This is an AI translated post.
Russian Forces Launch Offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region, Likely Aiming to Divert Eastern Front Forces
- Writing language: Korean
- •
-
Base country: Japan
- •
- Others
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Select Language
Russian forces have launched a new offensive in the border region of Kharkiv Oblast in eastern Ukraine. On May 11, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had captured five villages near the border of Kharkiv Oblast. Analysts believe that Russia's shift in focus to Kharkiv Oblast is an attempt to disperse Ukrainian forces on the eastern front.
The Ukrainian government has stated that Russian forces have advanced about 10 kilometers from the captured area of Vovchansk and are attempting to establish a buffer zone in the border region. Concerns have also been raised that Russia is aiming to seize Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. However, military experts assess that Russia lacks sufficient ground forces to capture Kharkiv City.
With Russia's attack on Kharkiv Oblast opening a new front, Ukrainian forces are expected to be stretched thin on the eastern front. In fact, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has stated that he will reinforce the troops in Kharkiv Oblast.
During the initial full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces advanced to the outskirts of Kharkiv before withdrawing from almost the entire region in September 2022 following a counteroffensive by the Ukrainian military. However, since last autumn, Russia has been repositioning its troops and intensifying its offensive in the east.
Meanwhile, the West, including the United States, is expected to strengthen its military support for Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion of Kharkiv Oblast. The US has decided to provide an additional $400 million in military aid to Ukraine. It is reported that the aid will include air defense missiles and armored vehicles.
This attack on Kharkiv Oblast is interpreted as Russia's attempt to divert Ukrainian forces after failing to break through the existing eastern front, including Donetsk Oblast. There are also speculations that Russia timed the resumption of its offensive to coincide with May 9, Victory Day. The Ukrainian government is determined to actively repel the Russian offensive.
