KUPIANSK, UKRAINE, Feb 29 — In the Kupiansk-Lyman direction, the Russian troops continue to put pressure on the positions of the Ukrainian military near Synkivka in the Kharkiv Oblast, Illia Yevlash, spokesman for the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, said during a telethon.

According to him, groundwater is expected to rise with the onset of spring, which will complicate the Russian army’s offensive. Ukrainian troops plan to use this time to strengthen their defensive positions.

“Now, with the onset of spring, the groundwater may rise, which will lead to flooding of the trenches. [Meaning, there will be] refitting of positions on the ground. This time can be used in our favor, as it will be difficult for the enemy to conduct offensive operations with heavy equipment for some time,” Yevlash said.

On February 28, the Russian military fired more than 800 times at the positions of Ukrainian troops in this area and used aviation 13 times. In total, the Russians lost 343 soldiers and 73 pieces of equipment, Yevlash said.

As reported, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled two Russian attacks in the Kupiansk direction near Synkivka and Tabaivka in the Kharkiv Oblast.

According to him, the Russians probably consider it necessary to attack now with all available forces. The Ukrainian military is working on defense.

“Of course, we can cope with the number of Russian troops in this area, but we need more weapons. Weapons are above all now, particularly ammunition, 155 caliber, 105 caliber, and drones. Of course, we need much more of them because the enemy outnumbers us,” he said.

According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, Russia uses all types of weapons to shell the border areas — aircraft, artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and drones, so civilians are urged to evacuate.

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