Zelensky assures that they are “stopping” Russian troops in Kharkov and Donetsk despite the difficulties

The Ukrainian president recognizes that the energy sector has lost a good part of its production capacity due to Russian attacks

May 18. () –

The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, assured this Friday that the Army is “holding back” Russian troops in the regions of Kharkiv (northeast) and Donetsk (east) despite the “difficult” situation on the battle front.

“In the Vovchansk, Liptsi and Kupiansk directions, in the Kharkiv direction, we are slowing down the Russian advance. I thank every brigade and every unit. We are also focused on Donetsk, where Pokrovsk is the most difficult situation, with the number highest level of combat,” Zelensky said during a speech.

After this, he has asserted that Russia intends to weaken all Ukrainian forces along the front to “reinforce their propaganda” that “they are the ones who will determine” what will happen in the war, which is why it has set its objective on “preventing “to break both the front lines and their diplomacy, so that they can continue to opt for a “just peace.”

As the Russian offensive advances, Ukraine has warned of the dangerous consequences that would have if the city of Kharkiv, located about 30 kilometers from the border and of great strategic importance, fell into the hands of the Kremlin, which has already taken over control of several locations.

In recent hours, Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied that the objectives include taking over the province’s capital of the same name and has limited recent operations to the creation of a security zone to avoid suffering Ukrainian attacks on border areas. , like the Russian city of Belgorod.

DECREASE IN ENERGY PRODUCTION

Zelensky has also acknowledged that the continued Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure, which they have been bombing for weeks, have caused a “significant loss” of energy production capacity.

“We have had a long and detailed conversation about the protection and restoration of our energy sector. (…) Following the Russian attacks, our energy sector has lost a significant part of its production. It will take time to restore it. There is “we have to work hard to continue developing the new energy sector, which will be able to function despite the threats of Russian terror,” he added.

Finally, he reported that the authorities are already preparing for the summer season to repair infrastructure and generate nuclear energy, but that electricity cuts will be necessary, and he has asked the population to “be aware of their consumption”.