In the north of the Kharkov region, Russian troops yesterday achieved “tactically significant successes,” writes the American Institute for the Study of War.
This operation most likely “has limited operational goals, but is designed to achieve a strategic effect in diverting Ukrainian manpower and equipment from other critical sectors of the front.”
The Institute, having studied data from various sources, believes that Russian troops captured Strelecha, Krasnoe and Borisovka. They will also use the captured bridgehead in the coming days to intensify offensive operations.
The purpose of these operations, according to the organization, is to push Ukrainian forces back from the border with the Belgorod region and advance to Kharkov within range of cannon artillery - that is, closer than 25 kilometers. Now Russian troops are located 30 kilometers from Kharkov.
“It is highly likely that Russian forces have reserves ready to commit to intensifying offensive operations north of Kharkov in the coming days,” the report said.
“Indirect artillery fire, combined with ongoing glide bombing and missile strikes, will most likely be aimed at creating the conditions for a larger offensive on Kharkov at a later time,” the Institute concludes.
