Ukraine’s armed forces commander in chief has expressed concern over the potential for a Russian attack on Kharkiv, stating that it cannot be completely dismissed.
According to Oleksandr Syrskyi, his forces cannot disregard the reports of Russia’s potential assault on Kharkiv. In response, they are actively preparing for such a situation.
“We must not overlook any information regarding the enemy’s preparations for offensive operations. Therefore, we are implementing all necessary measures to effectively counter such a possibility,” he stated.
He added that they are currently implementing a comprehensive set of measures to strengthen the fortification of territories and positions. This includes the installation of a complex system of fences and developing plans for the deployment of their troops in response to such actions.
Kharkiv, known throughout Ukraine as a center of science and culture, has been a target of Russian President Vladimir Putin since the beginning of the war.
In a remarkable turn of events in 2022, the Kharkiv region witnessed Russia’s retreat as Ukrainian forces successfully recaptured the territory previously held by Russia. This momentous achievement marked one of Ukraine’s most notable victories in the ongoing war.
The city of Kiev holds significant symbolic and strategic value for Putin. Not only does it have a majority of Russian-speaking residents, but it also served as the inaugural capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
The war-ravaged city, located in northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border, has been subjected to relentless missile and drone attacks.
Russian forces launched new airstrikes on the city, marking the first such attacks since 2022. The head of the investigative police department in Kharkiv, Sergey Bolvinov, confirmed that at least one person was killed in the recent bombings (The Associated Press).
According to the head of Kharkiv’s regional police, Volodymyr Tymoshko, Russia might have utilized its recently developed guided bombs during the attack, as reported by Reuters.
The bomb, commonly referred to as a “gliding bomb,” has undergone modifications to incorporate a guidance system and wings. This enables Russian forces to effectively utilize “stand-off” tactics and engage targets from a considerable distance.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, the new design, called the UMPB, is believed to have a more integrated design compared to previous models. The wing is now part of the weapon body rather than a simple conversion kit.
According to the think tank, these weapons assist Russian forces in bolstering their limited supplies of air-launched missiles. They also offer an alternative to utilizing free-fall bombs, which expose pilots to greater danger on the front lines.