Ivan Tymochko, the head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces, in comments to RBC-Ukraine, reported that the Russian troops' attempt to advance in the border areas of the Kharkiv region aims to divert Ukrainian forces and reserves to a new location.
"When the enemy strengthens its offensive actions in the area of Kupiansk and Bakhmut directions, it means they see that they cannot achieve significant success in the south. Of course, to prevent the Ukrainian Armed Forces from reinforcing their resources in any of these directions and conducting active offensive operations along any front line," he explained.
According to him, when an additional combat zone emerges, standard military protocols come into play, which requires not only that the troops engaged directly in combat must have reserves.
"And when an additional line appears within 10-20 km depending on the plan, certainly, on this direction, in addition to the troops directly engaged on the front line, a situation arises that requires strengthening logistics and engaging reserves, which leads to an increase in military personnel," Tymochko stated.
Situation in Kharkiv region
On May 10, Russian forces attempted to breach the border in the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to repel the attack, but fighting continued.
In addition, Russian forces not only attempt to infiltrate Ukraine using sabotage and reconnaissance groups but also shelling not only the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also neighboring settlements near the border using combat drones and artillery. In particular, evacuations are currently underway from Vovchansk and villages.
According to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, there is currently no threat to Kharkiv due to the intensification of Russian activity in the border areas.
For more information on what is happening in the northern Kharkiv region and how threatening the situation is, read the material on RBC-Ukraine.