Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski warns that Russia is preparing a possible offensive in the northeast of Ukraine, where it has mobilized over 50,000 soldiers. Kiev also draws attention to the risk of new attacks on Kharkov.
Russia has gathered 50,000 soldiers on the border with Ukraine, next to the photo sum: Archive
Russia intensifies its military presence in the northeast of Ukraine, near the Sumî region. According to Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, Moscow would have gathered over 50,000 soldiers in the area with the aim of creating a “buffer area“10 kilometers along the border.
“Now, it accumulates troops in the direction of Sumî, over 50,000. We understand, but I was successful there ”Zelenski said on Wednesday, according to Euronews. He added that Russia concentrates “Cthey better troops“And in the Kursk region, on the border with Ukraine.
Four villages captured by Russian troops
Kiev officials confirmed that Russian troops managed to conquer four villages near the Sumî region border with Russia. However, the governor of the region, Oleh Hryhorov, said that “The inhabitants of these settlements were evacuated long ago and there is no threat to the civilians”.
Hryhorov said that about 56,000 civilians have already been evacuated from the region, due to the intensification of Russian attacks and almost daily bombing.
Imminent danger for Harkov
In addition to the offensive in the Sumî area, Kiev warns that the city of Kharkov could become the next Target of Moscow. The Ukrainian army claims that Russia gathers its troops near the border of the Kharkov region, preparing possible attacks.
Andrii Pomahaibus, the Chief of Staff of the 13th Khartiia National Guard, explained that the Russians are trying “to move the troops closer to the contact line but so far failed to make attacks”.
Russia has repeatedly transmitted that it intends to create a buffer area between its territories and Ukraine. Last week, President Vladimir Putin said this measure is already in progress: “The decision was made to establish a necessary security buffer area. Our armed forces are currently performing this task. ”
He mentioned that the area will include the Russian regions Kursk, Belgorod and Breansk, on the border with the Ukrainian regions Sumî, Kharkov and Cernihiv.
Ukraine and Russia continue mobilization
According to the Ukrainian army, Russia is preparing for a new major offensive, possibly during the summer. The battles have already intensified on a front of over 1,000 kilometers, in several regions of Ukraine.
President Zelenski said that Russia mobilizes between 40,000 and 45,000 soldiers monthly, while Ukraine manages to gather between 25,000 and 27,000. “When the US transmits signals that he wants to do something positive with Russia, then Russia intensifies its mobilization ”, said the leader from Kyiv.
Massive losses on both sides
The General Staff of Ukraine announced on Monday that Russia has lost almost one million soldiers in the war against Ukraine.
Keith Kellogg, US Emissary for Ukraine, confirmed that Washington estimates indicate a total number of victims, from both camps, of over 1 million people, since the beginning of Russia's large -scale invasion in February 2022.
