Russian Armoured Attack in Kharkiv Region Repelled by Ukrainian Forces

987

Ukraine has reported repelling a Russian armoured attack in the northeastern Kharkiv region following an incursion by Moscow’s forces across the border.

According to Oleh Syniehubov, the regional head of Kharkiv, Russian reconnaissance groups attempted to breach the border, but no territorial loss was incurred.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia initiated a new wave of counter-offensive operations in the Kharkiv sector.

Anticipation of a summer offensive, possibly targeting the regional capital Kharkiv, has been prevalent among Ukrainian commanders.

However, Ukrainian officials maintain that Russia lacks the resources to achieve such an objective.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s centre for countering disinformation, asserted that while Russia can escalate tensions in border areas, it lacks the capacity to seize Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Ukrainian reports indicated Russian attempts to establish a 10km buffer zone in its Belgorod region following Ukrainian cross-border attacks.

The recent small incursions over the Russian border mark a familiar yet concerning development for Ukrainian forces.

The Ukrainian defence ministry disclosed that the attack commenced with heavy bombing of the town of Vovchansk, aided by guided aerial bombs and artillery support.

Subsequently, small Russian scouting groups infiltrated across the border in multiple locations. Vovchansk, located 75km northeast of Kharkiv, endured heavy attacks, leading to civilian evacuations. Casualties were reported, with one fatality and five injuries confirmed by Kharkiv’s regional leader.

The defence ministry confirmed the repulsion of enemy attempts to breach defensive lines with armored vehicles. President Zelensky acknowledged engagement between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops, emphasising the ongoing intense battle.

Evacuations of civilians from the Vovchansk district were underway, alongside the deployment of reserve troops.

Russia’s strategy seems to capitalise on delays in American ammunition and weaponry deliveries, as evidenced by continued advancements in the eastern Donetsk region.

The resurgence of heavy fighting in the northeast underscores Russia’s growing confidence and expansionist aspirations.

Senior Ukrainian military figures, including Maj Gen Vadyn Skibitsky and Lt Gen Oleksandr Pavliuk, have warned of potential assaults on Kharkiv and Sumy.

Tens of thousands of Russian forces reportedly amassed on the border, reminiscent of the buildup preceding the failed 2022 invasion.

Despite past occupation of Vovchansk, Ukrainian officials remain confident in the resilience of regional capitals. The dwindling size and capacity of Russia’s military, exacerbated by significant casualties, cast doubt on its ability to conquer strategic cities like Kharkiv and Sumy.

Military analysts highlight the substantial force required for capturing smaller cities like Avdiivka, emphasizing the monumental challenge posed by larger urban centres.

Furthermore, Russia’s interest in establishing a buffer zone between its Belgorod region and Ukraine stems from ongoing Ukrainian artillery strikes into Russian territory, which has raised concerns among Western allies.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read also: Institute for the Study of War Reveals Russia Running Low on Replacement Tanks & AFVs

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) released an assessment this week, suggesting that Russian equipment losses in Ukraine have reached such significant levels that replenishment will pose a challenge, particularly as Moscow taps into its extensive reserves of Soviet-era vehicles.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________