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Zelensky: Ukraine defends in northern Kharkiv Oblast, 'extremely difficult' situation in Donetsk Oblast

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Zelensky: Ukraine defends in northern Kharkiv Oblast, 'extremely difficult' situation in Donetsk Oblast
Illustrative purposes only: Ukrainian army artillerists fire artillery on the frontline as the Russia-Ukraine war continues in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine on Oct. 27, 2023. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukrainian forces continue in defensive operations around northern border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on May 11.

The Russian military reportedly attempted a breakthrough in Ukraine's line of defense in Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, with the fighting continuing as of the following day.

Battles are ongoing around the settlements of Strilecha, Krasne, Morokhovets, Oliinykove, Lukiantsi, Hatyshche, and Pletenivka, Zelensky said.

"Our troops have been conducting counterattacks there for the second day, protecting Ukrainian territory," the president said.

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War Notes

Ukraine's military said that Moscow's troops had been contained in the "gray zone" border villages, while Russia alleged the capture of five local settlements: Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylne, and Strilecha.

The situation is also reportedly "particularly tense" in Donetsk Oblast, namely in the Pokrovsk direction near the villages of Semenivka and Netailove.

"There are more than 30 clashes daily, it is extremely difficult," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian forces continue to defend in other directions of Donetsk Oblast, namely around Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, and Vermivka.

"I thank each of our brigades, which bravely defends positions, repels assaults, destroys (Russian forces)," Zelensky said in the address.

"Disrupting Russian offensive plans is now the number one task."

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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