Russia brings up negotiations amid fighting in Kharkiv region, Ukraine deems it bargaining
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia has again mentioned talks amid the escalating situation in the border areas of the Kharkiv region. Ukraine rejects the possibility of negotiations with Moscow, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation.
According to Kovalenko, Russia is predictably starting to spread the topic of negotiations. But Ukraine believes that the Russians' efforts are bargaining.
"Putin's statement that they (the talks - ed.) are possible without the withdrawal of Russian troops is bargaining, and he is ready to put the border of the Kharkiv region on the table, as well as to signal that if you don't want to, I will go to other regions," Kovalenko explained.
According to him, Russia lacks manpower and equipment to attack Kharkiv and Sumy. Consequently, the Russian regime's threats are a bluff, and an offensive is possible only in the border areas.
Kovalenko believes that the main goal of the Russian military is to stretch Ukrainian forces to allegedly be able to break through in the east.
"Our key task is to survive. This is the task for this year. It is clear that there will be no negotiations. Russia needs negotiations only for a pause and to accumulate forces," he added.
Situation in Kharkiv region
Last week, Russian troops attempted a breakthrough in the border areas of the Kharkiv region. They launched an offensive near Vovchansk, as they did in February 2022.
The enemy's first attacks were repelled, but fighting continues in the north of the Kharkiv region. The local population is being evacuated there.
According to DeepState, Russian troops have been observed advancing near Vovchansk. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) say that despite the slight tactical advance, the enemy's overall pace has slowed down over the day.
