A Russian-installed regional official said on Friday that Ukrainian forces were making a “extremely sharp and rapid” push into an increasing stretch of formerly Russian-held territory in the east, a development that may signal a turning point in the war.
Russia finally recognised that a portion of its frontline had collapsed southeast of Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, after remaining silent for a day.
According to Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Russian-backed government in the Kharkiv region, “the enemy is being delayed as much as possible, but some settlements have already come under the control of Ukrainian armed formations.“
In a previous statement, Ganchev stated that his government was attempting to evacuate citizens from many cities, including Izium, the primary logistical and military hub for Russia in the eastern Ukrainian province close to the front.
Since beginning its invasion of Ukraine in late February, Russia has seized control of around a fifth of the country.
Video showing military trucks zooming down a highway was published by the Russian defence ministry, which claimed it showed reinforcements racing to the scene to defend it. Regarding the Ukrainian progress, the Kremlin has refrained from speaking.
In a series of videos published by Ukrainian authorities, soldiers can be seen hoisting flags and posing in front of street signs in towns and villages that once belonged to Russia.
Since Russia abandoned its attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in March, such quick advances have mostly been unheard of and the war has instead become a grinding struggle along entrenched front lines.
“We are now seeing results in Kherson and some success in Kharkiv, and that is very, very promising.” The United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated at a press briefing in Prague with his Czech colleague.
Early on Friday, the Ukrainian general staff reported that retreating Russian forces were attempting to evacuate wounded soldiers and damaged military hardware close to Kharkiv.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the help of the local populace, advanced about 50 kilometres in three days thanks to skillful and planned activities.”
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