With thousands of troops already dead, Ukrainian military chiefs say the bombardment has come at a terrible price, with 16 tanks and 48 artillery systems also destroyed
Vladamir Putin’s troops have suffered catastrophic losses on the battlefield as they moved in on Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv.
Around 1,210 Russian soldiers died in 24 hours when thousands made their way across the border in a bid to capture strategic military towns.
Kharkiv, in the north east of Ukraine, has been subject to missile attacks, drone strikes and artillery fire since the start of Russia’s war, but Ukrainian military chiefs have warned the constant bombardment is coming at a terrible price. While thousands are already dead, 16 tanks and 48 artillery systems have also been destroyed amid the brutal battle.
Meanwhile a Ukrainian strike on occupied Crimea recently sunk a Black Sea Fleet minesweeper and exploded a major Russian oil refinery in Tuapse using a kamikaze drone. In reference to the weekend world boxing victory by Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk against Brit Tyson Fury, President Zelensky alluded to the resilience of Ukrainian troops.
He said: “Ukrainians hit hard! In the end, all our opponents will be overcome. Oleksandr Usyk is the world champion! A battle that proves Ukrainian endurance and strength give birth to Ukrainian victory.” Zelensky hopes to increase troop numbers with two new laws allowing prisoners to join the army, while fines for those dodging the draft have increased fivefold.
Over 10,000 Kharkiv residents have been evacuated since the attacks. On Saturday, May 18, there were reports of more fighting on the border with Russian missiles, with five civilians killed and 16 left injured in one air strike. The attack also saw a football pitch and cemetery destroyed by laser-guided glide-bombs with wings.
50,000 of Putin’s troops have assembled on the border near Kharkiv, but experts say the Russian leader will need more for a full-scale assault. Ukraine’s forces have continued to fight back, as generals warned Russian troops were advancing towards Vovchansk and towns near Kharkiv. 400 kamikaze drones were fired in response.
A military source said: “The situation at the front remains tense. Ukrainian defenders are repelling the Russian occupiers, strengthening our defence and, under favourable conditions, counter-attacking.”
On a state visit to China, Putin denied plans that his troops would be advance on the city and said they were simply creating a buffer zone. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Russia is also set to target a number of other cities, including Sumy, Donetsk, Chernihiv and Zaporizhzhia.