Russia Prepares For Second Phase of Offensive in Kharkiv Region

Ukrainian military authorities have disclosed that Russian forces are relocating troops to the northern Kharkiv region from various sectors along the frontline. This indicates an attempt to create a “buffer zone” so that Russians are able to start the second phase of their offensive actions in the Kharkiv region. 

Senior Ukrainian officials, including Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi and the Ukrainian General Staff, revealed on May 30th that elements of additional regiments and brigades are being transferred from unspecified locations on the frontline and training grounds to areas around Strilecha-Lyptsi (north of Kharkiv City) and Vovchansk (northeast of Kharkiv City) in northern Kharkiv region.

Syrskyi reported that the Russian military does not have enough forces in the northern Kharkiv region to conduct a full-scale offensive and break through Ukrainian defenses. 

However, Kharkiv region Governor Oleh Syniehubov also reported that Russian forces are transferring reserves to the Lyptsi and Vovchansk directions to draw and fix as many Ukrainian forces in northern Kharkiv region as possible and maintain the current tempo of Russian offensive operations in the area.

The Russian military's transfer of reinforcements to the Kharkiv region indicates that the Russian military likely continues to prioritize efforts to draw and fix Ukrainian forces from critical sectors of the frontline in eastern Ukraine and establish a "buffer zone" in the northern Kharkiv region.

It's likely that Russian forces are preparing to initiate the second phase of their offensive operation in the northern Kharkiv region, particularly after their intended capture of Vovchansk. However, the ongoing positional fighting and potential Ukrainian counterattacks may necessitate another round of intensified assaults by Russian forces in the region to fully secure control over the targeted settlement.