Putin dismisses minister in latest move indicating change in Ukraine war strategy | Global News

The conflict in northeastern Ukraine has escalated as Russian forces opened a second front by invading the Kharkiv region from the Belgorod region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces have advanced between five and 10km into the Kharkiv region, with the priority being the seizure of Vovchansk, a key settlement near the border. The Institute of the Study of War noted that this could serve as a staging ground for a second phase of the offensive, with the city of Lyptsi potentially being a target.

Despite Vladimir Putin claiming that capturing the city of Kharkiv is not part of the plan, a former Ukrainian president expressed skepticism about his trustworthiness. The offensive has resulted in civilian casualties, with 10 people killed in Russian strikes on Sunday, according to local governor Oleh Syniehubov. Additionally, Russian forces have captured 40 civilians from a town in Kharkiv, as reported by the head of the investigative department of the Kharkiv regional police.

In response to the invasion, anti-Putin Russian paramilitary soldiers have joined Ukrainian troops to defend the new frontier. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to target the Black Sea and the occupied Crimean peninsula, launching attacks on the Belbek airfield and destroying elements of an air defense missile battery. The conflict is intensifying, with Ukrainian troops facing ammunition shortages and preparing for a major push from Russian forces in the east. The situation remains volatile as international tensions rise, with Poland announcing plans to fortify its eastern border and accusations from Russia’s ambassador to the UK implicating Western countries in the conflict.