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Russian Gains, U.S. Aid, Kremlin Shakeup: State of the Ukraine War

Russian Gains, U.S. Aid, Kremlin Shakeup: State of the Ukraine War

KHARKIV, UKRAINE - MAY 17, 2024: Boys watch as smoke rises over the city following Russian bombs hitting an enterprise in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The airstrike resulted in a large-scale fire. Three people were killed, 28 people were injured. (Photo by Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT — Russia's war against Ukraine has - once again - reached a pivotal moment. Russia has launched a new offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, a push that has forced Ukraine’s military to retreat from some areas and establish new defensive positions. With its latest advances, Russia has seized more territory since April than Ukraine liberated in its lackluster 2023 counteroffensive. 

Ukraine maintains it is holding its own. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the fighting in Kharkiv as “very difficult” but “under control.” He and other Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is rushing to reinforce its northeastern front to prevent further Russian advances. And General Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to hold the line, saying that Russia lacks sufficient troops and capability for a strategic breakthrough in Kharkiv.

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