UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, July 29 — President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kharkiv region and went to the military positions near Vovchansk. Zelenskyy also visited Derhachi, reports the official Telegram of the President of Ukraine.

Russia started its new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

In the Kharkiv direction, Zelenskyy visited the command post of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The head of state congratulated the soldiers with the Special Operation Forces day that’s observed today and presented them with state awards.

“I thank you for your bravery, for heroic operations both behind enemy lines and during the defense and deoccupation of our cities and villages,” the President noted.

Also, that day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Derhachi to see 18 houses and an outpatient clinic that were rebuilt after the Russians had damaged them.

Oleksandr Pivnenko, the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, said in an interview with Ukrinform that Russian troops will no longer be able to conduct active assaults in many directions at once and will go on the defensive.

Pivnenko noted that Russia’s offensive capabilities are not unlimited. They have already suffered many losses, so they’ll change their tactics and go on defense in a month, Pivnenko believes. According to the commander, Ukraine has to form and train units during this time.

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  • The Russian army continues combat actions in the Kharkiv direction. In total, there were six attacks over the past day, reported the General Staff.