losing significantly, although, just like in 2022, it was counting on a rapid advance on our land," the president said.

Zelenskyy also recalled other areas.

"The Kramatorsk, Pokrovske, Kurakhove, southern directions - wherever it is difficult, our forces give a worthy rebuff to the invaders. In particular, I would like to thank the guys who repelled the Russian assault on Chasiv Yar. Our soldiers destroyed more than 20 units of Russian armored vehicles," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement.

• On May 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that for the first time in two years of war, soldiers at the front have enough artillery shells.
• According to Zelenskyy, the Russian army does not have enough forces to launch a full-scale offensive against Kyiv.