Russian troops preparing to capture Kharkiv – Ukrainian Defense Ministry

Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"The enemy concentrated its main efforts on preparations for offensive operations in order to surround a grouping of the [Ukrainian] Joint Forces and capture the city of Kharkiv," Motuzianyk said.

He added that Russia continues to use high-precision weapons to destroy critical infrastructure in Ukraine and is taking measures to form and relocate additional units from the eastern and central military districts to take part in hostilities in Ukraine.

The enemy is also reinforcing a grouping of troops of the western and southern military districts in the Slobozhansky and Donetsk operational areas. It is doing so by transferring troops from other military districts and by involving units of its mobilization reserves.

In addition, Russia is establishing logistics routes for its grouping of troops, stockpiling ammunition, missiles and fuel, and preparing medical facilities to receive large numbers of those wounded.