We are Adding More Forces to Kharkiv Directions, We Are Providing Everything Required to Protect Our Positions — Address by the President

10 May 2024 – 21:25

Dear Ukrainians!

Summary of this day.

The main topic is the Kharkiv region. Today, Russian troops tried to expand their operations against Ukraine. We understand the size of the occupier’s forces, we see their intentions. Our warriors, our artillery, our drones are retaliating against the occupier. I am grateful to each of our soldiers, each sergeant, each officer who are defending our positions in exactly the way it is necessary. We are adding more forces to Kharkiv directions. Both along our state border and along the entire front line, we will invariably destroy the occupier in a way that will disrupt any Russian offensive intentions. Today, the Commander-in-Chief reported to me in the morning and in the evening, and I constantly keep in touch with the Minister of Defense — we are providing everything required to protect our positions. It all depends on the resilience of our warriors, and everyone who is holding their positions now is holding the positions of the entire Ukraine. It is important that our partners support our warriors and Ukrainian resilience with timely supplies. I mean truly timely. The really helpful package is the weapons brought to Ukraine, not just the announcement of the package. I thank every leader who looks at the situation this way.

Therefore, the second thing is our international work. Today, we have a new decision on American support, President Biden’s decision. It includes artillery, anti-tank weapons, vehicles and air defense. This is exactly what we need. Thank you. We are working on logistics to ensure that all the weapons prove their worth at the front as soon as possible. Today I had a great conversation with the President of Slovakia, who was on her visit to Ukraine. We talked about defense cooperation and about the political results we need to achieve next month in our relations with the European Union. It’s time for the actual opening of negotiations, and Ukraine as well as everyone in Europe needs this strategic message. I also had several telephone conversations — no matter what, we are preparing the Peace Summit, we are preparing a platform for the world majority to be able to force Russia into peace. Today I personally invited the President of Argentina, the Prime Minister of Iceland, and the Ecumenical Patriarch to the Summit. I am grateful to each of them for their desire to bring international law back to full effect. We will continue to be equally active — all the continents, all the countries’ views should be represented at the Peace Summit.

And the third. I had a very detailed, long meeting today with the team preparing the Summit from the Ukrainian side. The organization of the Summit is already elaborated. We still have tasks to accomplish — so that every leader can demonstrate their effectiveness for the sake of common interests. We are sure it will happen. And this is exactly what we have to realize now — Russia is trying to disrupt it. The more meaningful the Summit is, the closer peace will be. Obviously, Putin does not want this. Obviously, he will continue trying to disrupt our efforts, both by offensive attempts and by attempts to undermine our agreements with other leaders.

We must prevent this. We have to do everything we can for this.

I thank everyone who helps!

Glory to all our warriors!

Glory to Ukraine!

The cost:

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1788901140563697975

On April 9th, Mrs Zinaida was brought to Mechnykov hospital in Dnipro in a coma. She was under a Russian missile attack in Kostiantynivka and had a shrapnel wound to her head. Mrs Zinaida’s face and limbs were black from thermal burns, and she had multiple lacerations from missile fragments.

Her daughter, grandson and neighbors were all killed by the Russian missile.

She spent 16 days in a coma. Now Mrs Zinaida is conscious – thanks to her angel doctor Valeriia Labunets.

Dr. Labunets has worked in the septic intensive care unit for 10 years. Her father is defending Ukraine on the frontlines. Dr. Labunets spent dozens of nights with Mrs Zinaida, saving her life. They understand each other without words now.

Recently, Mrs Zinaida managed to write “I want to go home” on a piece of paper. But her home was also destroyed by the Russian missile.

Source: Serhii Ryzhenko/Facebook

The reason:

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1788951965386330195

Mrs Tamara is 81. She consistently donates to Ukrainian Defenders even though she doesn’t have a lot of money.

Ukrainian Defense Intelligence sent her a personal award, as well as a video message by Kyrylo Budanov himself.

“When I receive pension, first of all, I donate for drones, then I buy medicine, and the rest of the money – for treats,” says Mrs Tamara.

She shared that when a Russian ship was sunk by Ukraine on her birthday, it was the best gift she has ever received.

Wishing Mrs Tamara good health and lots of strength.

📹: Main Directorate of Intelligence

 

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1788892210387210743

The Defense Forces of Ukraine are defending our strongholds in the Kharkiv region.
Over the past day, the enemy used guided aerial bombs to carry out airstrikes in the Vovchansk direction.
With the beginning of the night, the russian occupiers increased the fire pressure on first line of our defense with the support of artillery.
At approximately 5 am, there was an attempt by the enemy to break through our defense line using armored vehicles.
As of now, these attacks have been repelled; battles of varying intensity continue.
Reserve units have been deployed to strengthen the defense in this area of the front. The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to hold back the enemy’s offensive.
We are grateful to every soldier, sergeant and officer who displayed the necessary fortitude and bravery to defend our positions.

Kharkiv:

https://twitter.com/ChristopherJM/status/1788910930106974232

Russian forces launched an attack overnight on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The Defense Ministry said Russian units tried to break through Ukrainian lines across the border after artillery and guided aerial bomb strikes around Vovchansk. Reserves were sent in. Russia wants to create a “sanitary” or buffer zone near its border to prevent attacks and incursions on its soil. But also Ukrainian officials have said that Moscow still has eyes on Kharkiv, which it continues to pound daily with bombs and rockets, and is looking to launch a larger offensive in the coming weeks or months. The Kremlin is of course also exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of weapons, ammo and troops.
https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/14583

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788975864773792064

Here’s all of Tatarigami’s battlespace assessment regarding the Russian invasion of Kharkiv Oblast. From the Threader App:

Overnight, Russian infantry, backed by armored vehicles, entered Kharkiv oblast from Belgorod area, using small tactical units. Frontelligence Insight had previously cautioned about this scenario. Here’s what we know about it🧵:

(Before proceeding, please like and share)

2/ The capture of border villages like Strilecha, Krasne, Pylne, and Borysivka isn’t unexpected. It’s an anticipated maneuver to divert Ukrainian resources from the main Russian offensive in Donbas. Considering manpower shortages, Ukraine will be forced to redeploy some personnel

3/ Many question how Russian forces crossed the border so quickly. The answer is simple — the border is a grey zone heavily surveilled and, hence doesn’t have defensive structures. Instead, the defensive lines are positioned deeper within Ukrainian territory. 

4/ Manpower shortages compel Ukraine to avoid deploying large units along the border continuously, with fully stocked and ready for immediate-use artillery. Placing defenses directly on the border would result in Russian forces occupying vacated or sparsely manned trenches 

5/Russians anticipate a significant social backlash, inducing panic and demands for resolution. This pressure aims to compel the redeployment of units from critical areas of Russian advances in Donbas. Meanwhile, Russian forces deploy infantry units incapable of deep strikes 

6/ The situation is expected to evolve, with Russian forces deploying more units to penetrate additional border areas or to reinforce initial successes. With our estimate of their force equivalent to two Russian corps, they can sustain this operation. 

7/ Thus far, Russian forces have not breached the main Ukrainian defenses. Given the time required for Ukrainian units to deploy to the area, it is premature to assess the overall success or failure of this incursion. We will continue to provide updates 

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788896965280870683

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788876360296845435

Tweet 1:

Today, Russians began an attack on the Kharkiv region from the Russian side, crossing the state border of Ukraine. Deepstate about the situation in the region:

“In the area of ​​Kharkiv region, hostilities by the enemy began

The fighting began with heavy shelling from various weapons of border settlements in the Kharkov region. Currently, shelling continues, in particular, in the area of ​​the city of Vovchansk. EW and UAV systems are also actively used.

Russians is trying to enter and gain a foothold in a number of settlements along the border, in particular, in the villages of Strelecha-Krasne-Pylna-Borysivka. Attempts are also being made by Russians to attack in the settlements of Gatishche-Pletenivka. The main Russian forces are currently infantry with the support of a small amount of equipment. They do not dare to move beyond the above-mentioned settlements, perhaps the use of major forces is expected.

The available resources that the enemy has used at the moment will not be enough for a deep advance. Currently, the situation is such that Russians are destabilizing the border areas. But it is not known how many main forces they are ready to use for this maneuver.

Separately, we would like to mention the area of Sagittarius-Red-Pilna-Borysivka. In advance, Russians made attempts to saturate the personnel in the villages, in particular, in the village of Pylna, which we will write about in more detail separately. You can claim to repel all attacks, distort information, but the responsible persons who should have reacted to it from the first minutes are now thinking about what to do with it.

In the media, actions from the enemy were expected. Even more, units of the Defense Forces, which directly hold positions along the border, were waiting for them. Now everything is in their hands, and they are making maximum efforts to repulse the next Russian offensive actions. The task of the entire society is not to panic, but to help our fighters on the front lines. The civilian population in the border areas should not be fooled, but should listen to calls from local authorities, in particular, regarding evacuation.”

https://t.me/DeepStateUA/19444

Tweet 2:

/2. Deepstate: “One of the results of the Russian offensive actions on the northern border of the Kharkiv region

Preliminarily, 3 units of equipment were burned on the ground outside the settlements of Morokhovets-Oliynikov. Russians were moving from the side of Pylna.”

https://t.me/DeepStateUA/19445

 

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788952492006330741

https://twitter.com/Alfaiomi/status/1788885321574146223

https://twitter.com/maria_avdv/status/1788842961117053381

https://twitter.com/maria_avdv/status/1788822223639265503

https://twitter.com/Teoyaomiquu/status/1788996957710516653

Today Kharkiv is defending against the invaders once again, I want to share what our Kharkiv team is doing, as sirens wail over their heads and ask you to donate to speed up their efforts.

We have delivered 2 excavators for Ukrainian defenders to dig trenches and build fortifications, but as expected, they need repairs, and we have to get 3 more.

I am currently fundraising with Liberty Ukraine Foundation to make sure that excavators are delivered asap.

Please watch this video update, (first time I am doing something like this), and donate by following this link: https://paypal.com/pools/c/94gFbMzqdJ

I apologize for this format, but maybe it can help fundraising. I hate filming myself

And an assessment from the Carnegie Endowment’s Dara Massicot via the Thread Reader App:

Ukrainian officials say attacks on border areas in Kharkiv Oblast have begun. Is this the beginnings of a new front, limited incursion (“sanitary zone”), or harassment? Where does this lead? Threat= capability x intent, so let’s consider both below. 👇

Intent: Putin in March said he wanted a “sanitary zone” aka occupied buffer zone inside Kharkiv, in response to shelling or cross border raids from groups like RDK. /2

With the election behind him, Putin says Russia aims to set up a buffer zone inside UkraineRussian President Vladimir Putin says his country won’t relent in its invasion of Ukraine and has announced plans for a buffer zone to protect against long-range Ukrainian strikes and cross-border rai…https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-e7102a4f4bedd9aef8a855a7aa977f9f

Intent: a few weeks ago, the MOD elevated the Russian group of forces from “Border Protection” to Operational Group North – making it equivalent to the other Operational Groups of Forces. /3

Within the last week, Gen Lapin was appointed the newly formed Operational Group North. (Lapin commanded the initial Group Center in the 2022 invasion) /4

Ukrainian officials have been anticipating an attack on Kharkiv/Sumy for some time. /5

Ukraine says it repelled Russian bid to cross borderThe attempt came during an attack on a town in the northeastern Kharkiv region, says the military.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6pyv8q94g1o

Capability: I’ve said previously that for Russia to invade the entire oblast, I think 75,000-100,000 personnel is ballpark and vehicles , which isn’t in their grasp right now, nor do they have means to occupy a large city like Kharkiv. /5 

What is required to establish a sanitary zone of ~30KM across Kharkiv oblast? For personnel requirements close to the border I would estimate around two combined arms armies worth, perhaps 30,000-40,000 personnel over time and associated armored vehicles. /6 

Early reports (take with grain of salt) say the Air Force and UAVs are working first with infantry assaults. Operationally appropriate early phase decision, or lack of available armor? to be determined. /7

Next few days, important to watch for increased VKS/UAV/FPV activity to map out and engage UAF defenses, continued shelling. In a worst case scenario, it creates favorable conditions for armored vehicle commitment. /8 

Or, Russia is light on equipment for this effort, and attacks with infantry and light vehicles. Either way, if they attack Kharkiv, it draws Russia’s reserves that otherwise could have been secondary reserves for their main objective, Donetsk, or elsewhere. /9 

Where would these Russian forces come from? As far as I can tell, there haven’t been major reallocations from forces in occupied Ukraine, which implies this group would be created from reserves (inexperienced) or units that were withdrawn/regenerating (mixed) /10. 

To know Russia’s goals here, it is key to locate units and resources allocated in border areas in Russia: where and how many are staged- or if there are not enough staged. Either way, Ukrainian forces are now being stretched a bit to cope with this at a difficult time./end 

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1788884928773447761

Ukrainian Defender in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, shares about the situation in the city. There has been massive shelling since last night by Russia.

Locals are urged to evacuate or stay in shelters.

“The situation is more or less stable,” a military officer said.

📹: alex_skif007/TikTok

The US:

https://twitter.com/ChristopherJM/status/1788955340148506629

No it can’t!

Here’s everything the US is sending:

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1788993787533885888

🇺🇸 @DeptofDefense announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $400 million.

The capabilities in the new package include:
◾️Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems;
◾️Additional munitions for NASAMS
◾️Stinger anti-aircraft missiles
◾️Equipment to integrate Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine’s systems
◾️Additional HIMARS systems and ammunition
◾️155mm and 105mm artillery rounds
◾️Bradley IFVs
◾️M113 APCs
◾️MRAP vehicles
◾️Trailers to transport heavy equipment
◾️TOW missiles
◾️Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems
◾️Precision aerial munitions
◾️HARMs
◾️Small arms and additional rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades
◾️Demolitions munitions and equipment for obstacle clearing
◾️Coastal and riverine patrol boats
◾️Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear protective equipment
◾️Spare parts, training munitions, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment

We are grateful for your unwavering support. Together, we will win!

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788995557458862493

Changes in the official Fact Sheets on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine between 26 April 2024 and 10 May 2024. Interesting changes:

39 HIMARS ➡️ Moere than 40 HIMARS
More than 200 Bradley ➡️ More than 300 Bradley
300 M113 ➡️ More than 400 M113

26 April 2024 –https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/26/2003451249/-1/-1/1/UKRAINE_FACT_SHEET_USAI_18.PDF
10 May 2024 – https://media.defense.gov/2024/May/10/2003461807/-1/-1/0/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-MAY-10-PDA-57.PDF

Unfortunately the delays from the House and Senate GOP obstruction, done in service of Trump’s ambitions and vindictiveness, combined with the poor legislative strategy and overall strategic timidity of the Biden nat-sec team means that far too many Ukrainians are going to die because this material didn’t get to Ukraine sometime between DEC 2023 and MAR 2024.

For want of a nail!

The Czech Republic:

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1788862292278268012

The Czech Republic handed over the first F-16 fighter simulator to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Air Force Commander Oleschuk said that it was received by one of the tactical aviation brigades.

The simulator is already being tested. He noted that Ukraine needs not only F-16s, but also a powerful educational and material base for young people, and therefore calls on its allies to join this initiative.

France:

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1788868739544359083

Operation Chrysalide is a secret undertaking organized by France to provide SCALP-EG air-launched land attack cruise missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine – Radio France Internationale.

According to the sources asked by RFI, the SCALP missiles that could be transferred to the Ukrainian forces are divided into two categories: the ones fully operational but soon to reach their end of service life, as well as the “cannibalized” ones — some of their components were removed to keep other SCALPs in the French forces in working order. The second group of missiles must undergo restoration at their home factories in Bourges, where one of facilities belonging to MBDA company is located.

https://rfi.fr/fr/europe/20240506-op%C3%A9ration-chrysalide-comment-la-france-organise-la-livraison-de-missiles-scalp-%C3%A0-l-ukraine

Rovenki, Russian occupied Luhansk Oblast:

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1789011289596973117

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1789014677608939949

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1789013934223016123

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1789049951110000995

Belgorod Oblast, Russia:

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1789068763851059216

Kaluga Oblast, Russia:

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1788758437553131665

That’s enough for tonight!

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets today. Here is some adjacent material from the Ukrainian Army Cats & Dogs feed:

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1788668507237883935

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1788668449884893688

And a new video from Patron’s official TikTok:

@patron__dsns

Ви знаєте, яка ваша денна норма води?💧 #песпатрон

♬ Redbone Kaemonsguitar – kaemon

Here is the machine translation of the caption:

Do you know what your daily water intake is? 💧 #песпатрон

Obligatory!

Open thread!