UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, May 21 — Ukrainian military records an accumulation of Russian troops near the border with Kharkiv Oblast. They warn about Russians’ preparation for active assaults on the Kharkiv axis, said Andrii Pomahaibus, head of staff of the 13th National Guard Brigade, “Khartia,” to Suspilne.

During the Istanbul talks on May 16, Moscow threatened to occupy Kharkiv and Sumy if Ukraine did not withdraw its troops from four regions that the Kremlin claims as part of Russia. 

Over the next few days after the negotiations, Ukraine forces reported that Russia continued its offensive. On May 20, they tried to advance four times on the Kharkiv and Kupiansk axes.

“Russian forces try to bring their personnel closer to the frontline and to start conducting at least some assaults. Overall, they’re unsuccessful. We need to monitor all dangerous directions near the border. There’s clear preparation for active assaults.” 

Pomahaibus noted that Russia “as usual”  launches combined assaults from artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and heavy equipment. 

“At the same time, they’re sending infantry in: they distract attention in one direction and advance in another,” said Pomahaibus, adding that Ukraine’s forces are ready to repel assaults.

He also said that the range of Russian fiber-optic drones can reach 15-30 kilometers.

“Fiber-optic drones are the main growth in Russia. This issue is very painful. We can’t detect and stop these drones using electronic warfare. But we already have the mechanism to counteract them,” said Pomahaibus.

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