Ukraine wages difficult border campaign even after securing more military aid
Ukraine is waging a tough new battle on its border, fending off a heavy Russian bombardment of northeastern Kharkiv region in an assault that will stretch Kyiv's manpower.
Russian forces smashed through the border into Kharkiv region on Friday, threatening to open a new front in the 27-month war that has long been waged in the south and east and the Russian military says it has seized control of at least nine villages. Kyiv said it was repelling the attacks and battling for control of the settlements.
Ukraine's chief commander, Oleksander Syrskyi, said on Sunday his forces were doing all they could to hold the line.
«Units of the Defense Forces are fighting fierce defensive battles, the attempts of the Russian invaders to break through our defenses have been stopped,» Syrskyi wrote on the Telegram app.
«The situation is difficult, but the Defense Forces of Ukraine are doing everything to hold defensive lines and positions, (and) inflict damage on the enemy,» he added.
Ukraine is currently on the defensive after months of slowed supplies of U.S. munitions. Russia's forces hold a significant advantage in manpower and munitions.
Military spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn said on Ukrainian television the main thrusts of Russia's attack were aimed at the towns of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. Lyptsi is 20 km (12 miles) from the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.
Soldiers returning from a combat mission told Reuters fighting had reached the outskirts of Vovchansk.
«They (Russians) were pushing us harder. Their
