In the direction of Kharkov, the Ukrainian defense forces inflicted heavy losses on the Russians, pushing them back and clearing them of the northern outskirts of the village of Volchansk.
Russian troops are advancing in the Kharkov region in two directions and have captured several villages near the border. The priority objective was an attack on Volchansk and an attempt to surround the city. The General Staff reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflicted heavy losses on the Russians, pushed them back and were conducting a clean-up operation on the northern outskirts of Volchansk. At the same time, Ukrainian society is actively discussing the construction of fortifications in the Kharkov region and whether the authorities are ready for a new attack, which was warned by the military and intelligence.
Stretch the defense
The Russian invaders in the Kharkov region are attacking in small groups in new directions, trying to increase the defense of the Ukrainian military, said Oleg Sinegubov, chairman of the Kharkov OVA. According to information from the General Staff, battles are underway for Volchansk. The Russians attracted significant forces to attack the city – up to 5 battalions – and did not consider their own losses. The Russian invaders were losing more than 100 soldiers per day in this direction alone.
There were also battles north of Kharkov – in the directions Pylnaya – Lukyantsy, Pylnaya – Glubokoe, Pylnaya – Oleynikovo, Murom – Bugrovatka. In addition, the Russians are conducting offensive operations in the directions of Strelechya – Glubokoe, Oleynikovo – Glubokoe, Oleynikovo – Lukyantsy, Murom – Staritsa, Pletenevka – Tikhoe.
What about the forts?
Forts were built in Volchansk, but the constant Russian attacks made it difficult to build them, Tamaz Gambarashvili, head of the Volchanskaya GVA, told Radio Liberty.
Answering a question about how they prepared for the offensive of the Russian invaders, the head of the GVA assured that “everything was built, but maybe not too tightly.” “After the de-occupation, Volchansk was constantly under fire for a year and a half. And mortars and artillery. Therefore, I repeat again: from Volchansk to the border is 4 km. It is very difficult to build fortifications ,” he emphasized.
The head of the administration of the State Special Transport Service of the Ministry of Defense, Alexander Yakovets, said that the most equipped fortifications, which include reinforced concrete structures and places for living and accommodation of military personnel, are located at a distance of 17- 35 km from the front line.
Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the assault battalion of unmanned aerial systems ACHILLES of the 92nd separate assault brigade named Koshevoy Ataman Ivan Sirko, was the first to draw attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the fortresses in the Kharkov region.
“If we analyze how the enemy strengthened the battle positions and occupied territories, we see these satellite images where only hectares and kilometers have been dug – defense lines, fortresses, dragons’ teeth; anti-tank, anti-personnel mining; first line of defense, second, third. Is the preparation of the combat positions of the Defense Forces fully reflected? In my opinion, no. But it cannot be said that no work has been done and that not everyone felt that this threat could exist. Defensive lines were prepared. The near future will show how well and effectively it was done,” said Fedorenko.
According to him, the Russians are now trying to test the Ukrainian defense line, understand where there are weak spots, “to increase their presence as much as possible so that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be forced to maintain a serious group of forces and equipment here.”
Global implications
Opening a new front in the north of the country is draining Ukraine’s limited resources. Due to the delay in the delivery of American military aid, Ukrainian troops are running low on ammunition.
On average, for every 10 bullets fired by the Russians, Ukraine can respond with one. Thanks to renewed US support, this problem is gradually being resolved.
But the offensive near Kharkov also reveals problems that Ukraine itself has been very slow to solve: mobilizing sufficient military personnel and building adequate defense lines. The reinforcements sent to Kharkov had to be redeployed from other sectors of the front and from limited reserves.
Ukrainian officials still insist that Kharkov itself is not at risk of a ground invasion. But the further Russian troops advanced, the more likely the city would be within range of Russian artillery.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.