Russian offensive in Kharkiv region - Threat to Kharkiv from Sumy region assessed
The head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov (Photo: RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
Russian troops planned to seize the city of Volchansk within a few days and reach Kharkiv. The Russian troops may also launch an offensive on the Kharkiv region from the Sumy direction, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.
He confirmed that the Russians may advance on the Kharkiv region from Sumy. According to him, the Russian troops also planned to advance in the Zolochiv community, 35 kilometers northwest of Kharkiv. Such a possibility is still under consideration.
"They did not expect swift resistance from our military, I would even say more, according to the plans voiced by the prisoners, they planned to capture Volchansk in two days and reach Kharkiv conditionally in five days," Syniehubov said.
According to the head of the Regional State Administration, there is currently no threat of Kharkiv being captured, although such plans were in the enemy's intentions. The Russian army is currently trying to consolidate its positions, while the Defense Forces are doing everything to prevent this.
Syniehubov also noted an evacuation plan for Kharkiv, and agreements have been made with Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways).
"We know how many trains there will be when they depart and return to Kharkiv, where they will evacuate our people, and how many people there will be. However, there is currently no threat of occupation, capture, or encirclement of the city of Kharkiv," he added.
Russian advance in the Kharkiv region
Russian military forces entered the northern part of the Kharkiv region. Currently, fighting is ongoing there. The occupiers have reached the city of Volchansk. According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the invaders are stuck in street battles.
Moreover, the Russians have intensified their activity in the Kupiansk direction east of the Kharkiv region. The General Staff reported that Russia has had partial success near Ivanivka. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 10 armed clashes in that direction.
