Russia claims capture of five villages in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast

On May 11, Moscow's Defense Ministry announced that its forces had seized control of five Ukrainian villages in Kharkiv Oblast near the border with Russia. These villages include Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna, and Strilecha, as reported by Reuters.

This announcement follows Ukraine's Defense Ministry's report on May 10 that Russian forces attempted to break through in Kharkiv Oblast. However, the Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims made by the Russian Defense Ministry. On May 11, Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces, stated that Moscow's troops were being held back in the so-called "gray zone" and had not made any advancements.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov, speaking to journalists on May 11, stated that the situation was "fully controlled," and fighting was ongoing in four of the five villages claimed by Moscow—Strilecha, Pylna, Borysivka, and Ohirtseve.

As the fighting continues, there is uncertainty regarding whether the Russian offensive is a limited action or the precursor to a larger attack on the city of Kharkiv itself. On May 10, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby remarked that the latter possibility was being considered, citing signs that Russia may be preparing to use long-range fire within the city's range.

Kirby also mentioned that while Russia might make some advances in the coming weeks, significant breakthroughs are unlikely due to the influx of U.S. assistance, which will bolster Ukraine's ability to withstand attacks, as reported by AFP.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on May 11 that over the past day, 1,775 civilians in Kharkiv Oblast had been evacuated from their homes amid renewed Russian attacks on the region.

Despite being less than 30 kilometers from the Russian border, Kharkiv managed to resist occupation by Russian forces in the initial weeks of the full-scale invasion. Oleksandr Pivnenko, commander of Ukraine's National Guard, expressed confidence that Russia would require years to occupy Kharkiv, highlighting the city's resilience amidst the looming threat of renewed attacks.

Russian forces in Kharkiv Oblast contained, fighting continues

On May 11, Ukraine's military reported that Russian forces engaged in the new offensive operation targeting Kharkiv Oblast have been contained and have not made further advancements. Nazar Voloshyn, speaking on national TV as the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces, stated that Moscow's troops are being held back in the "gray zone," referring to border settlements along the oblast's border with Russia. "The enemy is contained in the gray zone, and it is not expanding," he confirmed.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry had previously reported on May 10 that Russian forces attempted to break through in Kharkiv Oblast. Subsequently, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed Ukrainian troops were successfully fending off Russian forces in the Lyptsi and Vovchansk directions in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast, as Moscow deployed infantry and heavy equipment.

Voloshyn mentioned ongoing fighting in the Lyptsi and Vovchansk directions, with Ukrainian forces actively pursuing Russian troops hidden in forested areas.

The question remains whether the Russian offensive is a limited action or a prelude to a larger attack on the city of Kharkiv itself. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby indicated on May 10 that the White House assessed the latter as a possibility, citing signs of Russia's preparation to utilize long-range fire within the city's range.

Kirby also noted that while Russia might make some advances in the coming weeks, significant breakthroughs are unlikely due to the influx of U.S. assistance aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against such attacks, as reported by AFP. Washington actively provides Ukraine with defense supplies, working tirelessly to support its efforts.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on May 11 that amid renewed Russian attacks on the region, 1,775 civilians in Kharkiv Oblast had been evacuated from their homes over the past day.

Despite Kharkiv's proximity to the Russian border, Russian forces failed to seize control of the city in the initial weeks of the full-scale invasion. Oleksandr Pivnenko, commander of Ukraine's National Guard, expressed confidence that Russia would require years to occupy Kharkiv, emphasizing the city's resilience in the face of renewed threats of attack.

Russia may be preparing a larger offensive on Kharkiv - White House

According to Reuters, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby didn't rule out the possibility that the increased Russian attacks at Ukraine's northeastern border on May 10 might be a preparation for a larger offensive on Kharkiv.

Earlier that day, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported Russian forces' attempt to break through in Kharkiv Oblast, a claim later confirmed by President Zelensky as part of new offensive operations in the area.

Kirby emphasized Washington's commitment to supporting Ukraine by working tirelessly to provide defense supplies. President Joe Biden authorized a $400 million military aid package for Kyiv on May 10, comprising artillery shells, air defense missiles, armored vehicles, and other munitions.

"It is certainly possible that the Russians are setting themselves up for a larger assault on Kharkiv," Kirby stated, noting signs indicating Russia's readiness to employ long-range fire within the city's range.

He also suggested that while Russia might achieve some advances in the coming weeks, significant breakthroughs are unlikely due to the bolstering of Ukrainian defenses through U.S. assistance, as reported by AFP. Recent intensified attacks against Kharkiv, including the use of missiles, glide bombs, and drones, have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Zelensky addressed the ongoing heavy fighting along the entire front line in his evening address.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, defensive battles persist in Kharkiv Oblast, with reports of Russian forces using infantry and equipment to advance. Fighting for several border settlements designated as "the gray zone" continues.

Despite its proximity to the Russian border, Kharkiv resisted Russian occupation in the initial weeks of the invasion. Commander of Ukraine's National Guard, Oleksandr Pivnenko, expressed confidence that it would take years for Russia to occupy Kharkiv amidst the looming threat of renewed attacks.