[Tee tiong huat]

Ukrainian forces gained more solid positions in Kharkiv Oblast, President Zelensky said in the evening address on May 19. They launched a new offensive on May 10 northern Kharkiv toward Lyptsi and Vovchansk, a town located less than 5 k/m (3 miles) from Russian border around 50 k/m (31 miles) from the city of Kharkiv.

Zelensky said he received updates from Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi who is currently staying with front-line assault brigades.
"As a result these days, whole week, we have secured stronger positions in Kharkiv. 57th Brigade & 82nd Air Assault Brigade, thank you, warriors!" Zelensky said. He also said Ukraine successfully repels Russian assaults in Donetsk including area near city of Chasiv Yar, which became one of the main strategic targets.

Russian troops have not been achieving their aim of spreading Ukrainian forces along entire front line in Kharkiv & Donetsk, the president added. The Russia's offensive in Kharkiv in mid-May could be the first of several waves, & Russian forces may target regional capital, Kharkiv, Zelensky said in an interview with AFP on May 17.

Russian troops managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) as a result. Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, suggested earlier Russian forces may launch a similar offensive in Sumy Oblast when the conditions are more favorable. As result Ukraine secures some stronger positions in Kharkiv.