For much of the war, Ukraine has been constrained when it comes to using powerful Western weapons against Russia. Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty ImagesNortheast of Kharkiv, Russian forces continue to maintain a foothold in the town of Vovchansk. But “most of the city is under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces” Voloshyn told CNN. Further south along the eastern front line, Russians have made advances to the west of the city of Avdiivka which fell to Russian forces in February. Western weapons and a new push to draft more soldiers in to the Ukrainian military could give Ukraine the boost it needs.

---

Persons: Kyiv’s, Russia hasn’t, Defense Lloyd Austin, CNN’s Wolf, Valentyn Ogirenko, Yehor Cherniev, ”, Moscow’s, Kostiantyn, Nazar Voloshyn, Ukrainian Defense Forces ” Voloshyn, Yurii Fedorenko, HRMMU, Chasiv Yar, “ Organizations: CNN, Ukraine’s Security, US, ”, Defense, Ukrainian, National Security, Intelligence, HIMARS, Russian, Kharkiv –, Ukrainian Defense Forces, “, …, 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, UN, Rights, NATO Locations: Ukraine, Kherson, Moscow, Russia, Kharkiv, France, Germany, “, Russian, Hlyboke, Lyptsi, Ukrainian, Vovchansk, Chuhuiv Raion, Kharkiv Oblast, Donetsk, Luhansk, Chasiv, Avdiivka, Voloshyn