The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation create a buffer zone in Kharkiv region, do not move deep into the region - ISW (map)

ISW analysts have stated that blows on the bridges by the Russian army indicate that Russian troops provide priority to the immediate victory in the uninhabited area in the north of Ukraine. Russian troops continue to move north and northeast of Kharkiv, but give priority to the rapid creation of a "buffer zone" along the international border, not to create conditions for deeper penetration into the northern part of Kharkiv region.

This is stated in the report of the American Institute of War Study (ISW) of May 13, 2024. In particular, the geolocation, published on May 13, show that Russian troops advanced in the deep (north of Lipts), as well as southwest of Oliynykov. Geolocation frames also indicate that Russian troops seized the Vovchansky Meat Plant in the north of Vovchansk.

"The relatively rapid pace of Russian troops in Vovchansk and reporting about the destruction of several bridges through key water arteries within the settlement indicate that Russian troops prefer the creation of the" buffer zone "and not deeper penetration as previously expected ISW estimates, "the report reads. ISW analysts have stated that blows on the bridges by the Russian Army indicate that Russian troops give priority to immediate victory in an unspoiled area in the north Kharkiv region.

The desire to win the victory is also evidenced by the deployment of armored vehicles in the area shows that Russian troops seek to quickly win, but do not create conditions for this victory to be achieved on the southern bank of the Vovcha River in the depths of the northern part of Kharkiv region.

"This buffer zone will simultaneously bring Russian troops closer to the city of Kharkiv within the radius of reaching artillery and will bring the main Russian logistics centers from the reach of Ukrainian formation artillery . . . The current pace Undual operations are carried out, although, according to reports, Russia retains significant reserves for the use of initial success on this axis, " - said in ISW.

We will remind, on May 13 the General Staff of the Armed Forces reported that the Ukrainian military caused fire damage to the Armed Forces during the offensive on Kharkiv and began to squeeze Russian units outside Vovchansk. In the report of May 10, the ISW analysts noted that Russian troops are located 30 kilometers from Kharkiv, but the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will be difficult to capture the city because they did not create a "strategic reserve" for this purpose.