During his visit to China on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified that Moscow's actions in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region are aimed at establishing a buffer zone rather than capturing the city itself.
These statements mark Putin's initial response to the offensive initiated on May 10, which led to significant displacement of Ukrainians within a short span. Earlier on Friday, a substantial drone strike by Ukraine on the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula disrupted power supply in Sevastopol, following an earlier attack that damaged aircraft and fuel storage at an airbase.
Meanwhile, in southern Russia, authorities reported a refinery being set ablaze.
Putin attributed Moscow's offensive in the Kharkiv region to Ukrainian shelling of Russia’s Belgorod region. He stated that if such actions persist, Moscow would be compelled to establish a security zone, a measure currently underway. Putin confirmed that Russian troops are executing planned advancements but emphasized that there are currently no intentions to seize Kharkiv.
In response to Russian advances, Ukrainian forces are actively resisting in the Kharkiv region, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign two laws aimed at bolstering troop numbers. These laws allow prisoners to join the army and impose significantly higher fines for draft evasion.
Russia's recent offensive has led to a significant escalation of hostilities, prompting Ukraine to evacuate civilians from the flashpoint town of Vovchansk near the Russian border.
Casualties have been reported, with at least two deaths and several injuries in the Russian bombing of Kharkiv. The offensive has expanded the zone of active hostilities, placing further strain on Ukrainian resources.
Addressing Ukraine's upcoming peace conferences, Putin dismissed them as futile attempts to impose terms on Russia, asserting that Russia had not been invited. He expressed readiness for talks but insisted that any negotiations should adhere to a draft deal agreed upon during Istanbul talks in 2022.
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russian military sites in Novorossiysk and Sevastopol, aiming to counter Moscow's offensive in northeastern Ukraine. However, Russian defenses intercepted numerous drones, downing them over various regions.
The drone attack damaged critical infrastructure, including a power plant in Sevastopol and an oil refinery in Tuapse. Despite these attacks, Russian officials reported no casualties.
Recent Russian offensives have targeted multiple regions, stretching Ukrainian resources thin. Ukrainian forces are bracing for further confrontations, with reports suggesting planned Russian offensives in Sumy and other areas along the front line.
The conflict, which has seen minimal territorial changes over the past year and a half, continues to evolve into a protracted war of attrition.
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