KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces have secured “combat control” of areas where Russian troops entered the northeastern Kharkiv region earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Kharkiv is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border. Vovchansk has been a flashpoint for fighting since Russia launched the offensive in the Kharkiv region. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Kremlin’s army is attempting to create a “buffer zone” in the Kharkiv region to prevent Ukrainian cross-border attacks. In addition to the ground offensive operation along Ukraine’s northeastern border, Russia is continuing to bombard the Kharkiv region with missiles, guided aerial bombs and drones.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 25, 2024 11:05 UTC