Russia adopts new tactic in Kharkiv direction - ISW

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), rather than deep incursions into the Kharkiv region, Russian troops are opting to establish a "buffer zone" near the border.

Ukrainian military sources indicate that the situation in the Kharkiv region is gradually stabilizing. Both Russian and Ukrainian reports suggest that Russian forces are employing fresh tactics in the region. These tactics involve deploying small assault groups, typically consisting of no more than five individuals, to infiltrate Ukrainian positions. Subsequently, these groups combine with others to form larger strike forces. Additionally, Russian mobile infantry operates within settlements using small assault groups.

"The use of small assault groups, however, may be contributing to higher Russian manpower and materiel losses and slowing the overall pace of the Russian offensive in this direction," analysts argue.

ISW proposes that if the rate of Russian operations remains relatively low, Russian troops are likely to concentrate on consolidating their new positions. They may also seek to create a lateral salient in the Kharkiv region by merging the Lyptsi and Vovchansk directions and establishing a "buffer zone" along the border.

• On the evening of Tuesday, May 14, reports emerged that Ukrainian forces had shifted to more advantageous positions in the Lukyantsi and Vovchansk districts of the Kharkiv region.