Russia launches offensive in Kharkiv region earlier than planned: ISW explains why

This information comes from the Institute for the Study of War.

The report indicates that the occupiers intensified their efforts in the Kharkiv region on May 10, but their pace slowed after four days. Analysts suggest the Russians prefer creating a "buffer zone" on the international border over a deep invasion into the Kharkiv region.

"Russian offensive operations along the Kharkiv international border likely have the strategic objective of drawing and fixing Ukrainian forces to this axis to enable Russian advances in other areas of eastern Ukraine," analysts stated.

They believe the enemy is also trying to get within effective artillery range of Kharkiv to set up conditions for a larger offensive on the city later.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin likely did not expect the U.S. to resume aid to Ukraine, forcing the Russian Federation to revise many of its operational plans for the summer offensive.

• Since the start of the day, the number of military clashes has increased to 105, with most occurring in the Kupyansk direction.