The occupiers aim to expand the front.
The first wave of Russia's offensive in Kharkiv region was halted. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively counterattacking. However, the invaders continue to strengthen their positions and are preparing for a second wave of offensive.
This was reported by military analyst Oleksiy Hetman on the FREEDOM TV channel.
According to him, Moscow is trying to expand the front to divert the Ukrainian Defense Forces from the east.
"The Kharkiv and Sumy directions are additional front line sections created to approach the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy to within range of barrel artillery fire. The goal was to turn these cities into a gray zone or at least keep them under artillery fire," he explained.
Hetman says that the occupiers have established two bridgeheads at the frontline, 13-15 km in depth and 3-5 km in width. It is likely that the Russians plan to expand their positions. However, capturing Kharkiv will not be possible.
"If you connect the lines, it’s about 40 kilometers. This is a place where a division can attack, and there is more than a division there. They have enough forces which they are pulling up. There is information, although unconfirmed, that conscripts are being used there, not just mobilized soldiers or contractors. They are preparing, and most likely, a second wave has started or will start there. However, they clearly understand that it is impossible to capture or encircle cities with millions of people," Hetman stated.
He notes that Russian forces began moving a month ago, opening new fronts. According to the analyst, this could be related to "purges" in the Russian Ministry of Defense.
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