Russia's risky move when it rushed to destroy the Ukrainian defense line in Kharkov 0
(Dan Tri) – Western observers believe that Russia may be making risky moves by launching another major attack on Kharkov in northeastern Ukraine.
Gunners from Ukraine’s 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade fire at Russian positions in the Kharkov region (Photo: AFP).
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that Russian forces appeared to have launched a risky attack in the Kharkiv region last week without taking into account the new military aid package from Russia.
On May 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow had `tried to expand its attacks` into the Kharkov region, bordering Russia.
Kharkov region officials said Russia had increased shelling and attacks, including in the border city of Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv.
ISW commented that Russian forces are attacking Kharkov with limited forces, saying this is a risky decision.
`Russia’s offensive operations north of Kharkov show that the resumption of US aid to Ukraine did not change the calculations of Russian President Vladimir Putin or that Moscow launched the offensive in Kharkov without considering
According to ISW, Russia is short of troops to attack or surround the city of Kharkov even though they are making significant tactical gains in the surrounding area.
ISW said that Russian forces would likely have difficulty taking the city of Kharkov if they wanted to do so.
After Ukraine receives more artillery and missiles from the US, Russia’s efforts to control newly acquired areas in Kharkov may become more difficult, ISW said.
ISW said that the General Directorate of Military Intelligence of Ukraine estimates that Russia currently has about 35,000 troops near Kharkov.
Kharkov (Kharkiv) has become a hot spot for fighting between Russia and Ukraine in recent days (Photo: Encycolorpedia).
Overall, ISW believes that Russia is mobilizing relatively thin forces to attack Kharkov on a large scale and this is a risky move.
Therefore, ISW and some experts believe that Russia may just be making `fake moves` in Kharkov to distract Ukraine, forcing Kiev to withdraw resources from other fronts such as Donbass and Kherson to strengthen defense.
At this time, Russian forces can increase attacks in Donetsk hot spots like Chasov Yar to step up the campaign to take over the strategic region of Ukraine.
In addition, ISW predicts that Russia will continue to face stronger resistance from Ukraine if it continues to advance deep into Kharkov with current forces.
