Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, has issued a warning about the growing threat of renewed Russian offensives in the northeast, particularly in Kharkiv Oblast. During a recent visit to the front lines in the area, Syrskyi highlighted the increased presence of Russian military forces, which are employing large numbers of troops to conduct multiple attacks in the region. Ukrainian forces have so far prevented over 60 Russian assaults in the past seven days, with a dozen battles continuing to rage daily, according to Syrskyi’s report.
Syrskyi emphasized that while Russian forces are attempting to overwhelm Ukrainian positions through sheer numbers, the Ukrainian military must remain vigilant and implement effective technological and tactical countermeasures to prevent further Russian advances. He reported that he had reviewed the current battlefield situation and issued updated tactical orders to address the evolving threat. Syrskyi was also in close coordination with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, the Joint Forces Commander, to ensure a unified response to the escalating situation.
Kharkiv Oblast, a critical region in northeastern Ukraine, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks since the invasion began in February 2022. The area, which includes the second-largest city in Ukraine, has seen repeated missile attacks and ground assaults. Despite Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, which reduced Russian occupation to less than 5% of the region, Russian forces have continued to push into the area, particularly near the town of Vovchansk. In spring 2024, Russian troops opened a new front in the north of Kharkiv Oblast, but were subsequently pushed back by Ukrainian forces.
Recent developments suggest that the situation is intensifying. According to the Ukrainian battlefield monitoring platform DeepState, Russian forces have advanced up to 3 kilometers into Kharkiv Oblast near the border village of Milove, marking another front in the northeast. Ukrainian spokesperson Pavlo Shamshyn reported that the number of Russian assault operations in the region had sharply increased, with attacks being conducted in small groups of three to 10 soldiers, supported by drone activity. Andrii Pomahaibus, chief of staff of the 13th National Guard Khartiia Brigade, had previously warned in May that Russia was massing troops near the border, possibly in preparation for a new offensive.
Despite repeated calls for an unconditional ceasefire from Ukraine, the U.S., and European leaders, Russia has continued its ground attacks and long-range missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, indicating that the conflict remains at an alarming level of intensity. Syrskyi’s warning underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for coordinated responses to prevent further Russian advances into the region.