The White House “national” security adviser has suggested Russian forces could be preparing a large-scale advance on the Ukrainian city of Kharkov, after Kiev accused Moscow of renewing its military activity in the region.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry and President Vladimir Zelensky claimed on Friday that Russia had attacked several positions along its border with Kharkov Region.
John Kirby told reporters later in the day that Washington is concerned that Moscow maybe preparing a major offensive on Ukraine’s second most populous city.
“It is certainly possible that the Russians are setting themselves up for a larger assault on Kharkov,” Kirby said at a virtual press briefing. “You’re not going to do that if you’re not also thinking about some other larger assault directly on the city.”
Over the past few months, Ukrainian forces have used Kharkov as a springboard to launch indiscriminate drone, artillery and missile attacks on Russian border regions, primarily Belgorod, and to stage multiple unsuccessful attempts to break through the border.
On Friday, the US announced another $400 million military aid package, the third in recent weeks. Washington also approved the emergency sale of three HIMARS systems worth an estimated $30 million, to be funded by Germany.