Russian forces have achieved ‘tactically significant successes’ in the north of the Kharkiv region – ISW

In the north of the Kharkiv region, Russian forces achieved “tactically significant successes” yesterday.

This is reported by the American “Institute for the Study of War”.

This operation most likely “has limited operational objectives but is intended to achieve a strategic effect by diverting Ukrainian live forces and equipment from other critical areas of the front.”

The “Institute,” after studying data from various sources, believes that Russian forces captured Strelcha, Krasnoye, and Borisovka. They will also use the captured foothold in the coming days to intensify offensive operations.

The goal of these operations, according to the organization, is to push Ukrainian forces away from the border with the Belgorod region and advance towards Kharkiv within the reach of direct fire artillery – that is, closer than 25 kilometers. Currently, Russian troops are 30 kilometers from Kharkiv.

“It is highly likely that Russian forces have reserves ready to undertake commitments to intensify offensive operations north of Kharkiv in the coming days,” the report says.

“Artillery fire from concealed positions, combined with ongoing planning for bomb and missile strikes, is likely intended to create conditions for a more extensive assault on Kharkiv at a later time,” the “Institute” concludes.

At the same time, military experts currently do not see signs of a large-scale operation to encircle Kharkiv.