"Russia seeks more beyond extending front line": military expert Zgurets on Russia's Kharkiv offensive purpose

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV channel

"Regarding the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region and the buffer zone claimed by Russia, we are talking about a 10 km long section. This will allow for more guaranteed artillery shelling of Kharkiv. Although Kharkiv is being attacked with S-300 missiles and KABs on a regular basis. Most likely, talks about a buffer zone are a political task for Putin," Zgurets explained.

The analyst noted that the invading Russian troops will try to push the grouping of the Ukrainian Defense Forces towards Lyman and Izium.

"In general, in my opinion, the statements about the buffer zone in the Kharkiv region are a very simplified concept of the enemy's actions. Having launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region, the occupiers are trying to expand the front line, create a sanitary zone and create additional advantages for conducting combat operations in the direction of Vovchansk-Kupyansk. Because the direction along the Siverskyi Donets is of interest to the occupiers in order to pose a threat to our group in the direction of Izium and Lyman," he added.

• On May 13, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that the Russian troops continued their offensive in the Kharkiv region, had partial success near the village of Lukiantsi, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces stopped Russia's advance. 
• ISW analysts believe that the purpose of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region is to create a "buffer zone" that will allow to take regional center under fire control of cannon artillery.