President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine sounded the alarm on Sunday, warning that Russia’s forces were gearing up for a new ground offensive in the northeast of his country. This comes on the heels of a devastating missile strike on a hardware superstore in the city of Kharkiv that claimed the lives of at least 14 people and left dozens more injured.
“Russia is the only source of aggression and constantly tries to expand the war,” Mr. Zelensky declared in a speech delivered in English amidst the rubble of a publishing house destroyed in a previous Russian strike.
The potential offensive is said to be focused around 60 miles northwest of Kharkiv, with Moscow reportedly amassing another group of troops near the border. The Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine could be a target, as it has seen frequent cross-border fire but no ground attacks since the start of the invasion in February.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing, with Russian forces making significant incursions in recent months. Military experts believe that Russia’s objective is to extend the length of the battlefield, forcing Ukraine to spread its troops thinly and giving Moscow an advantage in terms of military size.
The situation in Kharkiv has escalated dramatically, with a sharp increase in Russian aerial attacks causing many residents to flee. The recent strike on the hardware superstore resulted in a rising death toll and numerous injuries, prompting Ukraine’s foreign minister to accuse Russia of targeting civilians.
In response to the escalating violence, Ukraine is calling on its allies in NATO for more military support, including Patriot missiles and other defense systems. A delayed military aid package from the U.S. Congress has left Ukraine vulnerable to Russian attacks, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
As the conflict continues to unfold, President Zelensky is appealing to global leaders, including President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China, to attend a peace summit in Switzerland next month. The goal is to secure the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and bring an end to the attacks on Ukrainian soil.
The situation remains tense as Ukraine braces for a potential new offensive from Russia, with the international community closely watching the developments in the region.
