Russian attack in Kharkiv Oblast may be first wave of wider offensive – Zelenskyy

"They have started their operation, it may consist of several waves. And this is their first wave. But after this first wave, the situation is under control," Zelenskyy assured.

According to the head of state, Russia does not have the forces for a large-scale attack on the capital, as was the case at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. At the same time, he believes that the eastern territories and Kharkiv are now the Kremlin's main targets.

Previously, President Zelenskyy said that the Defense Forces managed to stabilize the situation in northern Kharkiv Oblast. The deepest point of the Russians' advance is 10 kilometers.

Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast

According to General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as of the evening of May 17, on the Kharkiv axis, there were two attempts by the enemy to break through the defense of the Defense Forces in the directions Hlyboke — Lyptsi, Buhruvatka — Starytsia. Ukrainian troops control the situation.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine in some areas conducted assaults to improve the tactical position, and also cleared the area. Near the border town of Vovchansk, Ukrainian units are strengthening their defenses to improve their tactical position.

Since the beginning of the Russian offensive on May 10, the Defense Forces forced the aggressor to significantly reduce its activity. And the plans to wedge as much as possible into the depths of the urban development of Vovchansk and gain a foothold there were thwarted, the General Staff assures.

Meanwhile, in the north of Vovchansk, the Russian troops are already taking civilians captive. People began to be kidnapped and driven to basements. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has information about the first shootings.