Russian army lacks forces for a strategic breakthrough in Kharkiv Oblast - NATO

Russian forces lack the skills and capabilities to operate on the scale necessary to exploit any breach for strategic advantage, he noted.

"They are able to achieve local successes, and they have already reached some," he said, adding that Ukrainian Armed Forces hold the frontline.

Russian advance in Kharkiv Oblast

The Russians have heavily shelled border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.

Russian troops initiated a new wave of counteroffensives on this front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while announcing the redeployment of Ukrainian forces to the Kharkiv sector.

Russia had tactical successes near Vovchansk on May 13, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff said, adding that the situation on the Kharkiv front remained difficult.

The attack on Vovchansk and an attempt to encircle the city is a priority goal of Russian troops, the Institute for the Study of War believes.

Vovchansk was almost completely destroyed by relentless Russian shelling on May 14, local authorities reported, adding that the situation in the city is critical.

Russian invaders were taking positions on the streets of Vovchansk on May 15, Vochchansk's patrol police chief, Oleksiy Kharkivsky, reported.

The advance of Russian troops into northern Vovchansk was later confirmed by Ukraine's General Staff.

Zelenskyy came to Kharkiv on May 16 and held a meeting on security issues. Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on the first cases of capture and execution of civilians in Vovchansk.

Situation in Oblast is "very serious", Zelenskyy said, commenting on the Russian offensive.

Zelenskyy came to Kharkiv Oblast because over the past few days, hundreds of people have died or been injured, so it was important for him to support them.