On Friday, the United States announced a new package of military assistance to Ukraine worth $400 million once morest the backdrop of an attempt by Russian troops to break through the defense line of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kharkov direction.
The package includes highly mobile artillery missile systems and missiles, as well as ammunition for Patriot and National air defense systems, artillery, anti-aircraft and anti-tank ammunition, as well as a range of armored vehicles, including Bradleys and mine-resistant ambush-resistant vehicles.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in an evening address said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are “adding forces” in the Kharkov direction and are providing everything necessary to protect positions.
“Everything depends on the tenacity of our soldiers, and everyone who holds positions now maintains the positions of all of Ukraine. It is important that partners support our soldiers and Ukrainian tenacity with timely supplies. Really timely. The package that really helps is the weapons brought to Ukraine, and not just the announcement of the package. I thank every leader who perceives the situation this way,” said Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The United States also does not expect serious breakthroughs by the Russian army in the Kharkov region. This was stated by White House National Security Communications Coordinator John Kirby at a briefing on Friday.
“Russia may well make further advances in the coming weeks. But we do not expect any major breakthroughs, and over time, the influx of American assistance will allow Ukraine to counter these attacks through 2024,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War believes that Russian troops began offensive operations along the border in the Kharkov region in order to divert Ukrainian forces to this direction and make their advance to other areas of eastern Ukraine possible.
The think tank suggests that “Russian troops are likely to use their tactical bridgehead in the north of the Kharkov region in the coming days to intensify offensive operations and conduct the initial phase of offensive actions, which are likely intended to push Ukrainian troops away from the border with the Belgorod region and advance so as to reach Kharkov with artillery.”
On Friday, Russian troops launched two offensive operations in the Kharkov direction: one north of Kharkov in the direction of Liptsov, and the other northeast of Kharkov near Volchansk.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian armored assault groups of unknown numbers attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses near Volchansk, but were met with artillery fire.
It was also reported, with reference to satellite images, regarding fierce fighting in and near the settlements of Strelechya, Krasnoye, Pylnaya and Borisovka.
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2024-05-11 12:23:50
