In the face of a fierce Russian assault along Ukraine's northeast border, the Ukrainian military is grappling to defend its territory against the swelling ranks of Vladimir Putin's army. The onslaught, believed to be the first stage of a massive summer offensive, aims to stretch thin Ukraine's already outnumbered defenders, according to The Sun.

As of Tuesday night, Ukrainian troops managed to halt Russia's assault, but not before approximately 50 square miles of new territory were seized by Putin's soldiers northeast of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The situation may worsen, as the Russian dictator has amassed around half a million troops on the front lines, and Ukraine is running out of reinforcements.

"I've used everything we have," lamented Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Kyiv's military intelligence. "Unfortunately, we don't have anyone else in the reserves."

The Ukrainian forces face a bleak situation as they are forced to pull back from some embattled areas while engaging in intense battles with the Russian forces in others. This has led to thousands of residents evacuating war-torn border towns, as Russia employs human-wave assaults to gain inches of territory, sacrificing lives along the way.

In a bid to offer support, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to Ukraine this week, reassuring the beleaguered country that American assistance is forthcoming through a $2 billion arms deal. However, concerns about the Russian offensive persist, particularly as it led to the Ukrainians retreating from certain parts of their shared border with Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled his planned foreign visits due to the dire situation at hand. Putin deployed 40,000 soldiers and 500 tanks ahead of the ground assault, causing the Ukrainians to be unable to launch preemptive attacks due to restrictions placed by the United States.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff announced on Tuesday that their troops had withdrawn from Lukyantsi and Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region to preserve their servicemen's lives and minimize losses. Kyiv is now sending additional troops to the area, including army reserve units, according to the Ukrainian presidential office. Additionally, much-needed American weapons from the aid package have begun to arrive on the front lines.

Despite these efforts, experts warn that Ukraine will require more troops to counter Russia's mammoth assault. Dr. Jack Watling, a war expert from the Royal United Services Institute, stressed that with Russia's forces expanding to 510,000 troops, the outlook for Ukraine is bleak. He urged Ukraine's allies to replenish their stockpiles.

Putin's forces have opened new fronts in their attempt to break through Ukrainian lines, taking advantage of the shortage of manpower and ammunition along the 620-mile front. However, a think tank in Washington, DC, the Institute for the Study of War, reported on Tuesday that Russia's advance near Kharkiv has slowed.

The war, which Putin initiated in February 2022 under questionable circumstances, has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with hundreds of thousands affected by the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian military continues to face a daunting task as it strives to defend its territory and protect the lives of its servicemen amidst Russia's aggressive offensive.