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Russia’s occupation forces have repeatedly suffered major setbacks on the Kupiansk axis in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Large-scale offensive operations and attempts to establish a foothold in Kupiansk have failed, prompting Moscow to shift its focus to the South Slobozhanskyi direction, according to former head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service Mykola Malomuzh, UATV English reports.
“The enemy seeks to create so-called buffer zones in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, especially in Kharkiv. That is why the South Slobozhanskyi direction is now a priority for them. The Russians realized that they are unable to conduct tactical diversionary attacks and establish ‘buffer zones’ on the Northern Slobozhanskyi and Kupiansk directions. Therefore, they are acting locally,” Malomuzh said.
According to him, Russian troops are attempting to gain even minimal advances in the Kharkiv region at the cost of heavy losses.
“But we know this tactic. By implementing an effective model of reconnaissance and destruction, we detect enemy reserve movements. We identify where they deploy, where they form small assault groups, and we strike preemptively. It works. Once again, the Russians tried to create a wall of fire and then advance, but we neutralized it,” he explained.
Malomuzh noted that Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive positions and disrupt Russian offensive plans in the region.
“Drones and other reconnaissance assets are highly effective against small assault groups, allowing us to neutralize any offensive operation. Over the past few days, we have successfully repelled more than a dozen attacks. I believe this is a clear example. The Russians are trying to operate tactically, but they are not achieving success,” he concluded.
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