Expert assesses whether Russian army capable of new offensive on Kharkiv
Photo: expert assesses whether Russians are capable of a new offensive on Kharkiv (Getty Images)
Russia is unlikely to launch a new offensive on Kharkiv and encircle the city this summer. The occupiers will focus on another sector of the front, according to the RBC-Ukraine article "Too close to border: Why Russia fixated on Kharkiv and whether Patriot be panacea for attacks."
Oleksandr Musiienko, the head of the Сenter of Military Law Researches, is convinced that during a possible summer offensive, the occupiers will focus on the Donbas. The enemy's main efforts will be concentrated in the same directions as now - Avdiivka and Chasiv Yar.
According to the expert, Kharkiv and Vuhledar will be auxiliary or distracting. Thus, the Russians will try to stretch Ukrainian forces.
"That is why I think that the main group will operate in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. I assume that there will be battles and exchanges of blows along the border between the Kharkiv and Belgorod regions. But Russia will not be able to encircle Kharkiv, let alone capture it," added the expert.
Kharkiv under fire
Russian forces have intensified shelling of Kharkiv and the region in recent days. Against this backdrop, the invaders have also resumed attacking Ukrainian energy facilities.
The situation in Kharkiv is difficult, with the city under fire every day. There are also power outages in Kharkiv and the region.
Yesterday, April 8, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on the situation in Kharkiv, discussing how to defend the city.
