After seizing Lukyantsi, Russian forces continued their offensive in the western and northern parts of Vovchansk, Russian media reported.
Following the latest reports on the successful breakthrough of Russian troops, local and foreign media also started to actively report on Russia’s further advance south and south-west towards Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian Defence Headquarters announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their positions in the Lukyantsi district. At the same time, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that units of the Sever [North] group of troops had taken Buhruvatka, Kharkiv region.
Disappointing forecasts
French TV channel LCI continues to inform the audience on its YouTube channel about the situation around Kharkiv region, Ukraine.
The Ukrainian army recognised early Monday, May 13, “tactical successes” of Russia in the Kharkiv region, the north-east of the country, where Moscow continues an offensive launched on Friday, May 10.
Russian troops have reportedly entered the pivotal city of Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv, with fighting. From now on, evacuation of residents would be impossible, LCI reported. Fighting also continues along virtually all parts of the border north of Kharkiv.
In addition, LCI notes that some twenty kilometres from Kharkiv, where shelling has recently taken place, Ukrainian troops are rushing in new soldiers to counter the Russian offensive.
Reaction of Ukraine’s HUR head Budanov
The head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, gave an interview against the backdrop of the ongoing offensive.
The situation is approaching critical.
The head of the Ukrainian intelligence recognised the dire situation of the Ukrainian troops. Besides, he claimed that that Russia’s actions in Kharkiv region would continue “for another 3-4 days.” Afterwards, the soldiers would “make a decisive offensive in the direction of Sumy [region],” he suggested.
Budanov stated that Ukraine had to mobilise all available resources to repel the attack in Lukyantsi and other vallages.
I used everything we had. Unfortunately, we don’t have anyone else in reserve.
However, the head of HUR has not given up hope. He suggested that Ukrainian forces might be able to push the Russians across the border “over the next few days.” The attacks by Russian forces aimed to deplete Ukraine’s reserves and “to spread panic,” he added.
Our forces are either here or in Chasiv Yar [eastern Ukraine].
Zelensky asking Blinken for aid
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv for a surprise diplomatic visit on Tuesday, May 14. He reiterated US support for the war-torn country. Recent political controversy in Washington delayed a military aid package finally approved in April. Taking advantage of the delay to Kyiv, Moscow launched a rapid offensive.
Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and promised that the US aid would make “a real difference (…) on the battlefield.”
The assistance is now on the way, some of it has already arrived and more of it will be arriving. A strong, successful, thriving, free Ukraine is the best possible rebuke to [Russia’s President Vladimir] Putin.
Zelensky, for his part, highlighted the country’s biggest deficit in air defence. He told Blinken that two additional Patriot systems were needed to defend Kharkiv and the region.
Reports about the Russian offensive in Ukraine rocked Europe as well. Italian journalist Maurizio Belpietro stated on X that Zelensky was asking for weapons amid a shortage of manpower. Belpietro posted a photo of Zelensky with the caption, “How many more died before we realised that the war was lost?”
Western politicians have been repeating for months that not giving in to Putin is a moral duty. A principle that clashes with the admission of the defeats of the Ukrainian generals. Zelensky meanwhile asks for weapons, but he no longer has men.
