The Russians are trying to stretch Ukraine's reserves by creating a buffer zone
Russian troops have intensified their offensive in small groups along the Ukrainian border in an attempt to establish a so-called buffer zone. In this way, the occupiers aim to stretch Ukrainian reserves and protect Russia’s border regions from attacks.
The invaders are continuing limited offensive operations in the north of Sumy Oblast, attempting to gain a foothold near the border. They are seeking to establish a protected corridor that would hinder the actions of Ukrainian defenders and push back our firing positions.
A similar situation is unfolding in the north of the Kharkiv region, where the occupiers want to push Ukrainian forces as far away as possible from the borders of the Belgorod region. However, their offensives consist mainly of actions by small infantry groups, which significantly limits the enemy’s ability to make deep breakthroughs.
The occupiers are actively employing infiltration tactics and using small assault units to constantly wear down our defenses. In this way, the Russians are attempting to intercept Ukrainian reconnaissance groups while they are still on the distant approaches to their border.
In addition, the enemy needs an additional foothold to safely deploy forward-deployed air defense systems.
“This will allow the Russians to more effectively shoot down Ukrainian drones heading toward the Belgorod region and the central part of the Russian Federation,” ISW analysts emphasize.
The General Staff reported 206 engagements on the front lines over the past 24 hours.
As a reminder, part of the Rivne region was left without electricity due to Russian shelling.
The Russians also struck a passenger train at the Lutsk train station.
Overnight, the Russians fired Kalibr missiles at a high-rise building in Odesa.
