“We have been conducting a defensive operation for practically six months, awaiting new supplies,” Syniehubov added in his remarks to Sky. “And, of course, the enemy outweighs us in armaments — not in quality but in quantity.”
Despite internal criticism of Ukraine’s fortifications, Syniehubov insisted defenses were strong as Russian forces captured villages and fighting intensified.
“We have our military units out. We are strengthening our efforts in this area as well,” Syniehubov said. “Therefore, I emphasize that the situation is currently fully under control.”
Still, he admitted that the “front line is expanding” as the Russian troops are “advancing from multiple positions.”
Zelenskyy, addressing the Russian offensive in a speech Sunday, said: “There are villages that have actually turned from a gray zone into a combat zone — and the occupier is trying to gain a foothold in some of them.”
Talking to the BBC, a Ukrainian commander publicly criticized Ukraine’s preparations to prevent Russia from advancing in the northeast, citing the absence of fortifications and mines. The soldier described how Russian troops easily crossed the border on Friday.
Late last week, the Kremlin sent thousands of troops into northeastern Ukraine as part of a new offensive, in a region that was targeted during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
