The narrative of the war has evolved with Russia’s significant offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. In contrast to Ukrainian’s preceding advances and successful defense efforts, the context has shifted this year, beginning from spring. While earlier, Russia’s focus was primarily on Donetsk’s eastern region, its recent territorial victories and the acquisition of villages in Kharkiv is effectively dispersing Ukraine’s forces away from several frontlines.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ukraine’s military reported of successfully defending offensive maneuvers near Vovchansk; presently under Russian control. Meanwhile, emergency services have relocated approximately 8,000 civilians to safer locations from the region’s towns and villages over the past week.
Moscow’s strategy has been to make the most of their superior resources and technological advancements in drones, particularly at a time when the US is preparing to deliver military support to Ukraine, having overcome the Congressional stalemate. Currently, for every single shell that the Ukrainians launch, the Russians are releasing ten. Russia’s unrestricted attacks on Ukrainian lines with glide bombs are a direct result of Ukraine’s shortage of air defence ammunition.
Ukrainian commentators believe that despite lacking adequate reserves to conquer Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, Russia likely intends to get as proximate as feasible to enable shelling. Regardless, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains that his forces are making progress across the battlefield.
Experts infer that Moscow’s motive is to establish a ‘buffer zone’ along Kharkiv’s border, with the intention of shielding Belgorod, a neighbouring Russian province. Close to 20 fatalities have been reported in Belgorod over the past week owing to Ukrainian air and drone attacks.
Ukraine’s predicament has been exacerbated by the US supply delays, further compounded by their struggle to implement new laws aimed at drafting more youngsters into its diminishing forces. They’re lowering the qualifications for the draft from 27 to 25 years of age. Contrasted with an anticipated aggressive move by Russia this summer; a visibly agitated Kyiv remains hopeful that Russia’s strategic edge and its viable time to act will pass as the US supplies and new enlistees start reinforcing the battlefield.