Kyiv, May 15 (Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has deferred all his international trips as Ukraine faces a deteriorating battlefield situation, with ongoing fighting reported in the northeastern border town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region.
The capture of Vovchansk, located just 5 km (3 miles) from the border, marks a significant advance for Russia since its incursion into the region on Friday, intensifying the conflict and prompting Kyiv to deploy reinforcements.
Oleksiy Kharkivskyi, Vovchansk’s patrol police chief, described the situation as “extremely difficult,” noting that Russian forces had taken positions in the town. While Ukrainian troops managed to partially push back the invaders, defensive actions persisted in the north and northwestern outskirts.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, troops repelled four Russian attacks along the border but continue to engage in defensive maneuvers near Vovchansk. Meanwhile, heavy fire prompted the repositioning of troops near Kupiansk to the southeast.
President Zelenskiy, after a daily conference call with senior military figures, confirmed the postponement of his foreign trips, emphasizing the focus on current defense operations.
Amidst the escalating conflict, Ukraine remains vigilant in countering Russian advances while addressing critical shortages in troops and delayed weapons deliveries. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visiting Kyiv, pledged expedited delivery of essential weaponry to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Despite assurances that the assault into the northeast poses no immediate threat to Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, tensions persist as both sides maneuver for strategic advantage amidst the escalating crisis.