Khartiia Brigade Fortifies Kharkiv Region With Massive Defensive Perimeter

The 2nd Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, known as Khartiia, is currently constructing a multi-layered defensive line in the Kharkiv region under orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The military is building an extensive network of trenches, anti-tank ditches, non-explosive barriers, and reinforced dugouts in coordination with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. This defensive project features an outer perimeter reinforced by tens of kilometers of anti-tank ditches, lines of tetrahedrons, tens of kilometers of barbed wire, and thousands of meters of tactical obstructions, according to NV on May 28.

Following the completion of this outer ring, the military plans to begin the construction of an internal defensive perimeter.

This defensive buildup comes amid reports of shifting priorities during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On May 21, the spokesperson for the 8th Air Assault Brigade, Vadym Karpyak, stated that the primary goal for Russian forces is to capture a regional center, with Kharkiv and Sumy identified as potential targets.

Earlier in March, the commander of the Joint Forces, Mykhailo Drapatyi, explained that Russian occupying forces intend to create a 20-kilometer buffer zone along the border in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions by seizing border villages.

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As of early May, the situation on the Kupiansk front has also intensified, with Russian forces increasing pressure on Ukrainian positions.

Strategic focus remains on the city of Kupiansk and the right bank of the Oskil River. Russian troops are attempting to advance from the north, where they have achieved minor gains in the vicinity of Holubivka.

Earlier, OSINT researchers reported that Russian setbacks on the battlefield gave Ukraine additional time to strengthen and expand its defensive fortifications on several frontline directions.

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