Russian troops in the north of the Kharkiv region have switched tactics to hit the positions of Ukrainian defenders. The Russian occupiers are using artillery and guided aerial bombs, according to Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He notes that the Ukrainian forces have strengthened their defense by redeploying reserves and creating a reserve of ammunition.
“Therefore, Russia has switched to the tactics of hitting Ukrainian positions with artillery fire and strikes from the air defense systems. In these circumstances, the physical destruction of aircraft carrying the guided aerial bombs, reconnaissance UAVs and fire controllers, electronic warfare protection of Ukrainian troops, camouflage, and the use of mock-ups are of paramount importance,” the chief notes.
Syrskyi says that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are improving air defense control systems, their automation, and their combination of firepower in conjunction with the electronic warfare system.
“In addition, I listened to each commander on readiness for active actions, made decisions on problematic issues, checked the practical work of the battalion commander to destroy Russia's firing position,” the Ukrainian Armed Forces chief adds.
Russia's offensive in Kharkiv region
Since May 10, Russian troops have been trying to break through the Ukrainian Armed Forces' defenses in the north of Kharkiv region. The fighting occurs in two main areas, particularly, in the city of Vovchansk.
Earlier, Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi said the Russian occupiers were bogged down in street fighting in Vovchansk. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the Russian occupiers were stopped in the Kharkiv sector, even though the fighting continues.
According to Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, the Russians wanted to occupy Vovchansk in a few days and reach Kharkiv in five days. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the losses in this area were 8 (Russia) to 1 (Ukraine).