Russia resumes preparations for major offensive in Kharkiv region, according to U.S. war studies institute

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, stated on January 9 that Russian troops will do everything in their power to prevent Ukraine from shelling the Belgorod region.

Ukrainska Pravda notes that Russian invaders made similar demands in the summer of 2023, as dissatisfaction grew following the Ukrainian forces' raids in the Belgorod region.

The Institute of War Studies highlights that a Russian offensive about 9 miles deep and several hundred miles wide would be a major operation, requiring more extensive and significantly better-equipped forces than are currently stationed along the entire border with Ukraine.

The Institute suggests that the Russians may intensify their efforts in the upcoming weeks to take control of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. It also underlines that Russian forces in the Kupiansk area might be better prepared for intensive attacks than any other Russian unit in Ukraine or along the border.

The Institute indicates that the Russian army in the Kharkiv region could only carry out tactical operations. These could be utilized to distract and halt Ukrainian forces.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda