Recently formed Northern Group of Russian forces attacked the Kharkiv region of Ukraine and seized control of several villages, according to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom.
According to the report, the border town of Vovchansk is almost certainly the direct target of Russia and is currently the subject of a battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
British intelligence says that by opening up an additional axis of attack, Russia is almost certainly attempting to divert Ukrainian resources away from other parts of the front line and to threaten Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine.
"It is unlikely that Russia has built up sufficient combat power to take the city without diverting additional forces into the area," the British Ministry of Defense said.
Offensive in the north of Kharkiv region
Last week Russian troops began an offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region and occupied several settlements. Currently, battles are taking place in the area of the northern outskirts of the city of Vovchansk.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Lytvynenko reported that more than 30,000 Russian military personnel are participating in the offensive.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said that Ukrainian forces will be able to strengthen their positions and stabilize the front in the Kharkiv region within three to four days.