Russian offensive in Kharkiv may be just the ‘first wave’, warns Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy acknowledged problems with manpower and “morale” but said that for now his troops had stabilized the front lines and that Russian forces had not advanced more than 6 miles into Ukrainian territory. Fierce fighting continues in the streets of Vovchansk, a frontline town where thousands of residents have fled in recent days.

Ukraine sent reserves to the area, a move that helped prevent further losses in the Northeast. But it could spread its forces further across the battlefield and expose other parts of the front lines as the Russians advance into the eastern Donetsk region and reportedly gather forces near Sumy, west of Vovchansk.

The Russian military said it dealt Ukraine another setback in the area on Saturday by taking control of Starytsa, a village west of Vovchansk.

The Ukrainians did not comment on the claim, although the Kiev General Staff said in an update that “the enemy does not stop trying to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops” in the area. “Our defenders are trying to repel the enemy,” he said.

NBC News was unable to independently verify battlefield reports from either side.

While Kremlin forces may not be enough to take Kharkiv, Ledwidge said, “they are enough to probe Ukrainian forces and expose the lack of their defenses,” and the fall of Starytsa is another example.

Zelenskyy blamed a lack of air defenses for the breach around Kharkiv, repeating on Friday his call for more defense systems and fighter jets.

Ukraine is desperately waiting for supplies from the $60 billion US military aid approved last month, which includes rocket launch systems, artillery ammunition, infantry vehicles and other military equipment.

While his allies call for a quick end to the war, Zelenskyy says Ukraine will only accept a “fair” peace solution.

“We are in an absurd situation where the West fears that Russia will lose the war,” he said, “and does not want Ukraine to lose it.”

As the death toll on the Ukrainian side rises, a total victory for Kiev seems increasingly distant.

“How long are you going to throw your middle-aged youth into a war you can’t win on your own terms,” Ledwidge asked.

This line of thinking could renew the focus on peace talks.

Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have vowed to forge deeper ties this week as their countries increasingly clash with the West, and Zelenskyy wants to use Beijing’s “influence” over Moscow to his advantage.

He urged China to attend a summit next month in neutral Switzerland, while Russia was not invited.

China and other global powers “have influence over Russia. And the more countries like that we have on our side, on the side of ending the war, I would say, the more Russia will have to move and face,” he said.