Russia lacks forces to capture Sumy or Kharkiv – Kovalenko
Russians will not be able to capture regional centers of Ukraine, Kovalenko said (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo)
Russian forces are suffering heavy losses and lack the manpower needed to capture major regional centers such as Sumy or Kharkiv despite Moscow’s aggressive rhetoric, Andrii Kovalenko said on May 21.
He said Russia can declare any plans it wants — including attempts to seize all of Ukraine — but that the real situation on the battlefield tells a different story.
Andrii Kovalenko stressed that Ukraine’s defenses remain effective and that Russian troop losses are significant. As a result, he said, Moscow lacks sufficient forces to capture regional capitals such as Sumy or Kharkiv.
He also said Russian forces are trying to increase pressure along the front line, but growing casualties caused by Ukrainian resistance are “making all negative scenarios impossible.”
Kovalenko added sarcastically that Russian propagandists can say whatever they want.
“Even their propagandist Vladimir Solovyov is talking about reaching Berlin. But in reality, that will only happen if he’s in a cage and wearing a muzzle,” he said.
On May 21, Vadym Karpiak, spokesman for Ukraine’s 8th Air Assault Corps, said the nearest objectives of Russian forces are to capture one of Ukraine’s regional capitals, including Sumy or Kharkiv. According to him, Russian troops continue offensive operations and are attempting to advance closer to Sumy rather than merely creating a buffer zone.
On April 13, Ukraine’s 14th Army Corps said the Defense Forces had withdrawn to newly prepared defensive lines near Myropilske in order to preserve soldiers’ lives. Russian forces have increased pressure in the Sumy direction and are trying to expand their zones of control in border areas.
Commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi said Russian occupation forces are attempting to create a 20-kilometer (12-mile) “buffer zone” along the border in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, which is why they are trying to seize border villages.
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