Ukraine’s top military official, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported on Sunday that Ukrainian troops have been forced to retreat to new positions west of three villages on the eastern front amid significant Russian military advances. The Russian advances come as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky begs for more weapons following the approval of a $61 billion aid package in the U.S.
“The situation at the front has worsened,” Syrskyi said. “In an attempt to seize the strategic initiative and break through the front line, the enemy has focused its main efforts on several areas, creating a significant advantage in forces and means.”
Skyrski confirmed that the “most difficult situation” currently was around villages to the west of Avdeyevka, a city seized by Russia this year in one of its most significant battlefield victories. He also confirmed a buildup of Russian forces near Kharkov.
Around 25,000 Russian troops are also reported to be advancing on the key city of Chasiv Yar. According to the Institute for the Study of War’s most recent Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, “Russian forces currently have opportunities to achieve operationally significant gains near Chasiv Yar and are preparing reserves to support a large-scale offensive effort expected this summer.”
‘STILL WAITING’ FOR MILITARY AID.
Meanwhile, Zelensky is begging the U.S. to deliver military aid swiftly following the approval of a $61 billion aid package to the beleaguered nation. During a Sunday call with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Zelensky emphasized the pressing need for Patriot missile defense systems.
“We are still waiting for the supplies Ukraine was promised,” Zelensky said in a video address Sunday. “In my conversation with Mr. Jeffries, I underscored that Patriot systems are needed, and as soon as possible,” he said.
The dire situation facing Ukraine on the eastern front follows warnings of an inevitable Ukrainian defeat in the war. Earlier this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg admitted Ukraine would likely need to make concessions to Russia in order to achieve peace.
