Russian troops continued active operations in the northern and northeast directions from Kharkiv in accordance with the erection of the Institute of War Study (ISW). Although their main strategic goal remains to create a "buffer zone" along the border, not deep advancement in the northern part of the region.
New data indicate the significant promotion of Russian troops in Vovchansk and reports on the destruction of several strategic bridges. Experts analyze the geolocation of May 13, which show the promotion of Russian forces in deep and other areas. Despite the report of temporary success in the capture of some settlements, in fact, the situation is not yet completely under the control of Russian troops.
Russian bloggers talked about the capture of different objects in the territory, but these data were not confirmed by independent sources. In general, analysts emphasize that the conflict in Kharkiv region remains dynamic, and circumstances change rapidly.
One of the propagandists stated that the Russian army was "clearing" the old man and a bugwatt in the west from Vovchansk on the C-210817 road, but he did not control these settlements, although she advanced to the forest south of Ogirtsevo. The invaders also attacked the line of Izbytskoye - Starytsia - Buguvatka west of Vovchansk and in the area of the village of Tika in the east of the city, where the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported Ukrainian counterattack.
According to Russian sources, fighting continues in the area of green on the border between Lipts and Vovchansk, and the forces of Ukraine's defense, according to their reports, are "partially removed" from Ternova, which is southeast of Green.
The strategic goal of Russian troops is to create a "buffer zone", not in deep penetration, as previously intended by analysts. The relatively rapid pace of troops in Vovchansk and the destruction of bridges testify to it. There are currently no confirmations of the crossing of the occupiers to the left bank of the Vovcha River in Vovchansk or its nearby surroundings. The Russian forces struck bridges across the river, leaving only two suitable use, which indicates their interest in ensuring stable logistics for future operations in the northern part of Kharkiv region.
It is reported that hostile forces place armored vehicles in the area where Russian sources claim mechanized attacks using tanks on Vovchansk on the night of May 12, as well as further armored attacks during May 13.
According to ISW, such actions testify to the desire of the Russian troops to achieve rapid victories, but they seem to be actively working to ensure that these successes are on the southern bank of the Vovcha River or in the depths of the northern part of Kharkiv region. Instead, their strategy is probably aimed at creating a "buffer zone" on the border, as described earlier.
The statements of President Putin and his entourage about the "demilitarized buffer zone" in the occupied territories of Ukraine to protect Russia from strikes by Ukraine are also mentioned. Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov recently linked this "zone" with the activation of military operations from the Belgorod region.
Ukrainian and Western diplomatic officials also expressed indignation about the intentions of Russian troops to create a ten -kilometer "buffer zone" in Kharkiv region. This zone, according to ISW, can become zones of reaching artillery for aggressive action to Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian colonel recently expressed concern that defense positions in the north of the region are not located directly along the border, which enables the Russian troops to continue their offensive quickly. Although the highest Ukrainian commanders have argued that they were creating a comprehensive defense in the depths of the region, which is consistent with the reports of other military leaders.
"The current rates of promotion of Russian troops in this direction do not necessarily mean their subsequent opportunity. However, Russia has significant reserves ready for the deployment and development of initial success in this direction," - said experts of the Institute of War (ISW).
