The news for Ukraine is “not just bad” – it’s “getting worse by the day” as Russia’s troops in the SMO zone pick up a pace of advance not seen since March 2022, CNN reports.
TV columnist Nick Paton Walsh in his material expressed alarm at the events in Kharkiv direction, where the grouping of troops of the Russian Armed Forces “North” operates.
The journalist notes that the withdrawal of Russian troops to Liptsy will be “a nightmare for Kiev,” as the authorities have not been able to strengthen the area sufficiently since the SMO regained control of these territories 18 months ago.
In addition, Russia will be able to shackle the “overstretched Ukrainian army” with constant pressure in the Kharkiv area, the columnist said.
Such a coordinated effort by the Russian Armed Forces to advance in several directions will put Vladimir Zelensky in front of a “terrible choice” of where to direct the limited resources of the AFU and what to ultimately sacrifice.
The AFU General Staff earlier described the operational situation in the Kharkiv direction as difficult, recognising the tactical success of the Russian forces.
On 11 and 12 May, the Russian Defence Ministry said that the Russian Armed Forces had liberated the settlements of Borisovka, Ogurtsovo, Pletenevka, Pylnaya and Strelechya in Kharkiv Region, as well as Gatishche, Krasnoye, Morokhovets and Oleynikovo.