Zelensky braces for intensified Russian offensive in northeast Ukraine

In an exclusive interview with AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about an anticipated increase in Russian offensives in the northeast and emphasized that Kyiv currently has only a fraction of the air defenses needed to secure the front lines.

Russian forces, which had made only moderate gains in recent months, launched a surprise attack in the Kharkiv region on May 10, marking their most significant territorial advances in 18 months.

Zelensky reported that Russian troops had advanced between five to ten kilometers (three to six miles) along the northeastern border before being halted by Ukrainian forces. He suggested that this advance could be the “first wave” of a broader offensive.

“While I wouldn’t call it a major success for Russia, we must realistically acknowledge that they are penetrating deeper into our territory,” he said, speaking from Kyiv in his first interview with foreign media since the offensive began.

Zelensky described the situation in Kharkiv as “controlled but not stabilized.”

He reiterated his calls for allies to provide more air defense systems and fighter jets to counter Russia’s air superiority as the war enters its third year. “Currently, we have about 25 percent of the air defenses needed to protect Ukraine,” he stated, adding that Ukraine requires “120 to 130” F-16 fighter jets or other advanced aircraft to achieve air parity with Russia.

**Kharkiv Assault**

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a visit to China, claimed the northeastern offensive was a response to Ukraine’s shelling of border regions and aimed at creating a “security zone.”

Russian forces have seized 278 square kilometers (107 square miles) from May 9 to 15, marking their largest gains since late 2022, according to AFP’s calculations based on data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Oleg Synegubov, the governor of Kharkiv, reported that Ukraine’s armed forces had repelled two attempts to breach defenses overnight, maintaining control of the situation.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russian soldiers in Vovchansk of using captured civilians as “human shields” to protect their command headquarters, a claim that AFP could not immediately verify.

“In the Vovchansk area, Ukrainian troops are strengthening their defenses to improve the tactical situation,” Synegubov said.

Ukraine has evacuated nearly 10,000 people from the northeastern border area since the Russian assault began.

Putin stated that there are no current plans to capture Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the border, where over one million people still reside.

Military analysts suggest that the northeastern offensive could be intended to further strain Ukrainian troops and resources, leveraging Russia’s manpower and ammunition advantages.

Ukraine’s army chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, noted that Russia aims to force Ukraine to deploy more reserve troops. “We anticipate heavy fighting ahead, and the enemy is preparing for it,” he said.

**’Nonsense Situation’**

As he braces for a broader Russian offensive, Zelensky acknowledged issues with staffing and morale within Ukraine’s often outmanned and outgunned forces. “We need to staff the reserves… Many brigades are understaffed,” Zelensky told AFP.

With no end to the war in sight, Ukraine’s army faces recruitment challenges, and fighters are growing weary and frustrated by the lack of rotation. Many Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for over two years without the possibility of discharge.

A controversial new mobilization law, effective Saturday, lowers the draft age from 27 to 25 and imposes stricter penalties for draft evasion. However, lawmakers rejected a proposal allowing soldiers who have served more than 36 months to be discharged.

As Western allies push for a swift resolution to the war, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine is in it for the long haul. “The West wants the war to end. Period. As soon as possible. For them, this represents a fair peace,” he said.

“We find ourselves in a paradox where the West fears a Russian defeat yet does not want Ukraine to lose,” Zelensky remarked.