Russia eyes buffer zone in Ukraine's Kharkiv region: ISW report
Russia likely aims to establish a buffer zone in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region without profoundly penetrating it, according to a recent report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
6:51 PM EDT, May 14, 2024
The swift occupation of Vovchansk by Russian forces, coupled with the reported destruction of several bridges over key waterways in the city, suggests their primary objective is to create a buffer zone, the report states.
The Kharkiv region shares its border with Russia's Belgorod region.
ISW points out that there's no evidence or indication of Russian forces crossing to the south bank of the Volga River or its immediate vicinity. However, they have targeted bridges across this river to the west and east of Vovchansk.
The rationale behind destroying bridges, which would be necessary for crossing and maintaining logistics in the event of further offensives into northern Kharkiv, remains uncertain. According to the think tank, such actions imply that seizing the relatively undefended areas of northern Ukraine might be the primary focus for Russian forces.
Ukrainian and Western sources report that the Russian military aims to establish a 6-mile buffer zone in the Kharkiv region. This would place Kharkiv within reach of Russian artillery while keeping Russian logistical hubs out of Ukrainian forces' reach.
