ISW reports tactical shift by Russia near Kharkiv, renewed pressure on Pokrovsk front
Photo: Russians change tactics near Kharkiv and push toward Pokrovsk (Getty Images)
Russian forces continue offensive operations on several directions, attempting to create so-called "buffer zones" and push deeper into Ukraine. In the Kharkiv region, they are using a new tactic, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russian forces continue active combat operations in northern Ukraine, particularly near Sumy. The main objective is the creation of a so-called "buffer zone" along the border.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces are carrying out targeted strikes on enemy positions, including a command and observation post in the Tyotkino area of Russia's Kursk region and troop concentrations near Sopych.
In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces attempted to advance north and northeast of Kharkiv, but without confirmed success. At the same time, a new tactic has been observed — increased use of motorcycles for rapid assault operations, particularly in the area of Vovchanski Khutory. Ukrainian forces repelled these attacks.
Photo: The Institute for the Study of War
On the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces have intensified attempts to infiltrate the city, including through gas pipelines and from the direction of Holubivka and Kivsharivka. Despite this, no enemy advance has been confirmed.
At the same time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are striking rear-area targets in the Luhansk region, destroying an ammunition depot, a command post, and areas of troop concentration.
Fighting continues in the Donetsk region along several sectors. In the areas of Sloviansk and Kostiantynivka, Ukrainian forces are not only holding back the enemy but also carrying out counterattacks.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are attempting to advance toward Pokrovsk, where, according to available data, they have achieved partial success. The occupiers are increasing the number of assault groups, taking advantage of poor weather conditions.
Photo: The Institute for the Study of War
In the south, Russian forces are conducting limited attacks and attempting to hold their positions, while simultaneously coming under Ukrainian strikes.
Ukrainian forces are targeting equipment depots, command posts, and drone control positions in the Zaporizhzhia region.
On the Kherson direction, the enemy continues shelling and drone attacks against the civilian population.
Situation on the front line
As a reminder, earlier President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia is trying to intensify assault activity along the front line but is suffering even greater losses.
In March alone, Russian army losses exceeded 35,000 servicemen, a significant share of whom were eliminated thanks to the effective use of drones.
At present, Ukraine's Defense Forces maintain an advantage in the use of strike drones, with the current ratio on the battlefield standing at 1.3 to 1 in favor of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian forces are currently engaged in a competition with Russian occupiers across three key areas: the quality and number of UAV units, technology, and the capabilities of the respective economies.
Recently, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s military leadership has conducted a detailed analysis of Russia's plans and has already determined further steps to counter them.
