Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed, Friday May 10, that a “fierce battle” was underway in the border region of Kharkiv (northeast), where Russia launched a ground offensive. The head of state affirmed at a press conference that his staff “knew it” and was prepared for it.
“Around 5 a.m., the enemy tried to break through our defense lines using armored vehicles”, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported a little earlier, without clarifying the exact location of this attack. The Russian army also carried out strikes with guided aerial bombs, said kyiv, which said it had deployed reserve units to “strengthen the defense” of the region. Follow our live stream.
Ukraine has been worried for several weeks about a potential new Russian offensive in the area. The Ukrainian army is struggling on the front, weakened by a lack of recruits and delays in the delivery of Western aid, which have notably emptied its ammunition stocks. Opposite, Russian forces have claimed limited territorial gains, mainly in the east, without however achieving any real breakthrough.
Russian nuclear forces are “always” ready for combat, Vladimir Putin has warned. The Russian president supervised the traditional May 9 military parade on Red Square on Thursday. “Russia will do everything to avoid a global confrontation. But, at the same time, we will not allow us to be threateneddid he declare. Our forces [nucléaires] strategic are always on alert”.
China seeks to pose as a mediator. Chinese envoy for Ukraine issue holds talks during tour in Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, announced Beijing on Friday. “Everyone agrees” with “China’s proposals calling for an appeasement of the situation”assures the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
