A retired U.S. Lieutenant Colonel provides strategic insights on Russia's surprise offensive in northeast Ukraine near Kharkiv, discussing displacement of residents, leadership changes, and potential outcomes. They also analyze recent military gains by Russia, impact of losing key allies on Putin's strategy, and provide context on the situation.
Russia launched a surprise offensive in northeast Ukraine near Kharkiv, intensifying the conflict and prompting mass evacuations.
Putin's replacement of Russia's defense minister signals a consolidation of power and strategic shift in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Deep dives
Russia's Surprise Offensive in Ukraine
Russia launched a surprise offensive in northeastern Ukraine near the city of Harkiv, with Russian troops crossing the border and continuing to advance. As a result, thousands of residents in the region have fled, leaving towns nearly deserted. The intense fighting centered around the Ukrainian town of Volkchansk, which is close to the Russian border, has led to a sharp increase in evacuation requests due to aerial bombings.
Impact of Russia's Offensive and Ukraine's Response
The offensive by Russia, characterized as a spoiling attack by experts, aims to stretch Ukrainian forces thin and provoke terror among the population. This strategy forces Ukraine to defend key strategic areas while depleting resources. Despite challenges, Ukraine can still fight back effectively with support flowing in from the West. The recent replacement of Russia's defense minister underlines Putin's strategy to consolidate power and assert control in the ongoing conflict.
1.
Developments in Russia's Offensive in Ukraine and Strategic Insights
Russia launched a surprise new offensive in northeast Ukraine, near the second largest city of Kharkiv. Russian troops are continuing to advance, we get the latest from our Ukraine correspondent. And in another development in that war, Russia's President Putin replaced the country's defense minister. We get context on both events from a retired U.S. Lieutenant Colonel who used to oversee European affairs at the National Security council.