Ukrainian military officials in Kyiv claimed on Thursday that their units engaged in street battles with Russian forces have successfully halted the advance of Kremlin's forces in a key northeastern town. While a senior Moscow official insisted that the Russian army had enough resources to continue their frontline push, Ukraine's general staff reported that Russian attempts to establish a foothold in the town of Vovchansk had been foiled. However, the claim could not be independently verified.

The fighting in Vovchansk has intensified in recent days, as Russia launched an offensive in the Kharkiv area, adding pressure on Ukraine's outnumbered and outgunned forces. The town, located merely 5 kilometers from the Russian border, has been a hotspot of conflict. In a Russian daylight attack on Thursday, six people, including two medics, were injured by cluster munitions. Ukrainian authorities have managed to evacuate approximately 8,000 civilians from the town.

It is a common tactic for the Russian army to bombard towns and villages before moving in with their units. Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, NATO's top military officer, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, expressed the belief that Russia's armed forces are incapable of a major advance. Cavoli stated that the Russians lack the necessary numbers, skills, and capabilities to conduct a strategic breakthrough.

Russia's recent attacks have also been observed in other regions, including Donetsk in the east, Chernihiv and Sumy in the north, and Zaporizhzhia in the south. It seems that Russia aims to stretch the depleted Ukrainian resources and exploit any weaknesses. Ukrainian forces have attempted to strike back, using drones as a new technology, but Russia has shown an improved response in countering these unmanned vehicles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited wounded soldiers in a Kharkiv military hospital, honoring them with medals for their bravery. Zelenskyy held a meeting with top military commanders, assuring them that the region is generally under control. However, he acknowledged the "extremely difficult" situation and announced plans to strengthen Ukrainian units in Kharkiv.

Former Russian defense minister and current head of the presidential Security Council Sergei Shoigu claimed that Russian troops are pushing the offensive in multiple directions and that their progress is going well. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, estimated that Russian forces advancing in Kharkiv have moved no more than 8 kilometers from the shared border. Their main objective appears to be creating a "buffer zone" to prevent Ukrainian cross-border strikes on Russia's neighboring Belgorod region.

During his visit to Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured Ukraine of continuing American support. He announced a $2 billion arms deal, with most of the funds coming from a previously approved package.

The situation in northeastern Ukraine remains tense, with Ukraine's forces bravely defending against the Russian aggression. As the fighting continues, the international community closely watches the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.