Fierce Clashes near Kharkiv as Ukraine Defends Against Russian Onslaught
Tensions escalate as Ukrainian forces strive to protect key territories from Russian advancement. The strategic town of Lyptsi holds the key to safeguarding the city of Kharkiv from potential artillery threat.
There are certain towns in Ukraine that are incredibly important to hold onto, and Lyptsi is definitely one of them.
However, the hold on the town is fragile: The streets are still smoking from an airstrike that happened just before we enter, under the darkness of night. The cover of night is the only break they get from drone attacks; the town has been hit eight times in the hours leading up to our arrival.
The soldiers of the 13th Khartiia National Guard face a tough situation as Russia continues its relentless attacks. The stakes are high - if Lyptsi falls, Russia can position artillery close to Ukraine's second city, Kharkiv, just a 20-minute drive away.
In a bunker, Commander Oleksandr watches a drone feed showing the devastation caused by the attacks. "Every night, it's the same - everything is burning," he says.
His men were part of the initial response to Russia's recent advance into the Kharkiv region about two weeks ago. He believes they are up against well-trained soldiers.
According to him, the professionalism of the soldiers is evident from their gear and strategies. It is clear that they are not sending inexperienced individuals into combat.
CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh talks to Oleksandr inside a bunker in Lyptsi, Ukraine.
CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh talks to Oleksandr inside a bunker in Lyptsi, Ukraine.
Brice Lainé/CNN
When questioned about the defenses before the unexpected Russian attack, his gaze lingers. "There were no preparations made. Absolutely nothing. Everything you see now is being constructed by the infantry themselves."
Outside, the night is filled with more blasts. He mentions how just three weeks ago, the civilians were enjoying a peaceful life here, rebuilding everything that was destroyed. But now, most of the houses lie in ruins.
As we walk away, a loud drone buzzes close by. Our escort remains unfazed and doesn't panic. Curious, I inquire if the drone is friendly. He responds with a shrug, "How should I know?" while lighting up a cigarette.
Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv, a city with a population of around one million people, are facing a relentless Russian assault from various directions. CNN spent over a week in the surrounding villages and witnessed Ukrainian units bravely defending their positions, often using outdated artillery against a more advanced Russian military. The Ukrainian forces are at great risk as they struggle to counter the Russian attacks, which are supported by a large number of drones.
The owner of the printing house "GUROV I K," Dmytro Gurov, shows the damage caused by a Russian missile. He says there are about a million dollars in damages, but he has decided to restore the business.
The owner of "GUROV I K" printing house, Dmytro Gurov, is pointing out the destruction caused by a Russian missile. He estimates the damages to be around a million dollars, but he is determined to rebuild the business.
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‘No panic… no one is running away.’ Residents of Kharkiv defy threat of Russia’s advancing forces
Closer to the Russian border, the 92nd Assault Brigade revealed a Russian artillery gun to CNN. The gun, captured early in the war, is now being used to fire French mortar shells. It was partly concealed by a wire net for protection against attack drones. However, a scout drone appeared overhead, prompting the unit to seek shelter in a bunker.
Another unit is making do with a Soviet artillery gun dating back to the 1940s. Hidden among thick foliage, the gun shows signs of rust, which limits its firing capacity. Their commander, Artun, has resorted to using newer Polish shells, but they are now only able to fire 10 shells a day, compared to 100 in the autumn.
Drones are causing a lot of trouble, according to Artun. He mentioned that he still has some shrapnel from a Russian Lancet drone in his hand and stomach, as the surgeons were unable to take it out. However, he believes that there are ways to protect yourself from drones.
Rescuers work at the site of Russian airstrikes in the village of Lyptsi, in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, on April 10, 2024.
Rescuers work at the site of Russian airstrikes in the village of Lyptsi, in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, on April 10, 2024.
Volodymyr Pavlov/Reuters
Artun springs into action as a $30 frequency scanner on his webbing alerts him to the approach of another Orlan drone. He quickly retreats into the bunker and watches as the drone passes overhead. Leading a diverse unit, Artun reflects the manpower challenges Ukraine faces in its third year of war. Some members, like him, are injured infantrymen stationed further back from the front lines. Others are older veterans, while one team member is experiencing his first day in artillery.
For almost two years, Kharkiv believed the threat from its neighbor had dissipated. A swift Russian withdrawal in late 2022 left the Kharkiv region peaceful and served as a launching point for Ukrainian offensives into Russia. Despite the relative calm, distant attacks continued, causing sleepless nights for the city's residents. The nights are now filled with the sounds of Russian artillery drawing nearer, punctuated by flares, anti-aircraft fire, and explosions. Russian drones, rockets, and airstrikes target locations under the cover of darkness.
Ukrainian commander Artun.
Ukrainian commander Artun.
City officials announced on Wednesday that a gas station was attacked, resulting in four people being hospitalized. On Sunday, a lakeside resort in Cherkaska Lozova, just outside the city, was hit by two missiles. This was a shocking attack on a civilian target that also involved a "double-tap" tactic, where a second missile struck 10 minutes after the first, causing injuries to first responders.
After the blasts on Sunday, rescue workers went to the waterside terrace where seven people lost their lives. They found two bodies, one of them was a pregnant woman in her seventh month. The other body was discovered later, in pieces among the wreckage. While the police searched for evidence on the destroyed terrace by the lake, another air alert went off. This caused half of the workers to run for cover, while others continued working, almost unaware of the danger.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the intense and relentless battle being waged in Ukraine, with a focus on the critical town of Lyptsi. The town is a strategic target for Russia, as its capture would bring artillery within reach of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Ukrainian soldiers are facing a formidable enemy in well-trained Russian troops and a constant barrage of drone attacks. Despite being outmatched in equipment, Ukrainian forces are determined to hold their ground and prevent Russia from advancing. The article also sheds light on the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, including the use of outdated artillery and limited ammunition. The article concludes with a poignant description of the devastating aftermath of Russian attacks on civilian targets, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.
The article exposes the human cost of war and the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people. The soldiers' determination to defend their homeland in the face of overwhelming odds is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The article also underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine as it continues to fight for its independence and territorial integrity.
