Russian forces are currently prioritizing the capture of Vovchansk, as it would allow them a tactical advantage for the advance in the Kharkiv region, reports ISW.
According to ISW analysts, the capture of Vovchansk is one of the tactical objectives of the first phase of the Russian Federation's advance attempt in the north of the Kharkiv region. In particular, Russia has struck bridges over the Siverskyi Donets River to quickly isolate the battlefield east of the river, aiming to increase its chances of disrupting Ukrainian ground communication lines and swiftly seizing Vovchansk.
Additionally, data indicates that Russian forces are striking Vovchansk more heavily than other locations along the border and appear to have deployed more manpower there than in the Lyptsi direction.
The Russian command has chosen the capture of Vovchansk as one of the key tactical objectives of the first phase of the offensive operation in the north of the Kharkiv region, as the city is the largest population center directly on the border. Its capture would provide Russian forces with a foothold close to the Russian rear for the preparation and commencement of the second phase of the Russian offensive operation.
However, it is currently unclear whether the second phase of the Russian offensive operation in the north of the Kharkiv region will be Russia's priority. Another Russian priority may be to expand the buffer zone along the border and advance within the effective range of barrel artillery to the city of Kharkiv and its surroundings.
Russian forces may also anticipate the next phase of the offensive operation from Vovchansk to advance towards Velykyi Burluk to threaten the operational rear of the Ukrainian group defending the Kupiansk direction.
Russia's advance in the Kharkiv region and the situation in Vovchansk
In early May, Russia began offensive actions along several sections of the border in the Kharkiv region. One of the objectives of the Russian army is the city of Vovchansk, where they have reached the outskirts. Currently, fierce fighting is taking place there, and the evacuation of the civilian population is ongoing.
However, according to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, Ukrainian forces have halted the active advance of Russian troops in the Kharkiv region. Nevertheless, the situation in the region remains tense.
For more details on the situation in the Kharkiv region and the East, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.