Russia Gathering Forces in Kharkiv Oblast for Fresh Attacks, Military Says
Ukraine’s military has issued a warning that Russia is massing troops and equipment in the Kharkiv Oblast, a region in eastern Ukraine, in preparation for a potential new wave of attacks.
According to reports from Ukrainian military officials, Russia has been steadily increasing its military presence in the Kharkiv Oblast over the past several weeks, with thousands of troops and dozens of tanks, artillery pieces, and other military vehicles being deployed to the area.
The buildup of Russian forces has been met with concern by Ukraine’s military, which has been fighting a protracted conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the region since 2014.
"We have seen a significant increase in Russian military activity in the Kharkiv Oblast, including the deployment of new troops and equipment," said Colonel Oleksandr Kovalenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. "We believe that Russia is preparing for a new phase of its aggression against Ukraine, and we are taking all necessary measures to defend our country."
The Ukrainian military has been working to strengthen its defenses in the region, including deploying additional troops and equipment to the area. The country’s military has also been conducting regular drills and exercises to prepare for a potential conflict.
The situation in the Kharkiv Oblast is particularly concerning because it is located close to the border with Russia, and Ukrainian officials have warned that a large-scale Russian invasion could come from this direction.
"The Kharkiv Oblast is a critical region for Ukraine’s security, and we will do everything in our power to defend it," said Colonel Kovalenko. "We call on Russia to withdraw its troops and equipment from the region and to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The international community has been watching the situation in Ukraine with growing concern, and several countries have issued statements condemning Russia’s actions and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
"The United States is deeply concerned by reports of a Russian buildup in the Kharkiv Oblast and is urging Russia to withdraw its troops and equipment from the region," said a spokesperson for the US Department of State. "We also call on Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to engage in a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict."
The European Union has also issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
"The European Union is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of tensions in eastern Ukraine, including the reported buildup of Russian troops in the Kharkiv Oblast," said a spokesperson for the European Union. "We call on Russia to withdraw its troops and equipment from the region and to engage in a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict."
The situation in the Kharkiv Oblast remains tense, and it is unclear when or if Russia will withdraw its troops and equipment from the region. Ukraine’s military is on high alert, and the country is preparing for the possibility of a large-scale conflict.