Ukrainian defences are on the brink of collapse as officials fear a major Russian advance that could lead to an all-out assault to seize the country’s second-largest city. Western officials have sounded the alarm, citing shortages of manpower and ammunition that have left Ukraine outmanned and outgunned on the battlefield.
According to reports, Ukraine is currently at its “most fragile moment” since the war began, with concerns that Russia could launch a significant offensive for the first time in years. The city of Kharkiv, which has already faced intense bombardment from Russian forces, is believed to be a possible target for a renewed assault.
Recent tactics employed by Russian forces, such as the “double-tap” attack targeting emergency services, have raised fears of a potential all-out offensive in the coming months. While Kharkiv may not be the most likely target, its proximity to the Russian border and attacks in the nearby region of Belgorod have raised concerns.
Despite the looming threat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed confidence that Russia may not succeed in seizing Kharkiv, citing previous failed attempts in 2022. However, experts warn that if Ukraine does not address issues with ammunition and manpower, Russia could make significant gains in the coming months.
As tensions escalate and fears of a major Russian advance grow, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, hoping to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.