Kharkiv's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, issues a cautionary statement amidst a Ukrainian soldier's unprecedented act of openly criticizing Ukraine's efforts to prevent Russia from advancing into the northeastern region of the country. In a Facebook post, the soldier expresses concern, stating, "Our lives could be lost, and the reality may remain unheard."
The governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, has refuted accusations of inadequate Ukrainian fortifications along the extensive border with Russia. Despite the ongoing capture of numerous villages by Russian forces and the intensification of fierce fighting, Syniehubov maintains that the defenses remain robust.
However, a Ukrainian soldier has decided to publicly voice his criticism of Ukraine's readiness to prevent Russia from advancing into the northeast of the country - a danger that military leaders had been expecting since successfully repelling an initial invasion two years prior.
Denys, currently engaged in combat to repel the most recent offensive, expressed on Facebook his concern that "we might perish without anyone knowing the truth."
He stated: "The initial line of defenses and mines were simply non-existent."
Detailing the events of Russian ground forces, supported by airstrikes and artillery, easily crossing the border area on Friday, he mentioned: "The enemy entered the grey zone unopposed along the entire perimeter, which was not supposed to be grey in the first place!
"In two years, there should have been solid fortifications... along the Ukrainian border!"
Aerial footage shared on social media seems to depict Russian soldiers advancing unchallenged across a field on the Ukrainian side of the border.
Nonetheless, a platoon leader responsible for defending the border also mentioned that constructing fortifications was unfeasible due to the constant bombing by the Russians in that area.
The soldier, who preferred to stay anonymous, mentioned that having the appropriate weapons, such as five or six self-propelled Howitzers, could have made a significant impact. He also highlighted that it would have been more satisfying to witness the troops being decimated by Howitzer rounds rather than observing them walking into Ukraine.
When asked about the delay in constructing fortifications to defend the region, the governor stated that their military units were already in place and they were actively working to strengthen their efforts in this regard. Therefore, he emphasized that the current situation was completely under control.
However, he also confirmed that the Russian assault was intensifying. In an interview with Sky News in the regional capital of Kharkiv city, Mr. Syniehubov stated that the enemy was advancing from multiple positions, resulting in the expansion of the frontline.
Regarding the slowness of Western allies in resupplying Ukrainian troops with weapons and ammunition, he acknowledged that it had indeed left Ukraine vulnerable. He stated, "Yes," when asked about this matter. He further explained that both they and their soldiers on the battlefield could feel the impact of this delay. Despite conducting a defensive operation for nearly six months, they were still awaiting new supplies. Additionally, he noted that the enemy outnumbered them in terms of armaments, though not in terms of quality, but rather quantity.
Russia deployed numerous troops to northeastern Ukraine in a recent offensive - the most substantial assault on Kharkiv since the commencement of the full-scale war in February 2022.
Following a Ukrainian counterattack at that time, the Russian forces were driven out a few months later. However, they did not completely withdraw, opting instead to launch artillery and missile strikes on the region from their side of the border.
The latest offensive has caused thousands of civilians to flee from the largest border town of Vovchansk, along with the surrounding villages.
Despite this, there is currently no indication of widespread panic in Kharkiv city. The governor has stated that there is no necessity to implement an evacuation order.
At a checkpoint located on the outskirts of the regional capital, local law enforcement and other authorities were seen processing the documents of individuals escaping from the border regions.
Volodymyr Tymoshko, the chief of Kharkiv regional police, was present at the checkpoint after returning from a trip to Vovchansk. He confirmed the presence of Russian forces near the town.
"Vovchansk is currently enduring severe shelling," he stated.
"I was there just 20 minutes ago. The town has been almost completely devastated. If this continues for a few more days, there will be nothing left."
When asked about his concerns regarding the potential advancement of Russian forces towards Kharkiv city, the police chief responded, "Whether they advance or not, it ultimately relies on our defense forces, the military, and us... They will halt where they are halted."
He further commented, "In general, Russia will cease its advancement where it is stopped. If it does not halt in Ukraine, the next day it will be in Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond."
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