Forbes: Vovchansk May Face First Big Battle Of New Russia's Offensive

• 13.05.2024, 11:48

Numerous troops may begin an assault in the coming days.

The Battle of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region may become the first major battle of Russia's new offensive in the north. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready for any developments, combat units are already in Vovchansk. Forbes reported.

"It’s still too soon to say for sure whether Russia’s attacks across the Russia-Ukraine border north of Kharkiv are the initial assaults of an actual offensive, or a feint meant to divert Ukrainian forces from battlefields in the east. This distinction may not matter for the residents of Volchansk. Their home has become a battlefield again," the article reads.

As noted in the article, Russian troops are deliberately examining gaps in Ukrainian positions that may be in and around Vovchansk. The occupiers concentrate on sectors with favorable geography.

"In the case of Vovchansk, that means approaching the city from the northwest, where the Donets River forms a protective barrier on the Russians’ right flank. Hugging the river on the way to Vovchansk “allows the enemy to conserve forces," the authors of the article explained.

Forbes noted that the bombing of Volchansk by Russian troops may indicate their intention to strengthen the ground offensive against the city and is a "prelude" to a wider attack.

“If Russia’s northern campaign is a feint, then the aim is probably to draw—from the east to the north—Ukrainian brigades defending battleground cities such as Chasiv Yar. If the campaign is a real offensive, then entire regiments might attack Vovchansk in the coming days," the article reads.

The publication emphasizes that the dilemma for Ukraine is that the erroneous maneuver of the Russians can turn into an offensive without warning. Therefore, the Ukrainian military does not take risks. Units of several brigades, in particular the 59th Separate and 93rd Air Assault Brigades, are already in Vovchansk or on the way.