Russia gears up for possible offensive against key Ukrainian city
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has raised concerns over the Russian military's intentions. Reports suggest that Russia has positioned as many as 50,000 troops along the borders near Ukraine, potentially signaling plans for an offensive against Kharkiv, a critical eastern city and a new target for Vladimir Putin.
The Russian "North" Group of Forces, established in the areas bordering Ukraine, primarily comprises units from the Leningrad Military District. This formation was separated from the Western Military District in February.
According to current data, the Russian forces in this grouping include up to 31,000 soldiers in the Belgorod region, 11,000 in the Kursk region, and over 8,000 in the Bryansk region. The ISW's reports suggest these areas house approximately 395 tanks, over 900 combat vehicles, and a thousand artillery pieces.
The accumulation of such formidable forces raises questions about Russia's intentions. Vladimir Putin himself has reportedly defined their objective.
Kharkiv: A New Objective for Russian Forces
Interia, referencing statements from an American analytical center, discussed comments by Russian General Mikhail Teplinsky. He suggested that an airborne forces battalion, previously engaged in the Zaporizhzhia region's conflicts, has been redeployed to the Kursk reserve.
Russian military leaders consider capturing Kharkiv a feasible military goal, contrasting with the prospects of further advances into Ukraine. The independent Russian news outlet Meduza reported this on March 26.
Service reports indicate that the Kremlin might be planning an assault on Kharkiv, possibly following another round of mobilization. Should they take the city, a victory in the Ukraine invasion could be declared, potentially leading to a gradual cessation of hostilities. The military is reportedly seeking to mobilize as many as 300,000 soldiers.
However, the ISW believes the occupation of Kharkiv is improbable due to insufficient Russian military capabilities, as reported by Interia. The city is heavily fortified, with substantial Ukrainian forces in its defense, and is of immense economic importance to Kyiv.
Before the conflict, Kharkiv was home to up to 1.5 million people, making it Ukraine's second-largest city. It has faced regular attacks on its energy infrastructure, leading to electricity shortages. Putin has long harbored ambitions to annex the city, reminiscent of the USSR era.
