Russian security forces confident in Russia’s capability to occupy Kharkiv - media

This is according to a report by Meduza. 

The publication cites its own sources, indicating that Putin intends to prolong the war. One Kremlin insider revealed that Putin perceives Ukraine's weakness and is prepared to advance, even towards Kyiv, following the "unsuccessful counteroffensive of the Armed Forces." However, another source suggests that the Russian leadership is aiming for more realistic objectives, particularly focusing on the occupation of Kharkiv. Subsequently, a so-called special military operation is expected to gradually conclude.

"Putin has openly stated the need to establish a 'sanitary zone' around the Belgorod region to halt ongoing shelling, which borders Ukraine's Kharkiv region," the publication states.

Sources among the Russian elite, as cited by Meduza, indicate that high-ranking security officials are confident in the Russian army's capability to capture Kharkiv. However, advancing beyond Kharkiv poses challenges.

"It's symbolically significant – a victory in a city of a million people with a substantial Russian-speaking population," remarked one source.

All sources emphasized the absence of current information regarding a decision to launch a large-scale offensive on Kharkiv.

• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report highlights the lack of signs indicating preparations by Russian occupation army for a potential offensive to seize Kharkiv. Russian troops have allocated minimal forces to protect Russia's international borders, insufficient for such an operation.