President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine issued a warning on Sunday, indicating that Russia is gearing up to escalate its offensive along Ukraine's northern border. This comes as the death toll climbed to 14 following an aerial bomb attack on a construction supplies store in Kharkiv. The devastating bombing in Kharkiv on Saturday resulted in 43 injuries and left 16 individuals missing, according to Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov.
Zelenskyy, in a video statement from Kharkiv, expressed concerns about Russia's preparations for offensive actions approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Ukraine's second-largest city. While the exact location of the troop assembly was not disclosed, there is heightened worry about the Sumy region, with both Kharkiv and Sumy being in close proximity to the Russian border.
Recent weeks have seen Moscow's forces capturing villages in the Kharkiv area as part of a broader push, potentially aiming to bring the city within artillery range. Ukrainian authorities have evacuated over 11,000 individuals from the region since the offensive began on May 10.
Across the 1,000-kilometer front line, Russian forces are engaging in offensive attacks, with intense battles reported in the Chasiv Yar direction of the Donetsk region. Ukraine's General Staff highlighted the high intensity of hostilities in the region and emphasized the defense forces' efforts to impede the enemy's advance.
During the night, Russia launched extensive missile and drone attacks on various regions of Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense units intercepted 31 Shahed drones and 12 cruise missiles in multiple regions. The Ukrainian air force reported a total of 14 missiles and over three dozen drones launched by Russia, with some evading interception.
On the Russian side, the governor of the Belgorod region confirmed injuries from Ukrainian attacks, while the Russian Defense Ministry disclosed the downing of drones over the Kursk and Oryol regions to the north of Belgorod.
The situation remains fluid and tense, with both sides engaged in military actions that have raised alarm internationally. The conflict continues to unfold, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the escalating violence.
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