Russian forces continue their assault on the region near Kharkiv, but according to defence and security analyst Michael Clarke, capturing the city itself would be a daunting task. Clarke asserts that Moscow’s forces lack the necessary manpower to concentrate on big cities like Kharkiv, making it nearly impossible for them to conquer the city without months of grinding warfare.
As Russian forces push towards the village of Lyptsi, which is just 15 miles from Kharkiv city and well within artillery range, Clarke warns that they could potentially bombard the city. However, he believes that Ukrainian forces would not simply open the gates for the Russians, thwarting any attempts to take control of Kharkiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the offensive in Kharkiv is aimed at creating a buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia to prevent attacks on Russian regions. However, Clarke dismisses this as mere propaganda, stating that the buffer zone would not deter Ukrainian attacks with their American missiles capable of reaching up to 180 miles.
Moreover, Russia’s ambassador to the UK has accused Britain of being a “de facto” participant in the Ukraine war, citing British intelligence and aerial support for the Ukrainians. Clarke acknowledges this claim, emphasizing that the British government’s assistance to Ukraine has been ongoing for the past two years.
As tensions escalate in the region, the situation in Kharkiv remains precarious, with the city at the forefront of the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces.