Frontlines In Ukraine Finally Move As Russian Assaults In The Northeast See Some Success

After months of slugfest, the frontlines in Ukraine may finally see some forward movement as Russia’s attack in Ukraine’s Northeast, opposite the city of Kharkiv, is seeing some success.

Russia last Friday (May 10) launched an assault in the Northeast of Ukraine, close to the city of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine. The assault has seen some success with the Russians capturing some villages close to the Ukrainian-Russian border and entering the towns of Vovchansk and Liptsi.

According to reports, the Ukrainians are having a hard time stopping the Russians from capturing further territory since most of their reserves are engaged in combat further South — in Chasiv Yar and in the southern parts of the Donetsk region.

Moreover, shipments from the $60 billion American aid announced last month will also take time to deliver.

Western media reports that this Russian offensive may have two different aims.

The first is to force the Ukrainians to pull out troops from Chasiv Yar or from somewhere else in the Donetsk region and deploy them in Kharkiv, creating a lack of manpower in those areas.

This shortage can subsequently be exploited by the Russians by launching another counter-offensive in the weakened areas.

The second is to utilise the window where the Ukrainian forces are short on supplies before the western-supplied aid reaches the frontline.

The third is said to be the location of the frontlines to the Russian city of Belgorod and Kharkiv. Ukrainians regularly shell the residential areas of Belgorod. This assault will create a buffer zone in Ukrainian territory, making it tough for Ukrainians to shell residential areas.

The fourth and last is to bring Kharkiv within range of Russian artillery.

Ukrainian top military officials are saying that the situation is tough and they are doing everything possible to stop the Russians from making further advances.

Ukraine has already fired its commander responsible for the defence of the Northeast.

Will the Russians will be able to sustain this steady forward movement or whether the Ukrainians will be able to hold the line remains to be seen.