Kyiv: In the heart of Kyiv’s turmoil, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark message on the relentless conflict with Russia, describing the ongoing battles as “fierce” and the situation in certain regions as “extremely difficult”. Emphasizing the imperative for Ukraine to stand resilient, Zelenskyy issued a warning against the insidious tactics of Russian psychological operations (PSYOPs), highlighting that “the occupier feeds on lies and the fear that follows the lies.” Amidst these challenges, he urged his fellow citizens not to be swayed by sensational headlines.
“Today, the frontline remains our primary focus, along with our response to Russian operations. Throughout the day, updates have poured in from the Commander-in-Chief, intelligence sources, and the Interior Minister,” President Zelenskyy remarked in a solemn video address on Sunday.
Singling out the Kharkiv region, Zelenskyy underscored the intense efforts by Russian forces, labeling them as the “occupier”, and expressed concern over their attempts to establish a foothold. He revealed that the motive behind Russian incursions in Kharkiv is to stretch Ukrainian defenses thin.
“Our defensive struggle rages on, fierce battles engulfing vast swathes of our borderlands. Villages once dormant have now become battlegrounds – as the occupier seeks to consolidate positions or exploit them for further advances,” the Ukrainian leader detailed.
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Expressing gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of inflicting significant losses on the adversary.
“Survival in war hinges on our ability to withstand assaults, to stand firm so others may do the same. Resilience and Ukrainian valor in battle are paramount,” Zelenskyy asserted.
While acknowledging the grave situation near Vovchansk, where incessant Russian shelling persists, Zelenskyy stressed the need for unwavering resolve.
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“Our focus extends beyond Kharkiv, encompassing other active theaters of combat such as the Donetsk sector, where tensions run equally high. The assault in Kharkiv aims to deplete our forces and erode the morale of Ukrainian defenders. The situation is most dire in the Pokrovsk direction,” he added.
In a plea to his compatriots, Zelenskyy urged vigilance, advocating for critical scrutiny of news reports and unwavering support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
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“In these times, prudence prevails. Let us not succumb to emotions or sensationalism, but rather verify every piece of information and place our trust in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Our warriors are steadfast, and we are collaborating with both domestic and international partners to equip them adequately,” Zelenskyy urged.
The urgency of Zelenskyy’s message was underscored by reports of Russia’s seizure of nine villages in a brazen cross-border assault, prompting Ukraine to declare a significant deterioration in the situation in northern Kharkiv. Despite Russia’s claims of control, Ukraine asserted its continued resistance and successful repulsion of the attacks, with numerous civilians evacuated from the conflict zones. The unexpected incursion, initiated on Friday, marked a troubling escalation, prompting President Zelenskyy to call for renewed defensive measures.
