The Russian army does not have enough strength for a strategic breakthrough at the front, noted the NATO Commander in Europe. The Russian forces can achieve only tactical successes but suffer significant losses. NATO is confident that Ukrainian forces will hold the front without sitting down for negotiations during the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region. They believe the Russian army does not have sufficient strength for a strategic breakthrough, although the occupiers can achieve tactical successes.
This was stated by Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO’s Allied Command Operations, Christopher Cavoli.
The NATO commander commented on Russia’s capabilities at the front
According to Cavoli, the Russian army has the capability to achieve local successes at the front but suffers significant losses. Additionally, the Russians lack the skills and capabilities for a breakthrough at the front to act on a scale necessary for any major step to gain a strategic advantage, said the NATO Commander in Europe. Cavoli added that he is in contact with his Ukrainian colleagues and is confident that Ukrainian forces will hold the front.
NATO commented on the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region: Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Rob Bauer, is confident that the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region will not force the Ukrainian government to negotiate. “I think that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fighting to reclaim land that belongs to them, and it is difficult. A lot needs to be done for this, and it will not be easy,” said Bauer. The lieutenant admiral also added that the Russian offensive at the front in Ukraine is not a strategic success.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on the situation in the Kharkiv region
- The General Staff reported that since the beginning of May 16, the Russians have attacked the positions of the Armed Forces in the Kharkiv direction five times. In particular, the enemy is trying to assault Ukrainian forces near the city of Vovchansk.
- Additionally, with air support, the Russians are attacking in the area of the village of Lyptsi in the Kharkiv region. Vesele and Udy also suffered enemy airstrikes.
- The military noted that as a result of combat actions in this direction, the enemy lost 35 occupiers killed and wounded. Our soldiers also destroyed 14 units of enemy equipment.
- Recently, the Russian invaders have increased their pressure in the north of the Kharkiv region, particularly using guided aerial bombs and shelling frontline settlements more intensely.
