During his visit to the city of Harbin, Putin stated that the Kharkiv offensive was a direct response to Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Belgorod region. He mentioned that if the shelling continued, Russia would be compelled to create a “security zone” or “sanitary zone.” Putin assured that Russian forces are progressing according to plan but stressed that capturing Kharkiv is not currently on their agenda.
In light of the Russian advances, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two laws aimed at increasing military personnel. One law allows prisoners to join the army, and another significantly increases fines for draft evasion. The new measures, set to take effect on Saturday, will enable parole for certain convicts to enlist, excluding those convicted of crimes against Ukraine’s national security. Fines for draft evasion have been raised to 25,500 hryvnias ($650) for citizens and 51,000 hryvnias ($1,300) for civil servants and entities.
Ukrainian authorities have evacuated approximately 8,000 civilians from the town of Vovchansk, near the Russian border. The evacuation follows intense Russian military actions, typically characterized by aerial bombardments followed by ground troop incursions. In Kharkiv, regional chief Oleh Syniehubov reported at least two fatalities and 19 injuries due to Russian bombing, with four individuals in critical condition.
Ukraine’s military chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that the Russian offensive has extended the active combat zone by nearly 70 kilometers (45 miles). This expansion aims to compel Ukraine to spread its forces thinner and use reserve units. President Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian troops have advanced 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border.
Earlier on Friday, a significant Ukrainian drone attack targeted Russian-occupied Crimea, causing power outages in Sevastopol. The attack followed a previous strike that damaged aircraft and fuel storage at an airbase. Additionally, Russian authorities reported a fire at an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar region, due to a drone strike. Local officials in Krasnodar and Belgorod reported fires caused by drone debris, but no casualties were mentioned.
Putin commented on upcoming peace conferences in Switzerland, dismissing them as attempts to impose peace terms on Russia. He emphasized that any negotiations should be based on the draft deal discussed during the Istanbul talks in 2022. Putin indicated that while Russia remains open to talks, it views President Zelenskyy’s peace proposals as impractical.
Expanded Coverage:
