Russia plans to annex Kharkiv region - ISW

This is reported on the website of the Institute for the Study of War.

The occupying authorities of the Kharkiv region declared that the region is an "integral part of the Russian land" and unveiled a new flag with the image of the Russian imperial double-headed eagle and symbols from the Kharkiv coat of arms of the 18th century.

Analysts rely on the fact that such actions of the occupiers show that the Kremlin is going to annex part or all of the Kharkiv region.

"The occupation government of the Kharkiv region uses imagery and rhetoric of imperial Russia that clearly points to annexation... and this reinforces ISW's previous assessment that the Kremlin has broader territorial goals than seizing the Donetsk and Luhansk regions or even holding onto southern Ukraine," - it is noted.

Key conclusions of ISW experts after July 9:

The Russian occupiers continued unsuccessful assaults west of Slovyansk and launched an offensive east of Siversk from the Lysychansk district.

Russian troops continued localized attacks northwest of the city of Kharkiv, but did not make any territorial gains. It is likely that they are trying to protect Russian land lines of communication in the area.

The invaders continue to face shortages of personnel and equipment, relying on aging armored personnel carriers and launching new covert mobilization campaigns.

Russian troops also continue to put forward conditions for the annexation of Donbas, the Kharkiv region, as well as southern Ukraine.