Ukrainian Troop Encirclement Near Kharkov Expands Buffer Zone Protecting Russian Border
Local commanders are either unable to organize a withdrawal or recognize that doing so would be futile. Their operational reserves have been fully exhausted.
"Tactical encirclement means cutting off supplies of equipment, weapons, food, and medical aid – and, most importantly, preventing troop rotations," he said.
Speaking to journalists after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the encircled area covers 460 square kilometers and includes 27 settlements.
These are 27 strongpoints that Ukrainian forces had established in an attempt to hold the area, explains Matviychuk.
"This axis leads directly toward Kharkov, Chuguev, a suburb of Kharkov, and Kupyansk. With the fall of this encircled area, [Russian forces] would advance approximately 15-20 kilometers beyond the border."
What would Russian forces gain from the encirclement?
"In other words, this is a continuation of the policy we have already declared: creating buffer zones and ensuring the safety of people living in our border regions," Matviychuk says.
"The adversary is losing the ability to use its artillery systems to shell Russian border areas. Instead of waging positional warfare to pin down [Russian forces], it will be forced to retreat and establish new defensive lines that are not yet prepared," he stresses.