Russia aims to capture two major Ukrainian cities, military warns
Russia attempts to seize at least one of the administrative centers in Ukraine, Defense Forces say (Photo: Suspilne Kharkiv)
Russian forces aim to capture a major oblast center, with the cities of Sumy and Kharkiv being their primary targets, 8th Air Assault Corps spokesperson Vadym Karpiak said in an interview with We-Ukraine TV channel on May 21.
Ukrainian defenders face relentless attempts by Russian troops to push as close as possible to the city of Sumy, an area now under the 8th Corps' responsibility.
"Their goal, at a minimum, is to capture Sumy as an oblast center," Karpiak explained.
"They are not succeeding in this, of course. But no one said they have abandoned this idea. That is why they are pressing right now."
He added that the Russians want to "capture as much as they can."
The spokesperson highlighted that the occupiers are not merely trying to establish a buffer zone to prevent Ukraine from repeating its Kursk operation — they are actively attempting to mount a full-scale offensive.
"They are conducting offensive actions, or at least attempting offensive actions," Karpiak noted.
On April 14, the Russian army advanced near the settlement of Myropilske in Sumy Oblast.
A day earlier, the 14th Army Corps reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had withdrawn to new, prepared defensive lines in the Myropilske area to preserve soldiers' lives. Russian occupiers have significantly ramped up their pressure on the Sumy axis as Moscow's army attempts to expand its zones of control along the border.
Joint Forces Grouping Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi earlier explained that Russian occupation forces intend to carve out a 20-kilometer "buffer zone" along the border in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts, which drives their ongoing efforts to capture border villages.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
