The Russians have expanded the active combat zone by almost 70 kilometers, thus trying to force the Ukrainian Defense Forces to attract additional brigades from the reserve.
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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky wrote about this on his social networks on May 17.
According to him, the enemy concentrated his main efforts on the Strelka-Lipka direction and on the captured Volchansk, with subsequent access to the White Well and the deployment of an offensive to the rear of our troops.
For this, the occupiers created and significantly strengthened the operational-tactical group of troops “North”, which included combat units of the 6th Army, 11th and 44th Army Corps.
The enemy launched an offensive much earlier than planned when he noticed the overturning of our troops, but he was unable to break through our defenses. However, we understand that there will be heavy fighting ahead and the enemy is preparing for this,” says Syrsky.
The Ukrainian commander said that he is now working in this sector of the front. The task of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is to prevent further advance of the enemy, inflict maximum losses on him using all types of weapons, and also “to create conditions for defeat by the actions of mobile assault groups and units by attacks on the flank and rear in different directions.”
I went around and checked all the units preparing for defense in the Sumy direction. Kharkiv residents and residents of the Kharkiv region are actively involved and helping the Defense Forces in all they can,” Syrsky wrote.
As of 10:30 on May 17, the General Staff reported that one military clash was ongoing in the Kharkov direction in the area of the village of Staritsa.
The situation in the village of Volchansk is under control. Measures are continuing to strengthen our defense positions and improve the tactical situation in certain directions, the message says.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.